Australian Air Force Cadets

Aims

The broad aim of the Australian Air Force Cadets is to better equip young people for community life by fostering initiative, leadership, discipline and loyalty through a training program designed to stimulate an interest in the Royal Australian Air Force. The training program is structured to reflect the following objectives:

To give Cadets a foundation of Air Force knowledge and discipline,

To develop the qualities of leadership, initiative and self-reliance,

To develop good character and good citizenship in the widest sense,

To develop an interest in the Royal Australian Air Force and aviation generally,

To instil a knowledge of the history of aviation, and

To encourage Cadets to continue an active interest in aviation into their adult life.

AAFC activities

Cadets receive the opportunity to participate in a wide range of activities such as:

Home Training

Bivouacs (Bush Camps)

.22 Rifle & F88 Austeyr Shooting

Gliding and Powered Air Experience and Training

Abseiling

General Service Training Camps

Promotion Courses

Parades and Marches – Drill and Ceremonial

Aeromodelling

National Competitions

International Air Cadet Exchange

Requirements to join

The minimum requirements for a volunteer enrolment in the Australian Air Force Cadets are as follows:

Be 13 of the date of proposed enrolment;

Not attained the age of 18 years;

Have parental or guardian permission to enrol;

Be a person ordinarily resident in Australia;

Be sufficiently fit and capable of carrying out the normal duties and activities of a cadet in the AAFC. The applicant is to declare any known medical conditions at the time of application in order to assist the CO in the determination of suitability for enrolment and, if required by the CO, undergo a medical examination (at own expense);

Provide written parental or guardian permission for a qualified medical practitioner to anaesthetise and operate on the cadet in an emergency;

Not be a member of either the Australian Navy Cadets (ANC) or the Australian Army Cadets (AAC), unless such membership is compulsory;

Not be a Defence member; and

Make a commitment in writing that they have read and agree to abide by the AAFC Code of Conduct and AAFC Behavioural Expectations at Vol 2, Part 1, CH10 - Behaviour Management, set out in the AAFC Manual of Management.

While the age limit for enrolment is 18, cadets can continue their cadet 'career' until the age of 20, when their enrolment is automatically terminated. Terminated cadets are welcome to apply to rejoin the AAFC as either an Instructor of Cadets or Officer of Cadets.

Cadets and staff are not automatically entitled to, or required to serve in the Australian Defence Forces.

Headquarters

The AAFC organisation as a whole falls under the command of Headquarters AAFC (HQAAFC). HQAAFC has no physical location as it is made up of members from around the country. The only person to hold the rank of Group Captain (AAFC) [GPCAPT(AAFC)] is the Commander – Australian Air Force Cadets (CDR-AAFC). The CDR-AAFC reports to the Director General Cadets – Air Force, a member of the RAAF who holds the rank of Air Commodore, who reports to the RAAF chain of command.

Under HQAAFC are the Operational Wings and Directorates, each headed by a Wing Commander [WGCDR(AAFC)] who holds the appointment of Officer Commanding or Director respectively.

The primary positions within HQAAFC are

Directorates

Directorates perform a service support function to Operational Wings. As of 01-Jan-2015 there are 7 Directorates under the announced Headquarters AAFC restructure.

Operational Wings

Each Wing contains a number of different squadrons. For more information on specific squadrons see List of Australian Air Force Cadet units and Australian Air Force Cadets – Find a Squadron.

Each year the Royal Australian Air Force awards the "Australian Air Force Cadets – Air Force Trophy". The winner of the Air Force Trophy is honoured with the custodianship of the AAFC National Banner for the following year.

Command and structure

The AAFC organisation as a whole falls under the command of Headquarters AAFC (HQAAFC). HQAAFC has no physical location as it is made up of members from around the country. The only person to hold the rank of Group Captain (AAFC) is the Commander of the Australian Air Force Cadets (CDR-AAFC). The CDR-AAFC reports to the Director General Cadets – Air Force, a member of the RAAF who holds the rank of Air Commodore, and in turn reports to the RAAF chain of command.

