Australian Air Force Cadets facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Australian Air Force Cadets
Founded	February 1941; 84 years ago (1941-02)
Country	Australia
Allegiance	HM The King
Role	Volunteer youth organisation
Size	Cadets: 9,000+ (April 2023) Number of squadrons: ~144 Adult Volunteers: ~1,200
Part of	Australian Defence Force Cadets
Headquarters	Headquarters Australian Air Force Cadets Building F4, level 2 28 Scherger Drive Fairbairn ACT 2610
Motto(s)	Inspiring today, leading tomorrow
Commanders
Director General Cadets – Air Force	Air Commodore Craig Heap
Commander – Australian Air Force Cadets	Group Captain (AAFC) Stephen Johns

The Australian Air Force Cadets (AAFC) is a youth group funded by the Australian Government. It was known as the Air Training Corps (AIRTC) until 2001. The AAFC is linked to the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). It is part of the Australian Defence Force Cadets, along with the Australian Army Cadets (AAC) and the Australian Navy Cadets (ANC).

What the AAFC is About

The main goal of the Australian Air Force Cadets is to help young people become better members of their community. It teaches them to be leaders, to take initiative, to be disciplined, and to be loyal. This is done through training that also makes them interested in the Royal Australian Air Force.

The training program aims to:

• Teach cadets about the Air Force and its rules.
• Help them develop leadership, initiative, and self-reliance.
• Build good character and teach them to be good citizens.
• Encourage interest in the Royal Australian Air Force and flying.
• Teach them about the history of aviation.
• Inspire them to stay involved in aviation as adults.

AAFC Uniforms

For many years, the AAFC used different versions of a camouflage uniform. This uniform had special rank slides with "AAFC" written in blue or white. This showed if someone was a cadet or a staff member. This camouflage uniform was worn for regular weekly parades.

The Service Dress Air Force Blue (SD) uniform is worn for special events and ceremonies. Adult instructors and officers can wear their SD uniforms with RAAF jackets. Cadets can also buy an SD jacket if they wish. Senior cadets, like Cadet Under Officers and Cadet Warrant Officers, can wear the RAAF peaked cap. Most cadets and staff wear a khaki felt hat. Staff members can also get a RAAF peaked cap or Garrison Cap.

Since early 2021, the AAFC has been giving out the General Purpose Uniform (GPU). This is the same uniform currently used by the RAAF. Cadets and staff get GPUs and a RAAF multi-purpose jacket. They can wear these with their khaki felt hat or an Air Force Cadets baseball cap. The AAFC stopped giving out the old camouflage uniform in 2021. AAFC members also get a squadron patch. These patches usually have a blue background and symbols that show their location.

AAFC Ranks

The ranks in the Australian Air Force Cadets are very similar to those in the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). To tell them apart, AAFC cadet ranks have a light blue ribbon at the bottom of their rank slide. This ribbon is 1 cm wide and has 'AAFC' written on it. Adult AAFC members have a white bar with 'AAFC' on their rank slides. When written, adult ranks are followed by (AAFC) to show they are not RAAF members. Cadet ranks are prefixed with 'C' (e.g., CPL for Cadet Corporal).

When you first join the AAFC, you are a Cadet. After finishing certain training, you can become a Leading Cadet. To get higher ranks, cadets complete two-week training courses. They also need to have been in their current rank for a certain time and be old enough. Their Commanding Officer must also recommend them for promotion.

ADFC Cadets	CDT 9 (Special Grade)		CDT 8	CDT 7		CDT 6		CDT 5	CDT 4	CDT 3	CDT 2	CDT 1	CDT (R)
Australian Air Force Cadets	No equivalent									No equivalent			No insignia
			Cadet Under Officer	Cadet Warrant Officer		Cadet Flight Sergeant		Cadet Sergeant	Cadet Corporal		Leading Cadet	Cadet	Cadet Recruit
			CUO	CWOFF		CFSGT		CSGT	CCPL		LCDT	CDT	CDTRCT

• Recruit (RCT) is not an official rank. It refers to new cadets who have not yet finished their first training stage.

