Royal Air Force Air Cadets – Cadet Forces Adult Volunteers

6 May 2022

1024 (Isle of Wight) Squadron, based in Ryde, is currently recruiting new members of Adult Volunteers in several different roles; from Civilian Instructors, Committee Members and Uniformed Roles.

The Squadron has been part of the local community for over half a century and has recently begun recruiting new Adult Volunteers. Due to the impact of COVID and some Adult Volunteers moving away for work, the unit is in need to welcome new members.

Who are the Royal Air Force Air Cadets?

 The Royal Air Force Air Cadets are a UK-wide cadet organisation with more than 40,000 members aged between 12 and 20 years, and 15,000 Adult Volunteers of all ages.

They are partly sponsored by the Royal Air Force and can give hands-on experience of activities and courses that will challenge and develop skills for both cadets and Adult Volunteers.

Aims are to:

  • Promote and encourage a practical interest in aviation and the Royal Air Force among young people
  • Provide training which will be useful in the Services and civilian life
  • Encourage the spirit of adventure and develop qualities of leadership and good citizenship

Potential new Adult Volunteers need no previous experience or connection with the RAF Air Cadets, or any other services or military. Within the organisation, there are two ways in which volunteers might be able to assist; either as a Civilian Instructor, or as a member of the Civilian Committee.

These roles are vital to any Squadron and in particular, the lack of such roles and support often limit the activities that can be provided.

Civilian Instructor

In this role you would work with the uniformed staff to provide the range of activities that the RAF Air Cadets has to offer – both in the classroom, and in practical subjects such as sport and adventure training.

No previous experience is necessary although, of course, any specialist knowledge or skills that you may have would be a great advantage.

Once established as a Civilian Instructor, if you wish to become more involved you would then have the option to apply to become a member of the uniformed staff, either as a senior non-commissioned officer or as an officer. However, there is no obligation to do so.

Civilian Committee Member

The Squadron Civilian Committee are responsible for the administration of Squadron accounts, fund raising, and assisting with the welfare of cadets.

Members are often parents of current and former cadets, and have a vital role to play, working alongside the uniformed staff.

 

If you are interested in joining the Squadron, please contact the Squadron directly  (email: oc.1024@rafac.mod.gov.uk), or visit the RAF Air Cadets website, where your details will reach the Headquarters.

 

Squadron Leader Lee Barfoot said: “With the different opportunities and roles available within the organisation, it offers flexibility to work around other commitments and perfect for potential volunteers to get involved. It’s important we retain a presence on the Island and the only way we can continue to do so, is with the support from new Adult Volunteers”

Wing Commander Mark Trevena, Officer Commanding of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wing said. “Even though we are separated from the mainland, the experience the Adult Volunteers and Cadets get is exactly the same, but for us to continue to offer a structured but varied programme, we must invest in new Adult Volunteers”

Ex-Cadet, now SAC Daniel Kent, RAF: “Without the support of the Air Cadets and 1024 Squadron, I wouldn’t be the person I am today! They provided me with opportunities that were not available elsewhere and pushed me to reach limits I did not think possible.”