As an Air Training Corps Cadet you are a member of one of this countrys premier youth organisations. But what does it offer you?
Enjoy aiming for The Perfect 10
Title
First Class Cadet
Eligibility Criteria
Enrolled Cadet
Location (s)
Completed on Squadron evenings as part of syllabus training
Duration
Between three and six months
Cost
None
Scope
These subjects are designed to give you a good overall knowledge in areas which you will find useful throughout the whole of your time as a cadet. The subjects completed are: The Air Training Corps, The Royal Air Force, History of Flight, Basic Principles of Airmanship, Map Reading, Initial Expedition Training and Basic Radio Communications
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Title
Leading Cadet
Eligibility Criteria
First Class Cadet
Location (s)
Completed on Squadron evenings as part of syllabus training
Duration
Between three and six months
Cost
None
Scope
These subjects take you further in some of the areas covered in the First Class training. The subjects completed are: Principles of Flight, Airmanship Knowledge and Basic Navigation with Map and Compass
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Title
Senior Cadet
Eligibility Criteria
Leading Cadet
Location (s)
Completed on Squadron evenings as part of syllabus training
Duration
Between three and six months
Cost
None
Scope
The range of subjects are the same for Senior Cadet and Master Air Cadet with three different subjects to be completed at each level. The subjects are: Aircraft Handling & Flying Techniques, Air Power, Piston Engine Propulsion, Jet Engine Propulsion, Rocketry, Airframes, Avionics & Aircraft Electrical Systems, Military Aircraft Systems, Basic Air Navigation, Basic Principles of Pilot Navigation, Advanced Radio & Radar and Data Communications
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Title
Master Air Cadet
Eligibility Criteria
Senior Cadet and aged 16 or over
Location (s)
Completed on Squadron evenings as part of syllabus training
Duration
Between three and six months
Cost
None
Scope
Prior to the 1 September 2010 this was Staff Cadet Part 1. The range of subjects are the same for Senior Cadet and Master Air Cadet with three different subjects to be completed at each level. The subjects are: Aircraft Handling & Flying Techniques, Air Power, Piston Engine Propulsion, Jet Engine Propulsion, Rocketry, Airframes, Avionics & Aircraft Electrical Systems, Military Aircraft Systems, Basic Air Navigation, Basic Principles of Pilot Navigation, Advanced Radio & Radar and Data Communications
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Title
Instructor Cadet
Eligibility Criteria
Master Air Cadet or Staff Cadet Part 1 and aged 16 or over
Location (s)
Locations throughout the Wing
Duration
Weekend course
Cost
£5 for messing
Scope
Prior to the 1 September 2010 this was Staff Cadet Part 2. To become an Instructor Cadet you must complete a recognised Cadet Methods of Instruction Course, which are run throughout the year, and be assessed while delivering a lesson in a training environment
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Title
Annual Camp / Music Camp/ Exercise Martello Marauder
Eligibility Criteria
Enrolled Cadet and passed First Class
Location (s)
Royal Air Force Stations around the UK (Martello Marauder is held at Lydd in Kent). There are also opportunities for camps at Army and Royal Navy establishments
Duration
Easter: usually Wednesday to Wednesday; Summer: Saturday to Saturday
Cost
Between £45 and £60 plus spending money
Scope
Annual camp is a week either in tents or permanent accommodation experiencing a taste of RAF life including basic training elements (room inspections etc), section visits, visits to local attractions, flying, shooting and sports. A cadet with music proficiency can apply to attend the annual national Air Cadet Music Camp which is held each year at RAF College Cranwell. Exercise Martello Marauder is held in July of each year and covers Military fieldcraft training at Basic or Further Training levels. A Field Leadership course is also run for cadets over 16. Find out more about this in the Leadership & Development section. These camps provide an opportunity to meet other cadets from across Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wing
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Title
Overseas Camp
Eligibility Criteria
Aged 15 years or older, have attended a UK camp or ATC organised equivalent course
Location (s)
Royal Air Force Stations in Cyprus and Gibraltar and US Air Forces in Europe Air Base at Ramstein in Germany
Duration
Usually seven to 10 days
Cost
Between £200 and £400 plus spending money
Scope
A week to ten days in permanent accommodation experiencing a taste of RAF life on an overseas base. These camps provide an opportunity to meet other cadets from across the UK
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Title
Work Experience Courses
Eligibility Criteria
Aged 16 or over on first day of the course
Location (s)
Royal Air Force Stations in the UK
Duration