Instructor Ranks

These are the ranks for adult instructors (Instructor of Cadets – IOC).

Instructor Ranks of the AAFC (Instructor of Cadets – IOC)

Insignia
Rank	Warrant Officer (AAFC)	Flight Sergeant (AAFC)		Sergeant (AAFC)	Corporal (AAFC)		Leading Aircraftman Leading Aircraftwoman (AAFC)	Aircraftman Aircraftwoman (AAFC)
Abbreviation	WOFF(AAFC)	FSGT(AAFC)		SGT(AAFC)	CPL(AAFC)		LAC/W(AAFC)	AC/W(AAFC)

Officer Ranks

These are the ranks for adult officers (Officer of Cadets – OOC).

Officer Ranks of the AAFC (Officer of Cadets – OOC)

Insignia
Rank	Group Captain (AAFC)	Wing Commander (AAFC)	Squadron Leader (AAFC)	Flight Lieutenant (AAFC)	Flying Officer (AAFC)	Pilot Officer (AAFC)
Abbreviation	GPCAPT(AAFC)	WGCDR(AAFC)	SQNLDR(AAFC)	FLTLT(AAFC)	FLGOFF(AAFC)	PLTOFF(AAFC)

Cadet Ranks

Junior Cadet Ranks

The lowest cadet ranks are Cadet (CDT) and Leading Cadet (LCDT). New cadets are often called Recruits (RCT).

Cadets start as Recruits (CDT) and learn basic skills. This includes drill, teamwork, and fieldcraft. This stage usually takes about six months. After finishing, cadets start the Basic Stage. Once they complete Basic Stage, they can become a Leading Cadet (LCDT). A Leading Cadet wears a single inverted chevron on their uniform.

Cadet Non-Commissioned Officer (CNCO) Ranks

These ranks include Cadet Corporal (CCPL), Cadet Sergeant (CSGT), Cadet Flight Sergeant (CFSGT), and Cadet Warrant Officer (CWOFF).

Cadet Junior Non-Commissioned Officer (CJNCO) Ranks

Leading Cadets can apply to become Junior Non-Commissioned Officers. If their Commanding Officer approves, they attend a Personal Development and Leadership Course. These courses usually last 4-7 days and are held at a RAAF base. If a cadet does well, they are recommended for promotion to Cadet Corporal (CCPL).

Cadet Senior Non-Commissioned Officer (CSNCO) Ranks

Cadet Corporals can apply for Senior Non-Commissioned Officer courses. They must have been a CCPL for at least six months. These courses are also 4-7 days long and are more challenging. If recommended, they can be promoted to Cadet Sergeant (CSGT).

After six months as a CSGT, a cadet can be promoted to Cadet Flight Sergeant (CFSGT). This promotion does not require another course. CFSGTs often help with planning activities and organizing the squadron.

Cadet Warrant Officers (CWOFF) and Cadet Under Officers (CUO)

CWOFF and CUO are the two highest cadet ranks. They come with more duties and privileges. To attend a CWOFF course, a cadet must be a CSGT or CFSGT. These courses focus on leadership, supervision, morale, and discipline. They also cover drill and service rules.

Cadets promoted to CWOFF are called "Sir," "Ma'am," or "Warrant Officer." For example, "Warrant Officer Bloggs."

To attend a CUO course, a cadet must be a senior NCO. CUO courses also run for 7-9 days at a RAAF base. The rank of CUO is the highest a cadet can reach. It prepares them for officer roles. The course focuses on leadership and management.

CUOs are saluted and addressed as "Sir" or "Ma'am" by all cadets below their rank.

Cadet Training Stages

Cadets go through five training stages during their time in the AAFC.

