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Got questions about joining us? Find answers to the more commonly asked questions below. For anything not answered, please contact us.

When do you meet?

Monday and Wednesday evenings, 1855-2130 hours, and there's nearly always something going on at a weekend to get involved in. We're open every Monday and Wednesday of the year, excluding Bank Holidays, and we also have a break around Christmas time, but we're open throughout the rest of the year, including over school holidays.

How much time will I have to commit?

The more you put into being a cadet, the more you'll get out of it. For the first 3 months after joining, we cover the basic knowledge needed to be a cadet, so it's vital that you attend as much as possible so you don't miss out on anything. After that, ideally we'd like to see you every parade night, but we recognise that sometimes this isn't possible. You have exams to revise for, family to visit, might be unwell or a number of other things and that's fine. Throughout the year there are a number of events that we'll need maximum attendance at, such as fundraising weekends, Remembrance Day and other formal parades, but other events are down to you.

What will I get out of joining?

Meeting new people with similar interests from across Thames Valley, participating in activities like shooting, flying, fieldcraft, learning self-discipline, the opportunity to live on an RAF Station for a week learning how the RAF works, rewards and qualifications like being taught first aid, gaining your Bronze, Silver or Gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award, and most of all having fun!

Who can join?

Anyone between 13 and 17.5 can join us, male or female, of any nationality or religion, whether you're interested in a career in the Armed Forces or just want a hobby. You can then stay as a cadet until your 20th birthday.

How much does it cost?

The first 3 months of joining are free to you, but after that when you become enrolled it costs £8 of subscriptions per month. There is a discount if you pay 6-monthly or yearly. This covers insurance, entry into the BTEC in Aviation Studies and enrols you into the Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award. Other camps and courses do have a cost, but it is significantly cheaper than the equivalent school weekend. For example, a week on an RAF Station at summer camp costs £40 (not including spending money, but does include food, visits etc). In addition, we have the Civilian Committee, who act as trustees of money raised by the squadron and an application to them of financial hardship will see them either part funding or completely funding an event or helping with subscription payments.

Do I have to want to join the RAF?

No, you don't have to have any interest in joining any of the services at all.

What if I'm already a member of the CCF?

There is no problem with a cadet being a member of the CCF and ATC at the same time, where the CCF is compulsory at school.