General Activities

Below is a list of activities that cadets have a chance to take part in. These are not the only ones cadets can do.

Cadets in the ATC are given the opportunity to fly with an instructor in the RAF's primary training aircraft, the BULLDOG. In air experience flights [AEF's] , cadets get the chance to control the aircraft, do aerobatics or just look at the view. Trips normally last half an hour.

The Air Cadets gliding organisation is the largest glider training organisation in the world. It comprises of the Air Cadet Central Gliding School at RAF Syerston, Leicestershire, and Volunteer Gliding Schools (VGS) throughout the United Kingdom. VGS are staffed mainly by officers of the RAF and Volunteer Reserve Training branch and by civilian gliding instructors. Cadets get the chance to glide on Air Experience Gliding [AEG] flights and can also apply for one of three gliding courses open to cadets.

Shooting like most things in the ATC is optional. There is no pressure for a cadet to shoot if they do not want to. Cadets can shoot two main types of rifle: - The .22 Number 8 and the L98 or cadet GP. Rifle. The number 8 rifle can be shoot on a 25 yard range both inside and outside. Cadets can qualify for the ATC marksman badge by shooting five rounds into the target in a grouping of 1 inch in diameter, i.e. inside a ten pence coin. The L98 fires a 5.56 calibre and is the cadet version of the general issue SA80. It is only used on outdoor ranges either 25 or 100 meters. A RAF marksman badge can be gained using this weapon.

Some cadets find drill a necessary evil, but other greatly enjoy it. Being part of one squad all marching in exact time and responding as one to orders gives a huge sense of achievement. Drill is a great way to learn self-discipline.

Annual camp is a weeklong trip to a Royal Air Force base within the United Kingdom. This usually takes place once a year for each squadron. Cadets can also be selected to go on camp in Cyprus, Germany or Gibraltar. Cadets are shown around the base and told about what each section does. Opportunity's are available to fly in helicopters [i.e. Gazzel], Nimrods or what ever other air craft is based on that station. Other activities such as sport are arranged and cadets can also do work experience at the base.

As a cadet you can play sports such as football, rugby, hockey, netball, athletics, swimming to name just a few. There are also sports that are arranged by your squadron, wing region and at Corp level.

Hill and mountain walking, camping, abseilling ... the list is endless. If you are the outdoor type or even if you not, the ATC has a lot to offer you.

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