Insignia of Training Phases

Phase	Insignia
Cadet Recruit	No insignia
Basic	Passing Basic will grant 1 Chevron and being Reclassified to Leading Cadet.
Proficiency	Three-bladed propeller badge for wear on Service Dress
Advanced	Four-bladed propeller badge for Service Dress
Qualified	Silver Eagle badge for Service dress, replaces both Prof and Advanced badges

The "propeller" is a small, round gold pin with a blue propeller symbol. It is worn on the right breast pocket of the Service Dress uniform.

Adult Staff Promotion

People can join as an Instructor of Cadets (IOC) at age 18 or an Officer of Cadets (OOC) at age 19. Most start as an IOC. It's suggested that former cadets wait at least 12 months before returning as staff.

New staff members usually start as Aircraftman/Aircraftwoman (AAFC). If they were a Cadet Warrant Officer or Cadet Under Officer within the last five years, they might start as Leading Aircraftman/Aircraftwoman (AAFC). Former Australian Defence Force (ADF) members might start at higher ranks based on their previous service.

Promotion for staff is less frequent than for cadets. There is no upper age limit for staff. Generally, staff need to be in a rank for three years before being promoted. However, some early promotions (like AC/ACW to LAC/LACW) can happen after one or two years.

Awards and Badges

Cadets and staff can earn various awards and badges for their service and achievements.

Award	Staff	Cadet	Years service	Notes
Australian Cadet Forces Service Medal	All ranks	N/A	15 Years Continuous service	Bar is awarded each five years after award
GST Completion Certificate	N/A	All ranks	N/A	Awarded after GST course completion
JNCO Completion Certificate	N/A	LCDT/CCPL	N/A	Awarded after JNCO course completion
SNCO Completion Certificate	N/A	CCPL/CSGT	N/A	Awarded after SNCO course completion
CWOFF Completion Certificate	N/A	CSGT/CFSGT/CWOFF	N/A	Awarded after CWOFF course completion
Marksmanship Badge "Crossed Rifles"	All ranks	All ranks above Cadet	1 Year service	Awarded to Cadets who achieve an average score of 85% or higher at a Wing or National shooting competition. This comes in the form of two crossed Enfields
CUO Completion Certificate	N/A	CSGT/CFSGT/CWOFF/CUO	N/A	Awarded after CUO course completion
Firearms Proficiency Badge "Single Rifle"	All ranks	All ranks	N/A	Awarded to Cadets who have been passed the firearms training elective (FTE) having fired at least 45 rounds
Silver Steyr Badge	All ranks	All ranks above Cadet	N/A	Awarded to Cadets who have completed the ADF F88 course
Golden Steyr Badge	All ranks	All ranks above Cadet	N/A	Awarded to Cadets who qualify as marksman on the ADF F88
Band Badge	All ranks	All ranks	N/A	Awarded to Cadets who have worked on at least 75% of official band parades
Adventure Training Badge	All ranks	All ranks	N/A	Awarded to cadets who have completed the Adventure Training Award
Individual Proficiency badge	All ranks	All ranks	1 year of service, requalifying every year	Awarded annually to a Cadet, OOC/IOC who meets criteria based on Personal Standard, Active Program Participation, Personal and Organisational Development and Community or Public Ceremonial Activities
First Solo Badge	All ranks	All ranks	2 Years service	Awarded to cadets who have completed a solo flight either powered or glider
General Flying Proficiency Test Badge	All ranks	All ranks	2 Years service	Awarded to cadets who have obtained an FAI "C" certificate for gliding
AAFC Wing Badge	All ranks	All ranks	2 Years service	Awarded to cadets who hold a CPL or an AEI qualification for gliding
Three Bladed Prop	N/A	All ranks above LCDT	2 Years service	Awarded to cadets who complete their proficiency stage training
Four Bladed Prop	N/A	All ranks above LCDT	3 Years service	Awarded to cadets who complete their advanced stage training
National Badge of the AAFC	All ranks	All ranks	N/A	Any cadet may wear this
Duke of Edinburgh Bronze	N/A	All ranks	N/A	Awarded to cadets who complete the Duke of Edinburgh program and qualify for bronze
Duke of Edinburgh Silver	N/A	All ranks	N/A	Awarded to cadets who complete the Duke of Edinburgh program and qualify for silver
Duke of Edinburgh Gold	N/A	All ranks	N/A	Awarded to cadets who complete the Duke of Edinburgh program and qualify for gold

