Join as an Adult

The RAF Air Cadets relies on its cadet forces adult volunteers (CFAV) to support our cadets, help our squadron and allow us to offer a wide-range of activities and opportunities. There are lots of ways you can join us and make a difference.

Benefits of being a volunteer

Being a volunteer is rewarding and has a lot of different benefits.

• learn skills in a range of areas
• develop leadership qualities
• personal development
• gain qualifications in areas like mountain leadership, first aid and NVQs

Whatever you decide to focus on, all volunteers gain a huge sense of achievement from helping young people realise their potential.

Join as a civilian instructor

If you can spend time at least one night each week, we can offer lots of opportunities for you to help our cadets and gain your own skills and experiences too.
Our squadron meets twice a week and we’re always looking for volunteers who are willing to try their hand at anything. You could find yourself teaching skills, running activities, or providing encouragement and moral support. If you have specialist skills, we can use them. If you want to learn new skills like rock climbing or gliding, we can train you.

To be a volunteer you need to

• Be aged 20 years or more Uniformed officers serve up to age 65)
• have lived in the UK for a minimum of 3 years
• commit to a certain number of hours each week (around 12 hours a month)
• understand young people and their needs
• be patient, responsible and kind
• have a good level of fitness, but by no means be an athlete

We know our volunteers may have families, jobs and hobbies, so we can be flexible and work around other areas of your lives. All we expect in return is clear communication, good organisation and commitment to your squadron.

You do not need

• a military background or experience
• experience of working with young people
• relevant skills like flying or gliding

The most common volunteer designation in Air Cadets is Civilian Instructor - it's where everyone starts, it's a varied role allowing you to use your skills where they best fit. You can give as much or little time as you can, and you don't need any formal qualifications - just enthusiasm that's infectious.

Your role is vital to the success of our cadets. You'll see your dedication and effort pay-off in the achievements you inspire amongst our members. But it isn't just the cadets that benefit - you'll get involved in many squadron activities and have the same kinds of opportunities as cadets to develop your leadership skills and gain qualifications in things such as mountain leadership, First Aid and NVQs that may be useful to you in your career. You'll also have as much fun as the cadets do!

And it doesn't stop there. If you choose, you may apply to become a sergeant or an officer. We provide uniforms and all the training you’ll require. 

While our volunteers don’t get paid, if you progress to be an officer or non-commissioned officer you may be able to claim for volunteer allowance.

Meet some of our adult volunteers

Ranks
As an Air Cadets volunteer, you can be appointed and move up through the ranks as an officer or senior non-commissioned officer (SNCO). There are opportunities to fulfil different roles and take on varied levels of responsibility, which can lead to increases in rank. You’ll be guided through the process of interviews at Wing and Regional HQs.  

Find out more about our ranks

What to do next
Register your interest by filling in a simple form using the link below and someone from 1334 Squadron will be in touch.

Fill in the form

A typical joining process will be:

• Submit online application
• Visit 1334 - your chosen Squadron
• Have an informal interview (usually on your first visit)
• Get access to the RAF Air Cadets online system to complete the final forms
• Have an enhanced DBS and other checks including identity and basic security

After your DBS is successful, you’ll be able to attend your chosen squadron and help with activities on a 6-month probation. During this time you’ll complete our mandatory Adult Volunteer Induction Course. After your 6 months you can then attend external activities too.