Usually between three and seven days
Cost
Variable
Scope
Trade specific camps to give experience in that particular role or job within the Royal Air Force. The courses are aimed at cadets with a genuine interest in that particular trade. Subjects include Aircraft Mechanics, RAF Regiment, Air Traffic Control, Physical Training, Aero Systems Operator, Logistics Catering, Engineering and RAF Police
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Title
IACE (International Air Cadet Exchange)
Eligibility Criteria
Aged 17 to 19
Location (s)
One of 15 different countries
Duration
Usually 15 days in July or August
Cost
Variable, depending on the country
Scope
The International Air Cadet Exchange (IACE) links Air Cadets with other cadet organisations around the world. Exchange students get a taste of the other's culture and of another cadet experience. Places are limited so you'll need to apply as soon as the scheme allows for you to be in with a chance. You can find out more about the exchange from your Squadron staff
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Title
Gliding Induction Course (GIC 1, 2 & 3)
Eligibility Criteria
Aged 13 years and 3 months or over
Location (s)
622 VGS, Upavon, Wiltshire
Duration
One day for each level
Cost
None
Scope
Gliding is carried out at 622 Volunteer Gliding Squadron (VGS) flying Viking winch-launch gliders. Your will initially undertake a Gliding Induction Course (GIC). The GIC consists of three levels of instruction. On your first visit you'll be taught the GIC 1. Later visits will cover GIC 2 and 3. In these levels you'll learn all about aerodynamics and controlling the aircraft, first in a classroom, then taking control and practicing what you've learned in the air. After you've completed the course, you'll be awarded a GIC certificate. See www.622vgs.org.uk for more information
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Title
Gliding Scholarship (GS)
Eligibility Criteria
Aged 16 years or over and medically fit
Location (s)
622 VGS, Upavon, Wiltshire
Duration
One week residential or a series of weekends
Cost
None
Scope
Gliding is carried out at 622 Volunteer Gliding Squadron (VGS) flying Viking winch-launch gliders. You?re not required to have completed the GIC but it?s good if you have. If you wish to undertake a GS course then speak to your Squadron staff. On the GS course each trainee will fly up to 40 launches, learn the primary and secondary effects of controls, learn to control the glider in straight, turning flight and to prevent stalls, be able to take off, fly a circuit and land and demonstrate knowledge of the rules of the air and principles. See www.622vgs.org.uk for more information
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Title
Air Experience Flying (AEF 1 to 5)
Eligibility Criteria
Aged 13 years and 3 months or over
Location (s)
2 AEF, RAF Boscombe Down, Wiltshire
Duration
One day for each
Cost
None
Scope
Air Experience Flight (AEF) instructors are all current or former RAF service pilots who volunteer to pass on their knowledge and enthusiasm for flying to you. The Grob Tutor is the aircraft used for AEF. It has great visibility from its large canopy and is agile enough to allow it to perform full aerobatics. Every air cadet gets the opportunity to have a flight each year. You're shown how the aircraft flies and given the chance to control it and experience aerobatics
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Title
Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award
Eligibility Criteria
Aged 14 years or over
Location (s)
Completed on Squadron evenings and local area
Duration
Three to six months
Cost
None
Scope
The Bronze DofE programme has four sections, Volunteering, Physical, Skills and Expedition. You must do a minimum of three months activity for each of the Volunteering, Physical and Skills sections, and plan, train for and do a two day (one night) Expedition. You also have to spend an extra three months on one of the Volunteering, Physical or Skills sections
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Title
Silver Duke of Edinburgh Award
Eligibility Criteria
Aged 15 years or over
Location (s)
Completed on Squadron evenings and local area
Duration
Six to 12 months
Cost
£12 for Welcome Pack
Scope
The Silver DofE programme has four sections, Volunteering, Physical, Skills and Expedition. You need to do at least six months Volunteering and a minimum of six months on either Physical or Skills and three months on the other. The Expedition section involves planning, training for and doing a three day (two night) expedition. If you start the Silver without doing Bronze first you?ll have to do an extra six months volunteering or doing whichever of the Physical or Skills sections you have spent more time on
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Title
Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award
Eligibility Criteria
Aged 16 years or over
Location (s)
Completed on Squadron evenings and local area
Duration
12 months+
Cost
£18 for Welcome Pack
Scope
