Join Us!

There are a number of ways in which you can assist 340 Squadron as an Adult Volunteer:

Civilian Committee Member

• The Civilian Committee (CivCom) is similar to a school's Parent Teacher or Friends Association
• It handles Squadron finances, including organising and running fundraising activities and securing financial assistance such as community grants
• It helps to source items required by the squadron as requested by the Officer Commanding
• It oversees cadet and staff welfare, and accommodation and transport upkeep
• There is no minimum commitment - the CivCom meets once per quarter or as required
• You will have no direct involvement with training cadets or running the Squadron day-to-day
• There is no minimum or maximum age limit (although the lower age limit is at the discretion of the Officer Commanding and Squadron Chairman)
• There is no formal application process - just an informal discussion with the Officer Commanding and Squadron Chairman
• The larger and more active the CivCom, the more successful the Squadron will be!

Civilian Instructor

• CIs are widely considered to be the 'backbone' of the ATC - there are over 5,000 of them nationwide compared to 4,800 uniformed staff
• You will be part of the staff team running the Squadron on a day-to-day basis
• You may train cadets in a wide range of areas, organise and run activities, and/or perform essential support roles such as administration or logistics
• You could gain qualifications in first aid, adventure training, shooting and gliding
• You can take part in many cadet activities
• There is no minimum commitment - we only need you to give what you can, when you can (as long as you do give something!)
• No experience is required - full training is provided
• The minimum joining age is 20 but there is no maximum
• Criminal Records Bureau and Defence Vetting checks required as part of application process which will take several months to complete
• Having been a CI, you may want to become a uniformed member of staff at some point but there is no obligation

Adult Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO)

• You will wear an RAF uniform
• You must complete a minimum of 3 months as a Civilian Instructor before applying
• You will be part of the staff team running the Squadron on a day-to-day basis
• Normally, your primary responsibilities will be for drill, dress and discipline
• You will train cadets in a wide range of areas and organise and run activities and/or perform essential support roles such as administration or logistics
• You could gain qualifications in leadership, first aid, adventure training, shooting and gliding
• You can take part in most cadet activities
• If you are successful in your application, you will be appointed as a Sergeant and will progress through the rank of Flight Sergeant to Warrant Officer
• This is an ATC position and not a Reserve Forces position - you cannot be mobilised for military operations
• You may claim up to 28 days pay per year
• After 12 years of service, you will be awarded the Cadet Forces Medal
• There is a minimum commitment of 12 hours per month but this is achieved very easily (the Squadron meets for 5 hours during a week!)
• The minimum joining age is 20 and the maximum is 55
• Criminal Records Bureau and Defence Vetting checks are required as part of the application process, along with an interview at Wing Headquarters. We will make sure you are prepared for the application process.
• You must attend one compulsory week-long residential training course in your first year and further compulsory courses upon promotion later in your service.
• Having been an Adult NCO, you may want to become a commissioned officer at some point but there is no obligation

Commissioned Officer (RAF Volunteer Reserve (Training Branch))

• You will wear an RAF uniform
• You must complete a minimum of 3 months as a Civilian Instructor before applying
• You will be part of the staff team running the Squadron on a day-to-day basis with greater emphasis on top level leadership and key decision making
• You will lead, manage and develop cadets and junior members of staff
• You will train cadets in a wide range of areas and organise and run activities
• You will perform essential support roles such as administration or logistics
• You will gain qualifications in leadership and could gain further qualifications in first aid, adventure training, shooting and gliding
• You can take part in all cadet activities
• If you are successful in your application you will be appointed as an Officer Cadet and following a compulsory week-long residential course in your first year, be commissioned as a Pilot Officer. After two years, you will be promoted to Flying Officer.
• If you are later selected to command your own squadron, you may be promoted to Flight Lieutenant and will then be required to attend a further compulsory week-long residential course.
• Further promotion to Squadron Leader and ultimately, Wing Commander is possible
• Although this is a Reserve Forces role, you cannot be mobilised for military operations
• You may claim up to 28 days pay per year
• After 12 years of service, you will be awarded the Cadet Forces Medal
• You must complete 3 months as a Civilian Instructor or be an Adult NCO before applying
• There is a minimum commitment of 12 hours per month but this is achieved very easily (the Squadron meets for 5 hours during a week!)
• The minimum joining age is 20 and the maximum is 55
• Criminal Records Bureau and Defence Vetting checks are required as part of the application process, along with several interviews. We will make sure you are prepared for the application process.

Above all as an Adult Volunteer with the Air Cadets, you need the following:

• An ability and a desire to work with young people
• The ability to work hard and play hard
• An open mind
• A friendly and approachable nature
• A sense of humour at times!

If you would like to discuss any of the above opportunities, the Officer Commanding would be delighted to hear from you.