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Prior to 1 October 2017, the RAFAC was called the Air Cadet Organisation (ACO). [4] As of 1 April 2023, the ACO had a strength of 42,190 cadets and 10,070 cadet force adult volunteers. [ 5 ] Cadets are aged between 12 and 17 on entry to the organisation, and can remain until they are 18, or with special permission, until they are 20.
Information about the RAF Air Cadets including life as a cadet, how to join, activities, training, news, volunteering, safeguarding and contact information. The RAF Air Cadets offer young people exciting opportunities for personal and professional development.
- What We Do
- Our History
- Our People
- Join The Air Cadets
From cyber and space to sports, flying and adventure training - being a cadet means trying new things in a safe environment, making friends along the way and gaining skills for life. Read more about our activities
The story of the RAF Air Cadets started long ago when we were formed as part of the main RAF to supply better-trained and experienced personnel during times of war. It has since evolved into the largest air cadet organisation in the world. Read more about our history
Our cadets and adult volunteers all have their own stories and highlights from being part o the Air Cadets, either in the past or currently. Meet some of our Cadets and Volunteers
Ready to start your own journey with the Air Cadets? Find your local squadron and get in touch to find out more about what they offer and how you can get involved. Find your local squadron
- Why and how the Cadets were formed. In 1859 schools around the country formed armed and uniformed units of adults and older boys with the purpose of protecting Britain in the event of an attack from overseas.
- Establishing an Air Defence Cadet Corps. The Second World War was on the horizon and if aircraft were to be used as a major combat strength, the RAF would need a serious amount of combat-ready pilots and competent support crew to keep them in the air.
- The Air Training Corps and Combined Cadet Force. Towards the end of 1940, the government realised the value of the cadet force and took control of the ADCC.
- Today’s Air League. The founding organisation of the ATC is today a sector leading aviation and aerospace charity focused on changing lives through aviation.
Aug 13, 2019 · From 1983 to 1986 inclusive Air cadets provided some 26% of the annual RAF intake of officers, airmen and apprentices. In 1987, 76% of Direct Entry Pilots joining the Royal Air Force were ex-members of the Air Training Corps or Combined Cadet Force (RAF Sections).
So, in 1938 the Air Defence Cadet Corps (ADCC) was founded. Demand for places was high and squadrons were set up in as many towns around the UK as possible. Local people ran them and each squadron aimed to prepare cadets for joining the RAF or the Fleet Air Arm (the Royal Navy’s aircraft division).
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The ACO is made up of two areas: RAF Air Cadets – the RAF’s cadet force, divided into six regions, 34 wings and more than 900 squadrons within communities around the UK.