Under HQAAFC are the Operational Wings and Directorates, each headed by a WGCDR(AAFC) who holds the appointment of Officer Commanding (OC) or Director respectively. Cadet squadrons only exist within the Operational Wings. They report to the Operational Wing Officer Commanding (often through an Executive Officer) and are commanded by a Commanding Officer. A squadron Commanding Officer (CO) will hold the rank of PLTOFF(AAFC), FLGOFF(AAFC) or FLTLT(AAFC) unless the officer holds another appointment which entitles them to a more senior rank, some squadrons are commanded by a WOFF(AAFC).

There are 8 Operational Wings for all states and territories, however the state of Queensland is divided into two Wings. There are also eight directorates to serve a support function for operational wings: Aviation Operations Directorate (AOD), Community & Engagement Directorate (CED), Corporate Services & Strategy Directorate (CSSD), Diversity Directorate (DIVD), Operations Directorate (OPSD), Safety Directorate (SAFD), Strategic Development Directorate (SDD), Training Directorate (TD).

As of 1 April 2005, a Squadron's establishment no longer justifies a CO to hold the rank of SQNLDR(AAFC) rank. However, it is still possible to have a CO of SQNLDR(AAFC) or even WGCDR(AAFC) rank, but only if that CO holds a wing or national position e.g. Officer Commanding, Director, Staff Officer or Deputy Director position in Wing or National HQ in addition to their appointment as a Squadron CO.

There are a number of key appointments within Wing Headquarters, including;

There are also a large number of other positions such as Administration Officer, Psychologist, Chaplain and various other training and administrative appointments. Larger Wings generally have more executive and other appointments e.g. No. 3 Wing (AAFC) has 3 additional Executive Officers, 3 additional Wing Warrant Officers (North, South and West) and 4 Regional Cadet Reference Group Representatives.

Each Wing has an Air Force Liaison Officer (AFLO), a RAAF officer (often a reservist) who is responsible for all activities requiring RAAF support for that region, amongst other duties.

Airmen/women and junior officers are posted to an individual squadron (as per a squadron's size) as instructors of cadets (IOC) and officers of cadets (OOC).

The AAFC incorporates a National Cadet Reference Group, comprising eight Wing Chairs under the direction and leadership of a Chairman of the NCRG and Deputy Chairman of the NCRG. This is the peak representative and advisory body acting on behalf of the cadets to the higher echelons of the organisation. The chairman is a default member of several groups through virtue of their appointment including the tri-service Cadet Consultative Forum, the AAFC Executive Council and the National Council among others.

AAFC Home Training

There are five stages of AAFC Home Training, each Training Stage has a number of subjects.

Cadet Recruit stage

This training stage is designed to give cadets fundamental knowledge required to participate in AAFC Home Parades and Activities. The course is should take between two and six months and should include at least one weekend of training. At the end of the course a cadet will be able to:

Wear the uniform correctly

Pay compliments in the correct manner

Care for the uniform correctly

Work as part of a team

Live in the field environment under supervision of more senior cadets

Understand their conditions of service

Participate in AAFC activities in a safe manner.

Subjects in Cadet Recruit Stage are:

Drill and Ceremonial Recruit (DCR)

Service Knowledge Recruit (SKR)

Team Building Recruit (TTR)

Fieldcraft Recruit (FCR)

Basic stage

This training stage is designed to take a cadet with fundamental knowledge and build on this to the point where the cadet is proficient at most basic activities. The successful completion of Basic Stage should see the cadet with the knowledge and skills required where they are able to take on more significant activities within the AAFC such as promotional courses, firearms training, weapons training and other activities that require a good understanding of the way the AAFC conducts training.