How the AAFC is Organized

National Level

Headquarters

The overall AAFC organization is led by Headquarters AAFC (HQAAFC). This headquarters does not have one physical building. Its members are located all over Australia. The Commander – Australian Air Force Cadets (CDR-AAFC) is the only person with the rank of Group Captain (AAFC). The CDR-AAFC reports to the Director General Cadets – Air Force. This person is a RAAF Air Commodore.

Under HQAAFC are the Operational Wings and Directorates. Each is led by a Wing Commander (AAFC).

Position	Abbreviation	Current Incumbent
Commander – Australian Air Force Cadets	CDR-AAFC	GPCAPT(AAFC) Stephen Johns

Directorates

Directorates help the Operational Wings by providing support services. As of 2019, there are seven Directorates.

Directorate Name	Abbreviation	Director
Aviation Operations Wing	AOW	WGCDR(AAFC) Stephen Pepper
Corporate Services Directorate	CSD	SQNLDR(AAFC) Jay Anthony
Diversity Directorate	DIVD	Vacant – This group helps staff and cadets with social diversity issues.
Operations Directorate	OPSD
People and Culture Directorate	PCD	WGCDR(AAFC) Darren Banfield

Cadets Branch – Air Force (CB-AF)

This branch helps manage the cadet program within the Air Force.

Position	Abbreviation	Incumbent
Director General Cadets – Air Force	DGCADETS-AF	AIRCDRE Craig Heap AM, CSC
Deputy Director General Cadets – Air Force	DDGCADETS-AF
Director Ground Operations	DGNDOPS	GPCAPT Wayne Kelly OAM
Director Aviation Operations	DAVNOPS
Director Cadet Administration	DCDTADMIN	WGCDR Nigel Leurs
Coordination Manager	COORDMGR	APS Rob West
Deputy Director General Safety Operations Airworthiness	DDGSOA	GPCAPT Ian Watts
National Air Force Liaison Officer	NAFLO	SQNLDR Trevor Murphy
National Safety Manager	NSM	APS Glenn Roberts
Director Logistics	DLOG	APS Mal Leonard

Cadets can join from age 12, as long as they turn 13 that year. They must leave at the end of the year they turn 18.

Operational Wings

The AAFC is divided into eight "Wings" across Australia. Each Wing covers a different state or territory. Queensland has two Wings.

Operational Wing	Location
No. 1 Wing	Northern Queensland
No. 2 Wing	Southern Queensland
No. 3 Wing	New South Wales, including the Australian Capital Territory
No. 4 Wing	Victoria
No. 5 Wing	Tasmania
No. 6 Wing	South Australia
No. 7 Wing	Western Australia
No. 8 Wing	Northern Territory
Aviation Operations Wing	National
*The Aviation Operations Wing was created in late 2018 to bring together all aviation squadrons.

Each year, the Royal Australian Air Force gives out the "Australian Air Force Cadets – Air Force Trophy." The winning Wing gets to keep the AAFC National Banner for a year.

Operational Units

Each Wing has many units, called squadrons (SQNs) and flights (FLTs). Each unit has a 3-digit number. The first digit shows which Wing it belongs to. For example, 101 SQN is part of No. 1 Wing.

