Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the most common questions we are asked for people who are looking to join the squadron. If you have any other questions please feel free to contact us!
01 How old do you need to be to join?
You can join when you're either 13 years old, or 12 years old if you're already in S1 at school. The latest age you can join is before your 17th birthday.
02 Are cadets committed/expected to join the military?
Absolutely not! Although we are run along military lines and are sponsored by the RAF, cadets have no obligation to subsequently join the armed forces. However, if you do have a forces career in mind, the Air Cadets will give you invaluable experience and skills that will help your application.
03 When and where does the squadron meet?
The squadron meets twice a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 19:00 and 21:30. We meet at the Cadet Centre on Beardmore Street in Dalmuir. Check the contact us section of this website for a map of where we are!
04 How much does it cost?
Cadets must pay a subscription fee of £12 a month. This sum can be paid monthly and cheques are accepted and preferred. This fee enables us to provide a fantastic range of activities at a low cost. The first 2 weeks a cadet attends they do not need to pay this subscription fee.
05 Do I need to buy the cadet uniform?
The ACO is a military youth organization affiliated to the Royal Air Force and therefore cadets wear the same uniform as regular RAF personnel. The blue Air Cadet Uniform is Issued free of charge, although you will have to buy your parade shoes. You will have to look after your uniform too and will learn as part of the training syllabus. The green DPM uniform will also be supplied free of charge although again cadets may need to buy boots.
06 How much time do I need to commit?
Each Parade night lasts two hours and 30mins from 19:00 to 21:30hrs. This gives you plenty of time to complete homework and to deal with other commitments as many of our cadets take part in other activities. We accept that around school exam time cadets may not be able to attend every night and as long as they tell a member of staff that is fine. There is often a wide variety of activities that cadets can take part in during weekends.
07 Who leads and supervises cadets?
All squadrons are commanded by an Officer of the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve (Training Branch) who is assisted by Adult Non-Commissioned Officers and Civilian Instructors. All staff have had criminal records checks to work with young people and are fully qualified in the activities they're involved in.
Got another burning question? Contact us and we will get back to you ASAP!