FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHY SHOULD I JOIN?

There are many reasons for becoming an Air Cadet in the Air Training Corps (ATC). The Air Training Corps together with the RAF Section of the Combined Cadet Forfce (CCF) forms the Air Cadet Organisation (ACO). The motto of the Corps is Venture Adventure so if your looking for activities the Air Cadet Organisation should have something for you. This site has information on what the Squadron does, you can also find more information on the Wing and Air Cadets web sites links to which can be found on the Home and Links pages.

There is no obligation to join the Armed Forces but if you are interested then the ACO will help to give you an insight into service life. However in 1999 over 47% of entrants joining the Royal Air Force as commissioned officers and 51% of aircrew were ex-cadets.

WHO CAN JOIN?

Anyone aged between the start of Year 8 of the academic year and their 17th Birthday can join the Air Training Corps. The Squadron has facilities to have male and female cadets. Having initially attended the Squadron as a visitor the prospective cadet will be issued with a form which must be signed by their parent or guardian to confirm their consent to join. Once the form has been received the prospective cadet will need to attend a number of parade nights as a probationer to learn more about the ATC and the RAF before being enrolled.

HOW DO I JOIN?

You will need to attend parade evenings at the Squadron Headquarters. For parade times and location please click on the below email icon to send an email to the Squadron. You will then receive an email confirming details.

Or alternatively you can telephone the Squadron during parade times on 01752 473781 or anytime Flight Lieutenant A Corfield RAFAC direct on 07518 025526 (mobile) or email at oc.339@aircadets.org

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

The subscriptions of being a cadet is set normally by the Squadron Committee. In the case of 339 (South Dartmoor) Squadron subscriptions are set from £96 per annum which equates to less than 96 pence per parade evening. A large portion of this is required by Wing for the General Purpose Fund which pays for facilities such as transport to and from camps, hiring of sporting venues etc. The money retained by the Squadron is spent on.

DO I HAVE TO BE INTERESTED IN JOINING THE ARMED SERVICES TO JOIN THE ATC?

No. While the ATC is a disciplined organisation and closely associated with the Royal Air Force you do not need to be interested in having a career in the RAF or any of the Armed Forces to join the ATC.