List of Operational Units

Squadron	Location
101 Squadron	Townsville
103 Squadron	Ingham
104 (City of Cairns) Squadron	Cairns
105 (City of Mackay) Squadron	Mackay
106 Squadron	Tablelands
107 Squadron	Innisfail
108 Squadron	Charters Towers
109 Squadron	Burdekin
110 Squadron	Bowen
111 Squadron	Mount Isa
112 Squadron	Weipa
202 Squadron	Daisy Hill
203 Squadron	East Brisbane
204 Squadron	Roma
205 Squadron	Gatton
207 (City of Nambour) Squadron	Nambour
208 Squadron	Amberly
209 Squadron	Oakey
210 Squadron	Toowoomba
212 (City of Redcliffe) Squadron	Rothwell
213 Squadron	Elanora
214 Squadron	Calamvale
215 Squadron	Carindale
216 Squadron	Maryborough
217 (City of Redland) Squadron	Capalaba
218 Squadron	Corinda
219 Squadron	Archerfield
220 Squadron	Clayfield
221 (City of Gold Coast) Squadron	Ashmore
222 Squadron	Coomera
223 Squadron	Caloundra
224 Squadron	Rothwell
225 Squadron	Ipswich
226 Squadron	Bray Park
227 Squadron	Rockhampton
228 Squadron	Bundaberg
229 Squadron	Yeppoon
230 Squadron	Springfield
232 Squadron	Robina
233 Squadron	Mountain Creek
234 Squadron	Caboolture
302 Squadron	Rockdale
303 (City of Camden) Squadron	Camden
304 Squadron	Pymble
305 (City of Northern Beaches) Squadron	Northern Beaches
306 Squadron	Darlinghurst
307 (City of Bankstown) Squadron	Lidcombe
308 (City of Maitland) Squadron	Maitland
309 Squadron	Holsworthy
310 (City of Tamworth) Squadron	Tamworth
311 (City of Gosford) Squadron	Gosford
312 Squadron	South Kempsey
313 (City of Dubbo) Squadron	Dubbo
314 (City of Wollongong) Squadron	Wollongong
315 (City of Canberra) Squadron	Canberra
316 (City of Lake Macquarie) Squadron	Lake Macquarie
317 (City of Taree) Squadron	Taree
318 (Shire of Sutherland) Squadron	Sutherland
319 Squadron	Inverell
321 (City of Newcastle) Squadron	Newcastle
322 (City of Ryde) Squadron	Ryde
323 (City of Blue Mountains) Squadron	Glenbrook
324 (City of Randwick) Squadron	Randwick
325 (City of Goulburn) Squadron	Goulburn
326 (City of Lismore) Squadron	Lismore
327 Squadron	Gungahlin
328 (City of Bathurst) Squadron	Bathurst
329 (City of Orange) Squadron	Orange
330 (City of Shoalhaven) Squadron	Shoalhaven
331 Squadron	Coffs Harbour
332 (City of Wagga Wagga) Squadron	Wagga Wagga
333 Squadron	Port Macquarie
334 Squadron	Harman
335 Squadron	Williamtown
336 Squadron	Richmond
337 Squadron	Armidale
338 (City of Shellharbour) Squadron	Shellharbour
339 Squadron	Moree
340 (City of Griffith) Squadron	Griffith
345 Squadron	Orchard Hills
346 Squadron	Canberra
401 Squadron	Surrey Hills
402 Squadron	Watsonia
403 Squadron	Beaconsfield
404 Squadron	Point Cook
405 Squadron	Sunshine
406 Squadron	Frankston South
407 Squadron	Moonee Ponds
408 Squadron	Ringwood East
409 (City of Sale) Squadron	Sale
410 Squadron	Bendigo
411 Squadron	Swan Hill
412 Squadron	Albury-Wodonga
413 Squadron	Warrnambool
414 Squadron	Richmond
415 Squadron	South Yarra
416 Squadron	Moonee Ponds
417 (City of Bayside) Squadron	Bayside
418 Squadron	Point Cook
419 Squadron	Shepparton
420 Squadron	Wangaratta
424 Squadron	Morwell
425 (City of Ballarat) Squadron	Ballarat
426 (City of Latrobe) Squadron	Traralgon
427 (City of Greater Geelong) Squadron	Greater Geelong
428 Squadron	Geelong
429 Squadron	Queenscliff
430 Squadron	Macedon Ranges
501 Squadron	Dowsings Point
502 Squadron	Hobart
507 Squadron	Devonport
508 (City of Launceston) Squadron	Launceston
601 Squadron	Keswick
602 Squadron	Woodside
603 Squadron	Berri
604 Squadron	Greenacres
605 Squadron	Lonsdale
608 (Town of Gawler) Squadron	Gawler
609 Squadron	Warradale
612 Squadron	Mount Gambier
613 Squadron	Edinburgh
614 (City of Port Pirie) Squadron	Port Pirie
617 Squadron	Keswick
620 Squadron	Port Adelaide-Enfield
622 Squadron	Murray Bridge
623 (City of Mildura) Squadron	Mildura
701 Squadron	Bullsbrook
702 Squadron	Cannington
703 (City of Fremantle) Squadron	Fremantle
704 (City of Wanneroo) Squadron	Madeley
705 (City of Albany) Squadron	Albany
707 Squadron	Mandurah
708 Squadron	Rockingham
709 (City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder) Squadron	Kalgoorie-Boulder
710 Squadron	Bunbury
711 (City of Greater Geraldton) Squadron	Greater Geraldton
712 (City of Belmont) Squadron	Belmont
713 Squadron	Cannington
714 Squadron	Karrakatta
715 (City of Belmont) Squadron	Belmont
721 Squadron	Madeley
723 Squadron	Joondalup
801 Squadron	Darwin
802 Squadron	Palmerston
803 Squadron	Katherine
804 Squadron	Alice Springs

