Recruitment

Thanks for your interest in joining 16F.

16F recruits young people aged 12 (and in Year 8) to 17 from the local area.

Staff can join from the age of 20

Cadet

You can register your interest in join 16F either via the RAFAC Joining Form (mod.uk), or by emailing the Squadron Chief of Staff and Adjutant: Adj.16@rafac.mod.gov.uk

We aim to answer correspondence as efficiently as we can but please note that all our staff are volunteers who give their time freely and on a flexible basis.

Waiting List

We currently operate a rolling waiting list, with one intake a year normally occurring in September. A member of Sqn Staff will get in touch in August confirming details. Unfortunately due to security and programme reasons, we don't allow drop ins or visitors without prior appointment.

Your First Parade Night

The Sqn meets every Monday evening from 1845-2130, called a Parade Night, as well as activities with other Squadrons within our Wing on some weekends. The first evening will consist of a presentation before the new cadets start.

Uniform, Finance and Admin

Before formal enrolment into the Corps, new cadets will be issued their uniform. Most uniform will be loaned to the new cadet at Public Expense with the expectation that it will be looked after. The only exception is cadets will need to buy their own shoes and the No3 Uniform called MTP. You'll be told the best places to purchase these items

Every month cadets pay a subscription (or subs) of £12.50. This funds important non-Publicly funded aspects of our activities, like our minibus.

For some activities like camps and trips, there is normally an additional charge but will not normally be more than £60 for a week-long camp. Activities like flying, gliding and target shooting are free.

Finance should never be a block to a cadet taking part in an activity. Should any cadet's family be unable to finance it, the Sqn has funds to help. Please contact the Adjutant, and the matter will be resolved in the strictest confidence.

Volunteer staff

We simply would not be able to run without staff. We have different role types at the Squadron to suit different levels of commitment and your skillset.

You can register your interest in join 16F either via the RAFAC Joining Form (mod.uk), or by emailing the Squadron Officer Commanding: OC.16@rafac.mod.gov.uk

Civilian Instuctor

Civilian Instructor (CI) roles have no minimum time commitment so you can pick and choose how much time you want to give. Many CIs decide they'd like to offer their professional skillset and teach cadets subjects like how radios and planes work to delivering sports. CIs also don't wear a uniform. No experience with young people or the military is required.

Part of the application process will include an Enhanced DBS check (gov.uk) and Baseline Personal Security Standard (gov.uk) as well as training to help you settle in.

Uniformed Roles

Once you've joined at a CI, you can choose to apply for a uniformed position. Our uniformed staff hold ranks and take on either managerial and leadership positions or can choose the drill, dress, and discipline instructional route.

Managerial staff (known as Officers) are Commissioned by HM The King into the RAF Air Cadets and are normally responsible for running a Squadron and/or may hold roles around the organisation.

Staff with instructional duties concerned with drill, dress and discipline are appointed as Senior Non-Commissioned Officers into the RAF Air Cadets.

In addition to the checks needed for a CI role, uniformed staff require a Security Check (gov.uk).

Civilian Committee

The Squadron Civilian Committee (Civ Com) are an Excepted Charity (No 1340/83) and help and support the Sqn achieve it's mission and objectives by overseeing non-Public funding. Members act as Squadron Trustees and will normally meet every quarter, for between 1-2 hours. This role requires the same checks as for CI. Please email the Squadron Officer Commanding (OC.16@rafac.mod.gov.uk) if this role seems appealing to you.