Join 70 Squadron as a Cadet

So you’ve had a look around our website, maybe spoken to a friend who is already a Cadet, or maybe you’ve just been waiting for you’re 13th birthday!

Now it’s time to join !

Age requirements

The minimum age to join the ATC is 12 years old and in Year 8 in school. Although you can be a Cadet until you are 17, the oldest realistic age to joining is your 16th birthday.

Visit us

You are very welcome to visit 70 Squadron on a regular scheduled evening parade, on Mondays and Thursdays. There’s no obligation. Come and find out more by discussing the Air Training Corps with one of our staff. You could also ask some cadets what they think, and don’t be surprised if you find that you already know some of them. You are welcome to bring a parent, as they probably have a few questions too!
Although you can call-in unannounced on any parade, it’s advisable to phone or email to check when the Officer Commanding or Training Officer will be onsite. Any of the squadrons Adult Staff can answer your questions, however the OC & Training Officer will be best placed to speak to you simply because the other staff are usually committed to an activity.

Arriving at you local Squadron HQ

When you arrive at our Squadrons’ HQ you might find it a bit intimidating – please don’t be!
Just make yourself visible to any of the staff or cadets and you should be directed to the main office where the Training Officer will be there to greet you.  If you arrive around 1915hrs, or shortly thereafter, you’ll get a feeling for the Squadron as everyone arrives and gets organised for the evening’s activities. It’s usually a very exciting time!  By 19.30hrs things have settled down – some Cadets will be in class studying and others will be practicing drill, or maybe off site on an activity. It is possible to arrive and find everyone is out!

The joining process

Joining is a simple process. Having met the squadrons staff and when you are sure the ATC is for you, it’s just a case of completing a simple application form. There is nothing tricky involved – we just need your details for their records and to begin your formal training. There is no formal medical, or any entrance exams or fitness tests to pass. Please note, you will need your parent or legal guardian’s signature and permission to join.

• When can I start?

You can start on any intake of new recruits. This means you are not alone as you go through your basic training, plus it is more efficient for our Staff who provide the training. We have several intakes a year and you will never be too far from a start date. Please see the next cadet intake page HERE for start dates.