Special Units

Each Wing also has special units for specific tasks. These include aviation training, logistics (supplies), firearms training, and music.

List of Special Units

Parent Wing	Squadron/Flight	Type
No. 1 Wing	100 Squadron	Aviation Training
	102 Flight	Firearms Training
	1LOG Flight	Logistics Flight
No. 2 Wing	200 Squadron	Aviation Training
	233 Flight	Ceremonial
	234 Flight	Fieldcraft and Firearms
	2LOG Flight	Logistics Flight
No. 3 Wing	300 Squadron	Support Squadron
	341 Flight	Aeromodelling Flight
	342 Flight	Fieldcraft & Adventure Training Flight
	343 Flight	Firearms Flight
	344 Flight	Musicians Flight
No. 4 Wing	400 Squadron	Specialist Training
	FCS Flight	Fieldcraft & Adventure Specialist Flight
	4LOG Flight	Logistics Flight
No. 5 Wing	500 Squadron	Support Squadron
	5LOG Flight	Logistics Flight
No. 6 Wing	600 Squadron	Aviation Training
	606 Flight	Band Flight
	616 Flight	Specialist Flight
	6LOG Flight	Logistics Flight
No. 7 Wing	716 Flight	Aviation Training
	717 Flight	Firearms Training
	718 Flight	Ceremonial
	719 Flight	Field Training
	720 Flight	Heritage & Aeromodelling
	7LOG Flight	Logistics Flight
No. 8 Wing	800 Squadron	Support Squadron
	8LOG Flight	Logistics Flight

The Aviation Operations Wing focuses on flying. It has Gliding Training Schools (GTS) and Elementary Flying Training Schools (EFTS) for powered flights.

List of Units in the Aviation Operations Wing

Type	Flight	Location
Gliding Training School	GTS Flight Balaklava	Balaklava
	GTS Flight Bathurst	Raglan
	GTS Flight Warwick	Warwick
Elementary Flying Training School	EFTS Flight Amberley	Amberley
	EFTS Flight Point Cook	Point Cook
	EFTS Flight Richmond	Richmond

AAFC Training Stages

Cadets go through five main training stages during their time in the AAFC. Each stage has different subjects to learn.

