Life as an air cadet brings new friends, new experiences, and rewarding achievements through the activities we offer. The opportunities are endless! From flying and gliding, to expeditions and radio communications, you’re sure to find something you enjoy.
Don’t worry about being thrown in at the deep end. You’ll join your local squadron where you will get to know the other cadets and start your basic training. You will then be gradually introduced to activities as you progress, so you can make the most of every opportunity that comes your way.
Air Cadets across the London & South East Region participate in air experience flying in Grob Tutor aircraft, where they get the chance to take the controls – what a great way to spend time at a weekend. Having learnt how to handle a rifle, they also regularly taking part in target shooting on a range in a supervised environment.
Flying and gliding are central to our purpose and your cadet experience. You’ll have loads of opportunities to take to the skies, whether that’s soaring to new heights in a glider, or working through our progressive training in the Grob Tutor. From your first Air Experience Flight, right through to your first solo on a RAF flying scholarship, the Air Cadets can help you achieve your dream of flying.
Leadership training, where you can really prove your worth as leader – a skill that will build your confidence and your ability to deal with different kinds of people. If you can handle it you could get to the Junior Leaders course – it’s gruelling but what you get out of it will be invaluable to you for the rest of your life.
Compete or play just for fun. Cadets participate in wide variety of sports, both team and individual disciplines and can achieve sporting blues and can even represent the Corps!
Learn to wear your uniform with pride as you march in unison as part of a squad or take pride of place in a number of parades across the Region.
Air Cadets in LaSER have opportunities to play a variety of musical instruments and work towards achieving a BTEC First Diploma in Music equivalent to 4 GCSEs grades A*-C. Some local squadrons have their own bands as does the Region. Dedicated band training weekends are run for cadets, not only at Region, but also at national level. Our musicians regularly perform at high profile events such as Lord Mayor’s Show and Birmingham Tattoo.
Science, technology, engineering and mathematics are becoming more significant to the skill set of our cadets. We work with the RAF STEM Team and the Smallpeice Trust to bring a greater understanding of the career opportunities available in STEM industries. It’s not just about the hands-on skills either – our residential STEM camps also develop leadership, teamwork and communications skills. These early experiences prepare cadets for the opportunity to apply for our highly regarded Qualified Aerospace Instructors Course which is open by competitive selection to senior cadets.
Cadet life is about learning through practical experience, especially in the great outdoors! Here’s a taster of what’s in store:
A valuable life skill which the organisation supports through training, courses and formal qualifications for both cadets and volunteers. In fact many cadets and volunteers have used this skill to preserve life in real first aid situations.
Safety underpins all aspects of cadet rifle training. Cadets are supervised by trained and qualified members of staff continuously during their time on the range. Cadets must also pass safety tests before being allowed to handle rifles themselves. Through this nationally recognised popular sport cadets learn self-discipline, patience and concentration, and can take aim to achieve marksmanship badges and represent the Air Cadets in national competitions.
For further information about Cadet Opportunities please view this pdf.
