firstly, a bit about us.

471 Squadron is a rapidly growing and improving squadron, which has been established in Tarleton for many years and is located behind Tarleton Academy, just outside the main shopping area in the village. The location boasts many on-site benefits including School Fields and Woods for fieldcraft activities, a swimming pool which we use both for swimming training and basic Kayaking, along with a Sports Hall and numerous wide open spaces to practice drill. Our officer commanding, Warrant Officer Ashcroft, has been in charge of 471 Squadron for four and a half years! But what is the Air Cadets? ​The Air Cadet Organisation, or ACO, is a nationwide youth organisation, part-funded by the Royal Air Force. Currently, there are over 60,000 members, making up the Air Training Corps (ATC) And Combined Cadet Force RAF Section (CCF RAF)! You can join once you are in year 8 in high school and you can stay until you reach 20 years old. We are spread over 1,000 squadrons. The Air Cadets is supported by the Royal Air Force, and can give you the opportunity to have a hands-on experience of many activities and courses to develop and challenge your skills. Some of the activities we take part include flying and gliding, shooting, adventure training and various sporting activites.

Cadets is an amazing experience. You get to learn numerous skills that can aid you in every day life and for the rest of your life!
- Cadet. Lopez
In the Air Cadets, there are many amazing activities you, or your child, can participate in! The Air Cadets have five uniforms, which we have used to sort the activities into. They are: Working Blues, CS95 'Greens', Wedgewood Blues, Civilian Clothing and Sports Kit.

Working Blues are worn for working (aptly named) in the Royal Air Force, and most activities, including most parade nights and flying and gliding*. Wedgewood Blues, however, are worn on formal occasions, such as parades, competitions and inspections.

​For activities like shooting, first aid, fieldcraft and modelling, greens are worn. Civilian Clothing and Sports Kit are worn for less formal occasions, like informal trips or sports respectively.
*under the flight suit

visit our squadron

We parade every Monday and Thursday nights every week between 1900 & 2130 at our squadron building, behind Tarleton Academy
Hesketh Lane, Tarleton, Preston, PR4 6AQ.
471sqnatc.co.uk