Subjects in Basic Stage are:

Aircraft Recognition Basic (ARB)

Aviation Basic (AVB)

Drill and Ceremonial Basic (DCB)

Fieldcraft Basic (FCB)

Service Knowledge Basic (SKB)

Proficiency Stage

This training stage is designed to be completed one year. Its aim is to refine the cadets’ knowledge and skills to the stage where they can contribute successfully to their squadron and are fully prepared to undertake more specific training such as promotion courses. Proficiency Stage comprises three compulsory core subjects (AVP, DCP, FCP) and three elective subjects. Those elective subjects must include at least one of ARP or SVP.

Subjects in Proficiency Stage are:

Aviation Proficiency (AVP)

Drill and Ceremonial Proficiency (DCP)

Fieldcraft Proficiency (FCP)

Aircraft Recognition Proficiency (ARP)

Survival Proficiency (SVP)

Advanced Stage

This stage of training is designed to provide cadets with extensive knowledge about the RAAF and the AAFC. It is designed to be less intensive and to allow instruction over two years (or more, if the squadron requires) so that CNCOs and other cadets in Advanced stage are able to contribute to the SQN in other ways. Advanced Stage comprises three compulsory core subjects (DCA, AVA and SKA) plus three other subjects. Those elective subjects must include at least one of ARA or SVA.

Subjects in Advanced Stage are:

Aviation Advanced (AVA)

Drill and Ceremonial Advanced (DCA)

Service Knowledge Advanced (SKA)

Aircraft Recognition Advanced (ARA)

Survival Advanced (SVA)

Qualified Stage

To complete Qualified Stage cadets are to complete a mix of Projects and Elective subjects. The mix of electives and projects may be:

Three projects

Two projects and two elective subjects

One project and four elective subjects.

Qualified Stage cadets who have Squadron duties such as instructing, administration, or supervising junior cadets may have these duties recognised in lieu of elective subjects in the form of a generic subject labelled Squadron Management Elective (SME1, SME2, SME3).

Projects are substantial multi-media presentations that may be individual or team efforts. Projects should be relevant to ADF or AAFC themes. Examples of projects are:

Substantially original video presentation of approximately 15 – 20 mins, accompanied by posters or booklets.

Flying or static model aircraft (ship, vehicle), with chart/poster/booklet. Particular examples could be the ‘Southern Cross’, or a 23 Squadron B 24, with historical chart/poster/booklet.

Diorama presentation of a particular event or scene, with accompanying audio or print material.

Compilation CD ROM of historical or training topic.

Resources for a Squadron ‘open day’ or for a major public display.

Design and produce a Squadron Recruiting video.

Design and produce a Squadron Training Aid.

Personal Development (PDE) – previously compulsory for Basic Stage

Adventure Training (ADE)

Aeromodelling (AME)

Aircraft Engines (AEE)

Air Navigation (NVE)

Air Power (APE) – similar to Air Power on CUO Course, except that APE doesn't include a compulsory Case Study

Air Traffic Control (ATE)

Aircraft (Ground) Handling (AHE)

Aircraft (Ground) Safety (ASE)

Bivouac Planning Elective (BPE)

Drill & Ceremonial (DCE) Pt 1 – SLR L1A1

Drill & Ceremonial (DCE) Pt2 – Slr L1A1

Drill & Ceremonial (DCE) Pt3 – Slr L1A1

Field Operations (FOE)

Fire Safety Awareness (FSA)

Firearms Training (FTE)

Hovercraft (HCE)

Life Saving Elective (LSE)

Meteorology (MEE)

Model Rocketry (MRE) – Part 1

Model Rocketry (MRE) – Part 2

Motor Car Awareness (MCA)

Radio Ground Communications (RCE)

Basic Visual Tracking (VTE)

Drill and Ceremonial

AAFC training constitutes much Drill and Ceremonial training, ranging from basic static drill in recruit phase to advanced banner, Rifle and sword drill on officer courses. Each parade night a "squadron daily parade" is held (daily for RAAF SQNs, weekly for AAFC SQNs) in which all cadets participate, with CNCOs and above assuming executive position of Flight Sergeant (CCPL), Flight Commander (CSGT/CFSGT), Parade Warrant Officer (CWOFF), Parade Commander (CUO) and often Reviewing Officer (CUO). Lower ranks may hold these positions where there are insufficient senior cadets. Squadrons also hold CO's Parades (usually once a month but not always) where staff go on parade and the squadron is inspected by the Commanding Officer.

