CIVILIAN INSTRUCTORS

No formal, nor minimum, commitment is specified for civilian instructors.  Enthusiasm and an aptitude for relating to young people are the primary expectations!  Enthusiastic civilian instructors will invariably match uniformed colleagues, hour for hour.

Roles and frequency of attendance are normally determined by mutual agreement between an instructor and the Squadron Commander.  The cadet training programme will frequently be adapted to benefit from particular skills and introduced by a new instructor.

 There are normally two evening parades each week, nights varying from one squadron to the next, and some parade on Sunday mornings.  Several activities take place at weekends, for example: adventure training, community, gliding, powered flying, shooting, sports.  Others, such as training courses and camps at RAF stations, require a week from work.  Many employers provide additional leave for such voluntary activities. 

 There is no commitment whatsoever to regular service with the Royal air Force nor risk of “call-up” as a result of joining Air Cadets.

 Our booklet “The Civilian Instructor in the Air Cadet Organisation” provides much more background information and is available on this web site (to follow) or on request from your nearest Air Cadet headquarters find you local unit.

Everyone starts as a Civilian Instructor and many choose to stay in the Air Cadets in this capacity.

 UNIFORMED STAFF

Uniformed members are committed to a minimum of 12 hours per month, though almost universally contribute much more. There is a formal selection process for uniformed staff. There are two routes into uniform. One is via the  adult  NCO ( Non Commissioned Officer) route staring at Adult Sergeant, then through promotion to Adult Flight Sergeant and Adult Warrant Officer. The other is to be selected for a commission into the rank of Pilot Officer, you can then be promoted up to the rank of Wing Commander. Squadron commanders are usually Flight Lieutenants.  Uniform is provided by the RAF and as a full Queen's commission you would be subject to the same courtesies and regulations that a regular RAF officer has.

 CIVILIAN COMMITTEE MEMBERS

A squadron civilian committees meet six to eight times a year.  The committee helps the Squadron Commander in several important ways: relationships with the community, finding adult staff, raising funds, cadets welfare, maintenance of equipment.  Assistance with some or all will be greatly appreciated. 

 Would you like to register your interest?

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