You will spend 12 months on your Volunteering section. For Physical and Skills you must spend 12 months on one and six months on the other. You decide which way round you do it. You?ll also do a Residential section, staying away from home for five days and four nights doing a shared activity. If you?ve gone straight into your Gold DofE programme you?ll need to do a further six months either volunteering or whichever one of your physical or skills activities you spent the most time on
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Title
BTEC in Aviation Studies - Certificate
Eligibility Criteria
Passed first class and leading cadet
Location (s)
Completed on Squadron evenings as part of syllabus training
Duration
Between three and six months for each level
Cost
None (as a trial)
Scope
This BTEC qualification will give you the equivalent of one GCSE (A-C grade). If you pass your Leading Cadet examination Wing Headquarters will apply directly for your award
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Title
BTEC in Aviation Studies - Award
Eligibility Criteria
Passed all levels of syllabus training up to Master Air Cadet (Staff Part 1)
Location (s)
Completed on Squadron evenings as part of syllabus training
Duration
Between three and six months for each level
Cost
None
Scope
This BTEC qualification will give you the equivalent of two GCSE?s (A-C grade). If you pass your Master Air Cadet examination Wing Headquarters will apply directly for your award
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Title
BTEC First Diploma in Public Services / Music
Eligibility Criteria
Aged 16 to 19
Location (s)
Completed on Squadron evenings and locally
Duration
Between three and six months for each level
Cost
None
Scope
These BTEC qualifications will give you the equivalent of four GCSEs (A-C grades). Most of the content on the Public Services course is covered by activities you'll be doing normally and you also complete an additional project and workbook. This qualification mixes theory and practical elements with an emphasis on leadership, teamwork, communications, problem solving and fitness. Improving your life skills, the syllabus includes professional CV preparation, interviewing techniques, communication, first aid, adventure training, health and nutrition. The First Diploma in Music helps you develop a basic understanding of music as a profession, and combines both technical skills with practical elements and research. By the time you finish, you'll have demonstrated an understanding of all aspects of performance, including solo and ensemble work and how to manage rehearsals. You'll also learn how to market, budget, advertise, programme and publicise a music event. You'll be expected to be able to play a musical instrument prior to enrolling on the course, but do not have to be able to read music
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Title
Weapons Handling Test (WHT) .22 No.8 Rifle
Eligibility Criteria
Enrolled cadet
Location (s)
Completed on Squadron evenings as part of training
Duration
At least four hours dry training followed by WHT which is current for six months
Cost
None
Scope
Conducted by qualified Weapons Instructors who are also current on the weapon. The No.8 is a bolt action rifle and is the weapon you'll begin with. You feed in each round manually and it makes little noise, although ear defenders are always worn on the range.You need to have a current WHT before you can shoot this weapon.
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Title
Weapons Handling Test (WHT) 5.56 L98A2
Eligibility Criteria
Enrolled cadet, passed .22 WHT, fired No.8 rifle and aged 14 or above
Location (s)
Completed on Squadron or at wing course / camp
Duration
At least 15 hours dry training followed by WHT which is current for six months
Cost
None
Scope
Conducted by qualified Weapons Instructors who are also current on the weapon. The L98A2 Cadet GP rifle is modified from the Enfield L85A2 which is currently in active service. It is re-cocked by gas from the previous round fired. Rounds are contained in a magazine fitted to the rifle. You have to be re-trained on this new weapon. As it uses high velocity rounds they make a louder noise when fired and give a more robust kick in your shoulder. You need to have a current WHT before you can shoot this weapon
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Title
Basic Coaching Course
Eligibility Criteria
Aged 16 or over
Location (s)
Various locations across the Wing
Duration
One weekend
Cost
None
Scope
This is an introductory course for cadets who wish to progress to Weapons Instructor Training. It teaches the marksmanship principles, theory of a group, principles of weapon zeroing, and how to successfully maximise individual potential
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Title
Weapons Instructor Course
Eligibility Criteria
Aged 18 or over
Location (s)
Various locations across the Wing
Duration
One weekend
Cost
None
Scope