Cadet Recruit Stage

This is the first stage for new cadets. It teaches them the basic knowledge needed for AAFC activities. This stage usually takes two to six months. It includes at least one day of training.

Subjects include drill (marching), team building, and fieldcraft (outdoor skills).

Basic Stage

This stage builds on the basic knowledge. It helps cadets become good at most basic activities. Finishing this stage makes cadets eligible to become a Leading Cadet.

Subjects include aircraft recognition, drill, and fieldcraft.

Proficiency Stage

This stage usually takes one year to complete. It has three required subjects and three elective subjects.

Subjects include drill, aircraft recognition, fieldcraft, and survival skills.

Advanced Stage

This stage gives cadets more detailed knowledge about the RAAF and AAFC. It includes three required subjects and three other subjects.

Qualified Stage

To finish the Qualified Stage, cadets complete a mix of projects and elective subjects. Projects are big presentations, often about ADF or AAFC topics.

Cadets with squadron duties, like instructing or supervising, can count these duties as an elective.

Electives

Elective subjects offer a variety of skills. These include personal development, adventure training, aviation recognition, aircraft modelling, air navigation, air traffic control, field operations, fire safety, firearms training, life saving, meteorology, engineering, model rocketry, and radio communications.

AAFC RAAF Base Training

Cadets who show potential can apply for training held at active military bases.

General Service Training Camps (GST)

GST is a week-long course. It teaches cadets the basics of the RAAF. They get to experience minor military training. This course gives cadets a small idea of what life in the RAAF is like. There are usually two GSTs per Wing during school holidays.

Cadet Flying Training (CFT)

CFT involves training on powered aircraft. It can be held at civilian or military airfields. These courses usually last two to three weeks. For example, Elementary Flying Training School is held at RAAF Base Richmond. Cadets learn the basics of flying. They are trained to fly a solo circuit by the end of the course.

Personal Development and Leadership Courses

These courses teach cadets the skills needed for higher ranks. They are held at various military bases in Australia. Examples include RAAF Base Amberley and RAAF Base Richmond.

Drill and Ceremonial

AAFC training includes a lot of drill and ceremonial practice. This ranges from basic marching for new cadets to advanced banner and rifle drill for senior cadets. Every week, squadrons hold a "daily parade." All cadets take part. Senior cadets lead different parts of the parade.

Squadrons also hold "CO's Parades." These are usually once a month. Staff members join the parade, and the squadron is inspected by the Commanding Officer.

AAFC squadrons often take part in public ceremonies. This includes ANZAC Day, Remembrance Day, and Victory over Japan Day services. They might form guards or carry banners. Promotion course graduation parades are very important. These often involve days of practice. Senior RAAF officers often review these parades. Cadets might use Lee Enfields, L1a1 rifles, or F88 Austeyrs (the standard rifle of the Australian Defence Force) for these events.

Activities

Cadets can take part in many different activities:

• Home Training (regular squadron nights)
• Bivouacs (Bush Camps)
• Live Firearm Shooting
• WTSS training shoots
• Gliding and Powered Air Experience and Training
• General Service Training Camps
• Personal Development and Leadership Courses (PDLC)
• Parades and Marches
• Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (drones)
• Rocketry
• Aeromodelling (building and flying model aircraft)
• National Competitions
• International Air Cadet Exchange

National Competitions

HQAAFC holds three national competitions each year:

• National Fieldcraft Competition (NFCC) – Held yearly at different locations.
• National Rifle Competition (NRC) – Held in September each year at various shooting centers.
• National Aviation Competition (NAC) – Held in December at RAAF Bases. It includes both powered flight and gliding competitions.

In 2023, the AAFC also took part in the Chief of Army Cadets Team Challenge. This is an Australian Army Cadets competition.

Wing Competitions

Wings can also hold their own competitions. These are similar to national competitions. They can include Drill Competitions, Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) competitions, and shooting competitions.

