AirTrainingCorps

About The Air Training Corps

The Air Training Corps (ATC) was formed by Royal Warrant in 1941 and sprang from the Air Defence Cadet Corps, founded in 1938 by the Air League. Although initially formed to meet the needs of a nation at war, the Corps continues to thrive as it enters the 21st Century. There are now independent Air Cadet Organisations in many other countries throughout the World.

Today it continues to thrive and helps a new generation of young people, aged 13 to 20, to find a positive purpose in life.

The Air Training Corps is part of the Air Cadet Organisation (ACO) which also includes RAF Sections of the Combined Cadet Force (CCF). The Air Training Corps is a voluntary youth organisation supported by the Royal Air Force. Headquarters of the ATC is at the RAF College Cranwell in Lincolnshire.

With almost 49,000 members, aged from 13 to 20 years, within around 920 Squadrons, the ATC is one of the country's premier youth organisations and the world's largest youth air training organisation. The Cadets are supported by a volunteer Staff of nearly 10,000 plus 5,000 Civilian Committee Members.

The Aims of the Air Training Corps are:

Duke Of Edinburgh Award

The Air Training Corps is the largest operator of the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme. Perhaps that's not so surprising when you learn that HRH Prince Philip is the ATC's Commodore-in-Chief, taking a keen interest in the organisation and its members.

Flying

Air Cadets get the opportunity of flying in RAF and commercial aircraft - many progressing to achieve Flying Scholarships and their Private Pilots Licence (PPL). Presently we fly in the Grob Tutor two-seater aircraft both at Annual Camp and when the Tutor Squadron visits RAF St Mawgan in Cornwall.

We also fly in the Vigilant powered glider at nearby RMB Chivenor. As a new recruit we are naturally keen for you to get airborne and we aim to arrange your first taste of flying as soon as we can!

Live in North Devon?

There is certainly an ATC Unit near you! If you live anywhere else in the UK there is likely to be at least one of the 920 ATC Squadrons near you. The Corps even have Squadrons located in Germany, Gibraltar and Cyprus!

Cadet membership is open to young people, both male and female, between 13 and 18 years old who accept the challenge.

Cadets of all nationalities, backgrounds and abilities are equally welcome. Disabled Cadets are also welcome provided their handicap doesn't prevent them from taking part in a reasonable number of activities or is likely to put themselves or others in danger.

Not all Cadets join because they want a career with the Royal Air Force or Aerospace Industry - we are NOT a recruiting organisation for the Services - there are almost as many reasons to join as there are members.

Membership cost is kept to an absolute minimum - we even supply your Uniform. The ACO is a 'military' youth organisation and accordingly there are high standards to maintain. You will be expected to take a pride in your uniform and appearance, be well mannered and self disciplined - you will be joining something to be proud of.

You will also be expected to take part in as many of the activities as possible - most Cadets don't need much persuading to do this!

"The more you put into the Air Cadets, the more you get back out - there is always something extra to do or go for."

Many Squadrons are happy to welcome personal visits by potential Cadets (ideally accompanied by a parent or guardian) during one of their Parade Nights. Some recruit throughout the year, others have specific entry dates. Just come along and see if you like it - there is no obligation to join!

Adult Staff

The ATC is not just looking for cadets, we also have vacancies for adult staff to help run and organise squadron activities. You can do this as either a Civilian Instructor, Adult Non-Commissioned Officer or as a Volunteer Reserve Officer - VR(T).

We will be happy to discuss what we do, show you a video of Air Cadet activities and answer any queries you may have. Don't be shy about taking that first step - it may well be the best thing you have ever done.