Joining the Squadron
As a new cadet, you’ll join the Squadron with other new cadets in a recruit intake. We currently have two intakes a year (September and February) but we are looking at aligning our intakes with school terms and expanding to three a year.
Each new intake starts with a training day usually on a Sunday. You’ll meet the other new cadets, as well as some of current cadets and staff. You’ll start to make new friends and get to know the cadet NCOs who will be leading and instructing you. It’s definitely less busy without the whole Squadron being there!
You’ll start your time in 1350 Squadron with your Flight. You’ll train together during the first 4 months or so and will often become good friends. When you join as part of a group, it makes the new experiences more fun and builds a team from the first day.
Basic Training Flight
Basic training lasts about 4 months and you’ll learn a whole range of subjects. These include the history and organisation of the ATC and RAF, uniform, drill, map reading, first aid, basic airmanship and radio training. There’ll also be some sports and teamwork activities. At the end of this training, you’ll graduate as a First Class cadet and have lots of opportunities for activities both on parade nights and at weekends.
In the first week or so, you’ll be measured for your uniform. As you progress through your training, you’ll be issued with your full blue uniform. By the time you complete basic training, you’ll be wearing the same uniform as all the other cadets and will know how to look after it to a good standard.
Our next recruit intake
Our next recruit intake will be in September 2026. We collect details for anyone with an interest in joining us via a Microsoft Form linked below. We will use that information to contact you regarding our open evening to give us a chance to talk to our potential recruits and their Parents/ Guardians about all of the activities available. This is often the first chance out potential recruits get to meet each other. We will then host an intake day (usually a Sunday) to go through the induction package with our new cadets and ensure they are prepared to begin their training.
Please Contact Us to find out more, arrange a visit before joining and let us know that you are interested. Due to limited places, we are running a waiting list, and may not have space on the next intake.