International Air Cadet Exchange (IACE)

The International Air Cadet Exchange (IACE) Program started in 1947. It allows air cadets from different countries to visit each other.

The AAFC currently exchanges with these countries:

• United States
• Canada
• United Kingdom
• Hong Kong
• Singapore
• New Zealand
• France
• Republic of Korea
• Netherlands

Other Activities

Airshows Cadets can attend local airshows and military expos. For example, cadets from 6 Wing attended the 2019 Edinburgh Air Show.

Charities Cadets help local communities by assisting with charity events. This includes events like Relay For Life. They also donate to military support groups like Legacy.

Bivouacs AAFC units often go on camping trips called 'bivouacs'. These trips teach cadets fieldcraft, leadership, and teamwork. They can last from a weekend to a week.

Memorials

Australia has two memorials dedicated to the Australian Air Force Cadets. One is at St John's Ashfield. A memorial service is held there every year. It was built by Squadron Leader Arthur Whitehurst. His son died in World War II.

The second memorial is a plaque. It was unveiled in 1981. This was for the 40th anniversary of the Air Training Corps, the AAFC's earlier name. The plaque is near the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Victoria.

Many squadrons work with their local Returned and Services League (RSL) branch. They take part in local ceremonies like ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day marches.

Firearms

Currently in Use

• Cz452
• Cz453
• Cz455
• ZKM 452
• F88 (Used for ceremonies and in the F88 elective course)

Formerly Used

• Lee Enfield (retired 2011, still used for drill)
• Martini Cadet (retired in the 1970s)
• L1a1 (retired 2013, still used for drill)

Aircraft and Gliders

Powered Fixed Wing Aircraft

Aircraft	Variants	Origin	Role	Period of service
Diamond DA40 Diamond Star	DA-40NG	Austria	Four-seat light aircraft	2019–present
Piper PA-25 Pawnee	PA-25-235, PA-25-235A1	United States	Single-seat glider tug aircraft	2007–present

Past Powered Fixed-Wing Aircraft

Aircraft	Variants	Origin	Role	Period of service
Cessna 172 Skyhawk	172D Skyhawk	United States	Four-seat light utility aircraft	1981–?
Zlín Z 42	242L	Czechoslovakia	Two-seat pilot trainer aircraft	2002–2018
Beechcraft Baron	58 Baron	United States	Ground-based instructional airframe and simulator	2003–?
Grob G 109	G 109	Germany	Two-seat motor-glider aircraft	2006–?
Piper PA-38 Tomahawk	PA-38-112	United States	Two-seat pilot trainer, utility aircraft	2006–?
Scheibe Falke	SF-25C Falke	Germany	Two-seat motor-glider aircraft	2006–?

Gliders

Aircraft	Variants	Origin	Period of service
DG Flugzeugbau DG-1000	DG-1000S	Germany	2013–present

Past Gliders

Aircraft	Variants	Origin	Period of service
Grob G 103 Twin Astir	G.103	Germany	2018–
Grob G103a Twin II	G.103a Twin II	Germany	2010–2018
LET L-13 Blanik	L-13, L-13A1	Czechoslovakia	2010–2018
PZL Krosno KR-03 Puchatek	KR-03A	Poland	2006–2018
Schleicher ASK 13	ASK-13	Germany	2006–2018
Schleicher ASK-21	ASK-21, ASK-21Mi	Germany	2014–2018
Schleicher K7	K.7	Germany
Schleicher Ka 6	Ka.6CR	Germany	2010–2018
SZD-51 Junior	51-1 Junior	Poland

See Also

• Australian Army Cadets
• Australian Navy Cadets
• Australian Defence Force Cadets
• Air League Cadets
• Air Training Corps (UK)
• Civil Air Patrol
• New Zealand Air Training Corps
• Royal Canadian Air Cadets
• Cadets (youth program)