Each unit needs personnel with a Weapons Instructor qualification to teach and assess the subject in the Corps syllabus. This course qualifies personnel to conduct weapons training and weapon handling tests. Weapons Instructors must have a current WHT for each of the weapon types they are teaching
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Title
Junior Leaders
Eligibility Criteria
Aged 16 or over and Senior NCO
Location (s)
Based at RAF Cranwell but undertaken at various locations across the country
Duration
Nine weekends over the course of eight months
Cost
None
Scope
Junior Leaders is a development course aimed at the Senior NCOs of the ATC. Spread over nine weekends Junior Leaders is designed to motivate and assess its students through a variety of forums, ranging from presentation skills, leadership, social skills and field craft skills encompassed by physical training. Over eight months the course aims to develop and nurture qualities in the students such as leadership, teamwork, integrity, maturity and as well as a keen interest in developing themselves and their squadrons. The forums through which the students are expected to demonstrate these traits include presentation skills, interview skills, fieldcraft, physical training, navigation, weapons handling and social etiquette. Cadets gather from all over the country for the course. After completing the Core Skills Phase and Field Leadership Phase the Test Week culminates in a nine day exercise. On successful completion Junior Leaders will have graduated from the toughest course in the Corps
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Title
Local
Eligibility Criteria
Enrolled Cadet
Location (s)
Completed at weekends as part of your Squadron?s training programme
Duration
Ongoing
Cost
Subject to duration and scope
Scope
Local adventure training is carried out as part of your Squadron?s training programme. As the name suggests generally this will take place in areas close to your unit and provides a good introduction to adventure training
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Title
Wild Country
Eligibility Criteria
Cadets must be over 14 years of age and be fit enough to undertake adventure training
Location (s)
Windermere, Llanbedr or Okehampton
Duration
One week
Cost
£100 approx.
Scope
The purpose is to experience adventure training in "Wild Country". The programme can include hill walking, climbing, high ropes confidence course, canoeing and abseiling. Cadets will also learn about the local geology, meteorology, flora and fauna.
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Title
Basic Expedition Leaders Award (BELA)
Eligibility Criteria
Over 17 on commencement but must be over 18 on qualification
Location (s)
Currently: Fort Blockhouse, Gosport & New Forest
Duration
3 weekends (2 theory/training, 1 practical assessment/camp)
Cost
£80 (BELA enrolment fee)
Scope
This course is shown on the Perfect 10 at age 16 because you need to build up plenty of local and wild country experience before applying and, as there are currently only one or two Wing BELA courses run each year, you need to get your application submitted well in advance. Satisfactory completion of the course will give a National Governing Body Award for Trekking on Foot
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Title
Mountain Leader
Eligibility Criteria
At least 18 years of age and extensive hill walking experience
Location (s)
Various
Duration
Two 1 week courses, plus a minimum of 40 self-logged Quality Mountain Days
Cost
Various
Scope
The ML award is for those who wish to lead a group of hill walkers anywhere in the UK under summer conditions.
You will learn such skills as group management, navigation, emergency procedures and equipment, access and conservation and security on steep ground.
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Title
Heartstart
Eligibility Criteria
Enrolled cadet
Location (s)
Within the Sector at a Squadron Headquarters
Duration
Two to three hours
Cost
None
Scope
Designed to give a general introduction to first aid the Heartstart programme includes skills such as assessing an unconscious patient, performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), dealing with choking, serious bleeding and helping someone that maybe having a heart attack.
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Title
Youth First Aid
Eligibility Criteria
Enrolled cadets up to the age of 16 years
Location (s)
Currently Bramley Training Area
Duration
One weekend
Cost
£15
Scope
This is an assessed course and provides first aid knowledge and skills. Successful completion of the course will result in the award of the Youth First Aid badge.
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Title
First Aid at Work
Eligibility Criteria
Enrolled cadets over 16 years of age and staff
Location (s)
Currently Fort Blockhouse, Gosport
Duration
One weekend
Cost
£30
Scope
This course covers the practical skills needed by a first aider in the modern workplace. The course provides the confidence and knowledge to deal with first aid emergencies. For cadets successful completion of the course will result in the award of the First Aid at Work badge.