AAFC squadrons often form guards and banner parties at Anzac/Remembrance/Victory in the Pacific Day services and other cadets will march on these parades. Promotion course graduation parades are very significant events, often requiring days of training. These parades will often be reviewed by a senior RAAF officer and consist of a number of squadrons/flights as well as colour parties. Graduation parades will generally be armed (SNCO candidates and above only in some cases) with F88 Austeyrs, the Standard Individual Weapon of the Australian Defence Force (often issued the F88I submodel – meaning innocuous) and swords for executives. Colour party members are often temporarily issued ceremonial equipment such as White cotton gloves, Banner Girdle (for Banner/Colour Bearer) or Sash (Banner/Colour Warrant Officer) and white belts.

Drill and Ceremonial – Home Training

Drill and Ceremonial Recruit (DCR) – Consists of basic static (on the spot) and marching drill, saluting and basic theory relating to aims of drill and safety considerations in drill.

Drill and Ceremonial Basic (DCB) – Cadets consolidate their recruit drill and progress to more advanced marching including turns on the march.

Drill and Ceremonial Proficiency (DCP) – Here LCDTs and NCOs officially learn the slow march (although this is often taught before a CDTs first end-of-year ceremonial parade) as well as more advanced manoeuvres such as change directions and forms.

Drill and Ceremonial Advanced (DCA) – LCDTs and CNCOs in advanced stage complete learning of all flight drill movements consisting of double time and forming hollow square. DCA also consists of Command and Control (CC) (calling commands/fault correcting a flight of cadets) and Mutual Instruction (MI) (basic drill instruction) components.

Drill and Ceremonial Elective (DCE) – Consists of three parts which can be taught together or separately. DCE is often taught in proficiency and/or advanced stage. Officially, it is rifle drill with the L1A1 SLR, although it may be conducted using the Austeyr F88, the Standard Individual Weapon of the Australian Defence Force (often issued the F88I Submodel – meaning innocuous). It covers all movements including basic rifle movements (shoulder arms, order arms, present arms, saluting with a rifle), rifle drill on the march, ceremonial rifle drill (rest on arms) and other movements such as Port Arms, High Port Arms and Recover Arms. Cadets who have completed all of DCE are able to act as Banner Escorts or Guard Members on ceremonial occasions.

Drill and Ceremonial – Promotional Training

Drill and Ceremonial JNCO (DCJ) – Completes drill to basic level at a higher standard and introduces prospective CCPLs to Command and Control (CC), a key element of that rank. There are also some theory components and candidates are taught how to act as a FLTSGT on a SQN daily parade. Assessment for DCJ consists of 50% PDA (Personal Drill Assessment) and 50% CC.

Drill and Ceremonial SNCO (DCS) – Perfects drill to an exceptional standard expected of a CSGT. This may include long times practising simple movements such as attention to stand at ease to ensure utter perfection. DCS consists of much theory and its main aim is to develop candidates as suitable instructors of elementary drill, through the instruction and practice of MI (Mutual Instruction) format. Rifle (F-88 Steyr) drill is learnt and candidates are also taught how to act as a FLTCDR on a SQN daily parade. DCS is the second-longest Drill subject, consisting of a total of 35 periods, in addition to daily parades and graduation parade practices on the SNCO promotion course. Assessment for DCS consists of 20% PDA, 10% CC, 60% MI and 10% TE (Theory Examination).

