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We parade every Monday and Thursday between 19:00-21:30 behind Tarleton Academy, on Hesketh Lane, Tarleton. If you want to join, come down, and you will be instantly welcomed by our cadets, NCOs and staff!
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to join the armed forces when I leave?
No! There is no requirement saying cadets have to join the Royal Air Force when they age out. However, if you do want to join the military, or have a career in aviation, it is really good to put onto your CV, and is a great advantage!
What qualifications can I gain?
During your time in cadets, you do lessons, learning about many different things, from first aid to initial expedition training! The final stage of this is the Master Cadet qualification, in which cadets must be over 16, as you earn a BTEC certificate in Aviation Studies, equivalent to 2 A-C grade GCSEs. You can also gain bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh awards, as well as qualifications in paddle sports, first aid and much more! In the Air Cadets, you can also complete your Private Pilots License (PPL)!
How old do I have to be to join?
As a cadet, you can join when you are in Year 8 at high school (aged 12 in September), and you have to leave at either 18 years of age, or attend a BASIC course and provide a valid DBS check and you can stay for a further two years until the age of 20.
Can I stay and help after I leave?
Yes! After twenty, if you want to stay on, you can attend a course at RAFC Cranwell to become a Voluntary Reserve (Training Branch) officer, become an adult SNCO or become a civilian instructor. You don't need previous cadet experiences either, and can join as any of the three mentioned earlier without being a cadet previously. However, you will need a valid DBS check.
Can I stay and help after I leave?
The majority of your uniform is free of charge, and funded by your subs (£10 a month). However, you will need to purchase parade shoes (around £25), boots for fieldcraft exercises (around £30), a green or brown t-shirt (around £5), and black socks (£1).