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Title
Senior NCO Course
Eligibility Criteria
Cadets attending must hold at least the Senior Cadet classification, be Corporal or above and to have attended a Wing Junior NCO Course
Location (s)
Bramley Training Area
Duration
One weekend (Friday evening to Sunday afternoon)
Cost
£5
Scope
This is an assessed course designed for newly promoted Cadet Senior NCOs. Course content includes the appreciation of issues, presentation of arguments, an identification of NCO skills and a test of Corps Knowledge
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Title
Staff Cadet Course
Eligibility Criteria
Minimum aged 17 years and 6 months
Location (s)
Wing Headquarters, Winchester
Duration
One day
Cost
None
Scope
Cadets MUST complete this course in good time before their 18th birthday. If you do not complete it before you are 18 then you are restricted to supervised on-Squadron activities only. Failure to complete the course by aged 18 years and six months will result in you being asked to leave the Air Cadets. The course covers the RAF and ATC structure, guidelines on electronic communication, child protection, duty of care, revision of Air Cadet Publications and completion of the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) paperwork.
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Title
Staff Cadet
Eligibility Criteria
Completion of the Staff Cadet Course
Location (s)
Not applicable
Duration
Not applicable
Cost
None
Scope
Completion of the Staff cadet Course entitles the cadet to wear the appropriate rank slide with 'Staff Cadet' on it.
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Title
Field Leadership
Eligibility Criteria
Instructor Cadet, aged over 16, previously completed Fieldcraft Basic Further Training course, L98A2 trained and current by Weapons Handling Test (WHT)
Location (s)
Lydd in Kent
Duration
One Week (Saturday to Saturday)
Cost
£45 approx
Scope
The Field Leadership course is part of the Exercise Martello Marauder camp and is held in July of each year. The course is assessed and covers some of the higher aspects of Military Fieldcraft Training. Students are assessed on areas such as motivation, judgement, command & control, initiative, organisation, team work and personal administration.
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Title
Qualified Aerospace Instructors Course (QAIC)
Eligibility Criteria
At least 16 years old, Master Air Cadet, AEF or gliding experience, grade C (actual or predicted) in Maths & English
Location (s)
RAF Linton on Ouse
Duration
Seven weekends throughout the year (the first of which is a selection weekend) with a Test/Graduation week. If selected all training periods must be attended. The course starts in September with applications required by mid July.
Cost
£150
Scope
The course is designed to provide students with the necessary skills and knowledge to be able to instruct staff and cadets in the Regional Activity Centres and to provide them with a broader range of knowledge of aerospace subjects. The course comprises Presentation Skills & Instructional Technique, Air Traffic Control, Aerodynamics, Flight Simulation, Pilot Navigation, Radio Communications, Leadership & Personal Development.
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Title
Squadron & Wing Level Sport
Eligibility Criteria
Enrolled cadet
Location (s)
Various locations across the Wing/Region
Duration
One day per competition
Cost
None
Scope
A range of sporting activities for male and female cadets are covered in the Wing in different age classes. Cadets can be selected for the Wing football, rugby, netball and hockey competitions to take part against other Wing teams in South West Region. Athletics, swimming and cross country are initially held at an Inter-Squadron level with successful cadets then going on to represent the Wing in the Region competition
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Title
Junior NCO Course
Eligibility Criteria
Leading Cadet and have been enrolled for at least 12 months.
Location (s)
Bramley Training Area
Duration
One weekend (Friday evening to Sunday afternoon)
Cost
£5
Scope
This is an assessed course designed for newly promoted Cadet Junior NCOs. Course content includes sessions on leadership the role of an NCO, a practical leadership exercise, drill and Corps knowledge test.
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Title
Junior Leaders
Eligibility Criteria
Aged 16 or over and Senior NCO
Location (s)
Based at RAF Cranwell but undertaken at various locations across the country
Duration
Nine weekends over 8 months
Cost
None
Scope
Junior Leaders is a development course aimed at the Senior NCOs of the ATC. Spread over nine weekends Junior Leaders
is designed to motivate and assess its students through a variety of forums, ranging from presentation skills, leadership, social skills and field craft skills encompassed by physical training. Over eight months the course aims to develop and nurture qualities in the students such as leadership, teamwork, integrity, maturity and as well as a keen interest in developing
themselves and their squadrons. The forums through which the students are expected to demonstrate these traits include presentation skills, interview skills, fieldcraft, physical training, navigation, weapons handling and social etiquette. Cadets gather from all over the country for the course. After
completing the Core Skills Phase and Field Leadership Phase the Test Week culminates in a nine day exercise. On
successful completion Junior Leaders will have graduated from the toughest course in the Corps.
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