Drill and Ceremonial CWOFF (DCW) – Candidates are expected to already have consistently high standards of drill. DCW aims to provide a broad theoretical knowledge, perfect skills of drill instruction and assessment and impart the knowledge of how to plan, organise, manage and execute all parades. CWOFFs are taught to act as a Parade WOFF, often as well as Parade Commander. They are also expected to be able to instruct DC on a JNCO promotion course. DCW consists of much theory and almost all Drill movements in existence are practised and perfected. Candidates learn Rifle, Sword and Banner drill. Assessment for DCW consists of 20% PDA, 10% CC, 35% MI and 35% TE.

Drill and Ceremonial CUO (DCO) – DCO ensures that candidates have a high standard of drill relevant to the officer, but skills in drill instruction/assessment are not normally taught as on CWOFF course (although an elective MI exercise can be undertaken at discretion of course and detachment staff). DCO focuses on personal drill and command and control as well as imparting broad knowledge of RAAF ceremonial procedures, as CUOs are often appointed as Parade Commanders, Host Officers, Reviewing Officers, Banner Bearers, Guard Commanders etc. The course includes Rifle, Sword and Banner Drill and is much shorter than DC on SNCO/CWOFF, coming in at 21 periods. Assessment for DCO consists of 40% PDA, 40% CC and 20% TE. MI is not assessable on CUO course whether undertaken as an elective or not.

National Competitions

HQAAFC holds three National Competitions throughout the year, they are:

National Fieldcraft Competition (NFCC) – Held in April of each year at Puckapunyal Training Area in Victoria (Australia).

National Rifle Competition (NRC) – Held in September each year at various locations (such as Sydney International Shooting Centre).

National Aviation Competition (NAC) – (formerly known as NATFLY) Held in December (previously October) of each year on RAAF Bases around the country, both Power and Gliding competitions take place.

The International air Cadet Exchange (IACE) Program came into being in 1947 when Canada and the UK arranged a bi-lateral exchange of air cadets between the two countries.

Over the next few years the scheme was adopted by the USA and several European countries. It now has a membership of some 20 nations around the world including, in this region, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Hong Kong and Singapore. The mandate of the association is to encourage international understanding, co-operation and goodwill between young people from many different ethnic and cultural backgrounds, with a central theme of aviation.

This exchange, involving several hundred participants, takes place over 2–3 weeks in July/August each year. Many long-term friendships have been made during IACE visits which are often described as the highlight of a cadet's career.

The AAFC currently exchanges with the following countries:

United States

Canada

United Kingdom

Hong Kong

Singapore

New Zealand

France

Republic of Korea (second year)

Netherlands

Outbound

Each year up to 35 cadets and staff (escorts) are selected to represent the AAFC on various overseas visits. The people chosen act as ambassadors for Australia and the AAFC.

Once exchange members are met at the designated entry city, they are the guests of the host organisation which will provide all accommodation, food and travel during the course of the program. The itinerary will give visitors the experience of places and cultural events not usually available to ordinary tourists (such as visits to military facilities).

Inbound

Australia hosts a reciprocal visit each year from the air cadet organisations the AAFC visits. HQAAFC organises the event and, in addition to the visitors, a cadet from each of the other Wings is selected to attend. These tours are great fun with visits to such places as Canberra (including the Australian Defence Force Academy and the Australian War Memorial), Australia Zoo, Gold Coast, Brisbane, Blue Mountains, Sydney Harbour, and local defence bases (which often include the opportunity to fly in Service Aircraft).

Memorials

Australia's only memorial to Australian Air Force Cadets occupies a prominent position on the grounds of St John's Ashfield, and a memorial service attended by the Cadets has been held annually since it was opened by the State Governor Lieutenant General John Northcott in 1946. It was built by Squadron Leader Arthur Whitehurst who had commanded a squadron at Ashfield during the period 1941–1946, and whose son Douglas Arthur Whitehurst had died in action in World War II.