For Cadets

Take a look around the website, if you haven't already. Like the idea of being able to have something to talk about? The idea of spending your weekends in adventures your friends will envy? Or expanding your horizons, developing new skills, and making new friends?

If you think the answer is "yes", then joining 1921 (Lewisham) Squadron may well be the best decision you could make, but it could also come with lots of questions and uncertainties. We hope that this website has been able to answer some of your questions, but there are loads more we get asked. Here are some of the most commonly asked questions (Parents, read on!). If you still want to know more, come and see us, or e-mail the Commanding Officer for more information!

FAQ

What will I do?
Will I have to wear uniform?
But I don’t know anything about the Air Cadets/RAF!
Will I get shouted at?
Do I have to study lots? What about my school work?
Will I really get the chance to do everything?
When can I start?

What will I do?
You might be worried about your first night, but you shouldn’t be! When you arrive on the Squadron, you will meet the staff and fill in some basic information about yourself. One of the older cadets will then take you on a tour of the Squadron, so you know your way around. Then you can join in the activities and start making friends that night! We will start your training as soon as possible, and you will learn with other new cadets! In a few weeks time, you will feel at home, and already have lots to talk about — see our Activities page for more details!

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Will I have to wear uniform?
Yes, but don’t worry! Our cadets wear uniform closely resembling that of the working dress of the Royal Air Force. We provide the majority of the uniform, other than black shoes. We do ask for a refundable deposit of £10. If at anytime you decide to leave, we ask that uniform be returned in a clean and serviceable state at which point the deposit will be returned. Uniforms are issued after 4-6 weeks, depending on individual requirements.

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But I don’t know anything about the Air Cadets/RAF!
Our structured training programme is designed to introduce you to the Air Training Corps and the Royal Air Force. We do not expect you to become an expert, but you will learn enough to ensure you can participate in all of the activities we offer. Your first few weeks will form the basis of your cadet experience — we will make them good fun and interesting for you!

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Will I get shouted at?
It is important to understand that we are a uniformed youth organisation parented by the Royal Air Force, and that cadets require a certain amount of self-discipline. You will be expected to conduct yourself properly in order to benefit from the experiences we can offer, and conform to certain standards of bearing and dress. We are not in the business of shouting at the cadets incessantly. We treat all cadets as young adults and expect them to act in an appropriate manner.

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Do I have to study lots? What about my school work?
There isn’t loads of studying at cadets. We aim to offer you as much fun as possible! Cadets are offered the chance to study aviation-related subjects, and will usually be expected to participate in our training programme. Our staff will always help to ensure that each cadet makes the most of what we can offer. Our training can lead to the award of 5 GCSEs through the BTEC in Aviation Studies and BTEC in Public Services. Your school work should not suffer. Our parades are only twice a week, which isn’t a lot of time to take from home work! Furthermore, we encourage cadets to take time out from the squadron when exams loom, in the form of agreed reduced attendance leading to total exam leave before and during examinations.

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Will I really get the chance to do everything?
We offer a wide range of activities, and you can do as many as you like! We expect most cadets to qualify on the basic rifle within their first months on the Squadron, and you will be given the opportunity to sign up for flying, gliding, adventure training, camps and all kinds of fun as soon as you complete your initial training course.

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When can I start?
As long as you are between 13 and 18 years of age, you can join the Squadron. We operate a recruit intake system, so you can get the most out of your first few weeks. Come along and meet us, and then you can decide if we are right for you. We'll tell you when the next start date is. We hope to run three intakes per year. For legal and insurance reasons, we cannot take prospective cadets under 13 years old.

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