Frequently asked questions
A: Cadets must be 13 to join a local Squadron. For insurance reasons 13 really does mean 13 despite some potential cadets being keen to join earlier. Sadly the Corps is unable to have cadets who have not reached their 13th birthday, no matter how keen they might be. Cadets cannot join after their 17th birthday, although typically cadets join aged 13-15.
A: Cadets must leave on their 18th birthday unless they have reached the rank of Cadet Sergeant or above, in which case they can continue until their 20th birthday. Many transfer at age 20 from being a senior cadet to becoming a Civilian or even uniformed instructor. Adult members of the ATC, be they Civilian or uniformed, can start on their 20th birthday, consequently, things need not come to an end once the maximum cadet age of 20 is reached.
A: Yes, the Air Training Corps is open to both boys and girls. The skills learned are equally useful to both and certainly the grins after the flying events are equally wide
A: Each Squadron is run by a local civilian management committee, usually made up of parents of cadets. The subscriptions are set by the local committee and will be based on the costs of running the Squadron. Consequently there is no fixed universal fee - different Squadron's may have slightly differing costs.
Currently at 2180 Galashiels Squadron we currently ask for £60.00 Per Year, less then £1 per parade night.
A: No. Cadets receive two uniforms which are provided free-of-charge and which are returnable in good condition.
However, note that we do not provide 'greens' (Number 3 uniform) and so a cadet may need to provide their own 'greens' (obtainable from a local Army Surplus store) in this case. or we can sell greesn at a lower cost but we have a limited supply.
Typically cadets do not receive uniform until they are due to be formally enrolled in the ATC.
A: Each cadet will receive their uniforms before their enrolment and will wear their 'Number 1s' for the enrolment ceremony itself (which parents can usually watch). Each cadet will receive two and sometimes three uniforms:
Number 1 - formal RAF-style uniform for parades such as Remembrance Day parade - best blues Number 2 - informal RAF-style uniform for most evening parades - working blues Number 3 - 'combat greens' used for field activities . 2180 SQ has a small supply of greens which can be bought for much less than you would pay for from a supplier
A: Most activities are free - or at least included in the Squadron subscriptions. So shooting, gliding, flying, sports and other activities are usually all provided free.
There may be exceptions. For instance, we may take cadets on expeditions, which can sometimes encure an extra cost.
Camps cost about £40 - £50 which includes travel , accommodation and food and some activities. Pocket money is additional to this . On overseas camps travel is usually paid for by the cadet , the camp will cost around £60.00 plus pocket money