Thinking of joining as a cadet?
So, are you ready to take the first step towards all the opportunities and benefits that the air cadets can offer you?
It's important to know that we're not a recruiting organisation for the Services (but it's great if you decide you want to join later on). We're not interested in anything but you and your potential, and will help you get the most from your experience as a cadet.
Worried about fitting in? Equality is a central part of the Air Cadets’ ethic. The cadet experience is open to everyone, so whatever your nationality, background or ability, whether you're male or female, if you're between 13 and 17 years old you can join us.
The maximum age for entry is 17 years old, therefore you can request to join us anytime between your 13th and 17th birthday. If you don't fit into that age group and still want to enjoy all of our activities and more, you could join as a volunteer. Find out more on in our Adult Recruitment section.
Aside from flying, sports, target shooting, adventure training and great fun? You’ll soon find that being an air cadet is its own reward - you constantly see the benefits of your own efforts, building on your achievements and earning BTECs and DoE Awards. You'll be expected to take part in as many of the activities we run as possible, but with what's on offer you won't need much persuading!
We have high standards to maintain as we are a 'military' youth organisation and you'll naturally take pride in your uniform (we supply that) and appearance. You'll be well mannered and self-disciplined. You'll be joining an organisation of which you’ll be very proud.
What are you waiting for! For more information, see our activities page.All of our squadrons welcome personal visits by potential cadets (ideally accompanied by a parent or guardian), during one of their Parade Nights – these are held twice a week. Some squadrons recruit throughout the year, others have specific entry dates. Just come along and see if you like it - you don't have to join, but at least check out what you might be missing. So if you think 1370 Leven Squadron is right for you then contact us.
Shooting
.22 - Lee Enfield No.8 Training Rifle.
- This is the weapon that most cadets encounter first in the Corp.
- It is a simple, bolt action, single shot .22 calibre rimfire weapon based on the old WW2 vintage SMLE rifle. They are used extensively for weapon handling training and indoor range shooting with the small .22 cartridge. These are the most cost effective way to allow cadets to shoot on a regular basis.
5.56mm – L98A2 CGP (Cadet General Purpose) Rifle.
- The L98A2 is a more modern platform which is based on the standard L85A2 service weapon used by the British Armed Forces.
- The cadet version is a modified L85A2 weapon which has had the fire selector removed and locked on semi-automatic. It fires the same 5.56mm NATO round as the normal issue weapon so is extremely accurate and very loud!
5.56mm – L86A2 LSW (Light Support Weapon)
- The L86A2 is the big brother to the L98A2 and was designed for sustained automatic fire. It use a longer barrel with a bipod for stability and a rear grip to aid in its use. Cadets can get the opportunity to train and use the weapon on fully automatic to great effect.
7.62mm – L81A2 Cadet Target Rifle.
- The L81A2 is a long range competition rifle based on the M82 Sniper Rifle. These are generally seen at larger competitions such as those held at Bisley. They fire the 7.62 round which is larger than that used by the L98A2 resulting in a good kick and a loud bang.
Flying and Gliding
Flying
Joining the Air Cadets opens up lots of opportunities, including the chance to fly! It’s our aim to get you airborne as often as possible, as a passenger in a light aircraft, a glider or even on-board RAF aircraft such as our Typhoon fast-jet or a Chinook helicopter.
There are plenty of opportunities for cadets to get in the air. Air Experience Flights could even see you take to the skies in a Grob Tutor light aircraft.
Stand out from the crowd and you could be put forward for an overseas flight on a Hercules, VC10 or Tri-star. If you’re really lucky you could even join a pilot in one of our fast-jet aircraft or experience the unbeatable exhilaration of a Red Arrows flight!
Gliding
Gliding and flying are the best opportunities given to the air cadets. This is something very few people get to experience and as cadets, we get to do this as teenagers, on a regular basis.
Flying and gliding help to improve confidence and are also the building blocks when learning to fly, possibly for a future career in the RAF or even in commercial airlines.
We get opportunities from our local RAF bases, 860’s being Syerston and Linton on Ouse for gliding and Church Fenton for flying, to use their aircraft for the day.
