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The Air Cadet Organization
The Air Cadet Organization (ACO) is a national
youth organization sponsored by the Royal Air Force in the UK. Membership
is open to young people aged between 13 and 22 years, inclusive.
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The ACO comprises: |
The ATC and CCF(RAF) share many similarities
but there are a number of differences in structure, training programmes,
recruitment etc. You will be able to find specific information about each
of these by clicking their respective Crests throughout this site.
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The Aims of the Air Cadet Organization are: To promote and encourage among young people a practical interest in aviation and the Royal Air Force. To provide training which will be useful in the Services and civilian life. To foster the spirit of adventure and develop qualities of leadership and good citizenship. |
The "Air Cadets" provides the opportunity for members to take part in a huge and diverse range of exciting and challenging activities. Many are organized at National and Regional level, many others take place locally at Wing and Squadron levels.
If your interest is in Flying, Sports, Adventure Training, Camping, Engineering, Shooting, Drill, Music, Watersports, Abseiling, Overseas Travel… (the list is a VERY long one!) you will find out about these and much more by looking around this site - they are all activities provided by the ATC and CCF(RAF).
Many of the competitive elements could see you competing at International level. There is also a very important social aspect too - you will get to meet and make a lot of new friends.
The ACO develops personal qualities and a sense of community and citizenship valued by employers, both military and civil.
As a Cadet you will discover this is great FUN!!
A very large percentage of serving members of the Royal Air Force were air cadets. Although the ACO is not a recruiting organization, 41% of Officer and 51% of all Aircrew (including pilots, navigators, air electronics operators, air engineers and air loadmasters) recruits into the Royal Air Force are ex-air cadets. If you are looking for a Service career, membership will help give you a head start. Research has shown that ex-cadets do better in basic training and stay in the Service longer than their colleagues without the benefit of cadet membership.
The greater success rates and contribution towards recruitment, along with the personnel support role (eg at airshows etc) save the Royal Air Force an estimated £11.1m per year.
Structure of the ACO
| Ministry of Defence | ||
| Defence Council | ||
| Air Cadet Council (inc Chaplains Committee) |
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| RAF Personnel and Training Command | ||
| Headquarters Air Cadets | ||
| Regional Headquarters | Regional Councils (inc Regional Chaplains) |
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| Wing Headquarters | Wing Civilian Committees (inc Wing Chaplains) |
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| Squadrons | Squadron Civilian Committees (inc Squadron Chaplain) |
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| Detached Flights |
[ ACO Introduction | HQ
Air Cadets ]
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and Safety | ACO History ]
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