Joining 1969 (Rossendale) Squadron
We're always on the look out for new cadets and adult volunteers and our recruitment process is open year round.
Joining our squadron couldn't be easier, simply pop in on one of our parade nights and speak to a member of staff (ideally with a parent/guardian). You'll be shown around our building and introduced to the cadets. Then if you want to stay and experience a night as a cadet you're parent/guardian can leave you with us and pick you up at 21:30.
If you like what you see, there's some essential paperwork to complete but there's nothing stopping you completing that straightaway and joining us officially on the next parade night!
We meet each Tuesday and Friday evening between 19:00 and 21:30.
Being an Air Cadet
Cadet life is all about challenge, excitement and adventure. Cadets have many opportunities including UK and overseas camps, leadership courses, air experience flights and pilot training. The focus is always on enjoying yourself while improving your skills.
Being an Air Cadet is a rewarding and fulfilling experience. You can join for however long you want. We’re not a recruiting organisation for the main RAF, so all the skills you learn and experiences you gain will benefit whatever career path you choose.
In fact, we champion other public services too! In 2024 our cadets visited the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service training and safety centre, the National Police Air Service Helicopter, the Greater Manchester Police officer safety training centre and the West Yorkshire Air Ambulance!
To be an Air Cadet you must be 13 years old, or 12 years old if you're already in year 8 in school. The latest you can join is before your 17th birthday. Most cadets leave when they're 20 years old and some stay involved as an adult volunteer.
Being an Adult Volunteer
We rely on Adult Volunteers to run our Squadron, and we're always on the look out for new people to help!
Whether you can offer one night a week, or want to help out full time, we have a job for you.
Our volunteers don’t get paid, but if you choose to progress to be an officer or non-commissioned officer you may be able to claim for volunteer allowance.
You do not need:
> A military background or experience
> Experience of working with young people
> Relevant skills like flying or gliding
To be a volunteer you need to:
> Be aged 20 years or more (Uniformed officers can serve up to age 65)
> Have lived in the UK for a minimum of 3 years
> Commit to a certain number of hours each week (around 12 hours a month)
> Understand young people and their needs
> Be patient, responsible and kind
> Have a good level of fitness, but by no means be an athlete
We know our volunteers may have families, jobs and hobbies, so we can be flexible and work around other areas of your lives. All we expect in return is clear communication, good organisation and commitment to your squadron.
As a Civilian Instructors we will provide you with a branded jumper and polo shirt and all the training you’ll require. There are opportunities to move up through the ranks as an officer or senior non-commissioned officer (SNCO). If you chose to go that route, we'll support and guide you through the process.
Joining Our Civilian Committee
In addition to our Volunteer Staff, the squadron also relies on our Volunteer Civilian Committee to oversee the squadron. Our Committee is mostly made up of Family and Friends of current and past Cadets, it's roles being to:
> Assist the Squadron Commander.
> Fundraising.
> Ensure the Squadron maintains direction.
We're always recruiting to our committee, and being a part of it requires just a couple of hours per quarter (more is appreciated but not essential).
Fundraising is essential to allow our Squadron to maintain the minibus, attend events and subsidise camps and subscriptions. It's thanks to our committee that we have been able to keep our monthly membership fee incredibly low.
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