Join Us!

How old do I have to be to join?

340 Squadron welcomes boys and girls aged between 13 years 2 months and 17. You will join us a Junior Cadet and after approximately 4 weeks of basic training, you will be formally enrolled into the ATC.

How long can I stay as an Air Cadet?

You can remain with the Squadron until you are 18. If you reach the rank of Cadet Sergeant or above by then, you can continue as an Instructor Cadet until you are 20. If you haven't reached the rank of Cadet Sergeant by 18, you may continue you service to the age of 20 with the agreement of the Officer Commanding and Wing Commander.

Many cadets stay on with the ATC after 20 as a member of adult staff.

What is the commitment?

You will be expected to be on parade two evenings per week (Monday and Thursday), from 1915 hours until 2145 hours. Activities such as flying, gliding, camps and shooting take place at weekends and there are a number of compulsory events every year that all Squadron personnel are expected to attend (such as Remembrance Sunday).

If you cannot regularly attend both parade nights, you will not get the most out of your ATC service but we understand if you occasionally need to be absent because of school work, family commitments or holidays. You just need to let us know if you're absent.

How much does it cost?

New recruits pay a joining fee of £25 plus a £20 uniform deposit which is refunded upon leaving the Squadron, providing all issued items of uniform and equipment are returned.

You'll then need to pay a monthly subscription charge ("subs") of £7 on the first parade night in every month. (The joining fee covers the first 3 months "subs" plus a £4 administration charge).

You will be issued your blue RAF uniform for free but must purchase your own parade shoes (approximately £10 from our supplier) and camouflage "combat" uniform (approximately £65 from our supplier).

Most activities (such as flying, gliding and shooting) are free. Camps and visits can cost from as little as £5 for a weekend away with the Squadron on a local training area to £50 for a week away on an RAF station (food, accommodation, transport and activities included). Overseas camps understandably cost more.

However, if you find yourself in a position where you cannot afford your "subs", to purchase your uniform or pay for a camp, the Squadron may be able to help you. Simply talk to the Commanding Officer about the matter.

I have a disability. Can I still join?

ATC staff are trained to work with young people with disabilities but you need to understand that for health and safety reasons, some activities may not be suitable or possible for people with certain disabilities. We will always try to accommodate people with disabilities. The best thing to do is discuss your needs with us.

Is it strict?

Although the ATC is a youth organisation, designed to be fun for everyone involved, it is still a military organisation and there are rules and regulations which all personnel are required to adhere to. You will be expected to follow orders, some of them given by your cadet colleagues, but don't worry, it's not a "boot camp"! Just behave, do as you are asked, when you are asked and to the best of your ability and you'll be absolutely fine.

Be warned, however... The Air Cadet Organisation has a zero tolerance approach to behaviour such as drug use, bullying and discrimination.

Will I have to join the RAF when I leave the ATC?

No. The ATC is not a recruiting organisation for any of the armed forces. However after being an Air Cadet, you may find yourself wanting to pursue a military career and if you successfully apply, your cadet service will help you immensely during your service training. From time to time the armed forces will talk to you about military careers, just like they do in schools.

Are ATC activities safe?

ATC activities are designed to be challenging and exciting but they wouldn't be if they didn't contain a small element of risk. However, all efforts are made to minimise that risk. Activity leaders are course-qualified and highly experienced and you will be fully insured. Don't worry!

All ATC staff are security-checked and cleared to work with young people.

Are ATC staff friendly?

We like to think so! Working with Air Cadets is our hobby (we've all got full-time jobs), so if we didn't enjoy doing it, we wouldn't be here! All staff are experienced with working with young people and are approachable. You can talk to any of us at any time if you have any problems or worries, ATC related or not.

What if I join but then decide I don't like it and want to leave?

You can leave the ATC at any time - you're not contracted to stay! We'll be disappointed if you want to leave early and will discuss your reasons with you and your parent(s) or guardian(s). We'll try and resolve any problems or worries you may have but if we still can't persuade you to stay, you can leave with our best wishes.

So, how do I join?

Call 340 Squadron Headquarters on (01732) 867964 on a Monday or Thursday between 1915 hours and 2145 hours. We'll arrange for you to visit us with your parent(s) or guardian(s) for a chat and a tour of the Squadron. If we're all happy at the end of that, you're in! We then just need your parent(s) or guardian(s) to complete and sign a few forms.

Please don't just turn up at Squadron Headquarters as we may be away on an activity or too busy to spend time with you on that occasion. Call us first.