Aims
The broad aim of the Australian Air Force Cadets is to better equip young people for community life by fostering initiative, leadership, discipline, and loyalty through a training program designed to stimulate an interest in the Royal Australian Air Force. The training program is structured to reflect the following objectives: * To give Cadets a foundation of Air Force knowledge and discipline; * To develop the qualities of leadership, initiative, and self-reliance; * To develop good character and good citizenship in the widest sense; * To develop an interest in the Royal Australian Air Force and aviation generally; * To instil a knowledge of the history of aviation; and * To encourage Cadets to continue an active interest in aviation into their adult life.AAFC activities
Cadets receive the opportunity to participate in a wide range of activities such as: * Home Training * Bivouacs (Bush Camps) * Australian Defence Force service rifles training * Gliding and Powered Air Experience and Training *Uniform
The AAFC, for the past few decades, had been using various versions of the Disruptive Pattern Camouflage Uniform (now replaced) in combination with the DPCU camouflage rank slide with the letters "AAFC" highlighted in blue or white to indicate a cadet or staff member. The DPCU was the standard uniform worn on weekly parades. The Air Force Blue (AFB) uniform is the uniform worn on ceremonial occasions. Instructor of Cadets (IOCs) and Officer of Cadets (OOCs) are permitted to wear their AFBs in combination with the RAAF Tunic or Dress Jacket if issued. A cadet may be issued with, or choose to purchase an SD Tunic under certain conditions. Cadet Under Officers and Cadet Warrant Officers may wear the RAAF Peaked Cap. The headdress worn by cadets and staff consists of the Hat Fur Felt - Khaki (HFF-K). Staff are also issued a RAAF peaked cap or RAAF Garrison Cap. From early 2021, the AAFC started to roll out the General Purpose Uniform (GPU), the current issued uniform of the RAAF. Cadets and Staff members have been issued GPUs and a RAAF multi-purpose jacket to be worn optionally with their HFF-K or unit baseball cap. The AAFC stopped issuing the DPU uniform from the start of 2021 in preparation to roll out the GPU. AAFC Personnel are issued their respective squadron patch, which typically contain a blue background with various symbols to represent the location that they are at and known for, with the exception of certain squadrons and special flight units.Ranks
The ranks of the Australian Air Force Cadets (AAFC) are closely based on the ranks of theCadet Ranks
Junior Cadet Ranks
Junior ranks comprise the ranks of Cadet (CDT) and Leading Cadet (LCDT) as well as the informal title of Recruit (RCT). Cadets join the AAFC as recruits at the rank of Cadet (CDT) and commence Cadet Recruit Stage training which comprises the subjects Drill and Ceremonial, Service Knowledge, and Fieldcraft. Cadet Recruit Stage may include a teambuilding weekend or training weekend. Recruits receive their uniforms sometime during Cadet Recruit Stage. Cadet Recruit Stage usually takes 6 months to complete. The PH299 'blue book' (a form of identification carried at all times by cadets) has been replaced as the form of cadet & staff identification by a Photo ID card issued to all Cadets & Staff annually and using the Blue Book to record training and activities has been replaced by the online CadetNet system. Upon completion of the Recruit Stage of training, CDTs begin Basic Stage. Basic Stage, on average, takes 6 months to fully complete. By completing Basic Stage, a cadet will begin Proficiency Stage and is eligible for reclassification to the rank of Leading Cadet (LCDT). A LCDT rank slide features a single invertedCadet Non-Commissioned Officer (CNCO) Ranks
Cadet Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) ranks are Cadet Corporal (CCPL), Cadet Sergeant (CSGT), Cadet Flight Sergeant (CFSGT) and Cadet Warrant Officer (CWOFF).= Cadet Junior Non-Commissioned Officer (CJNCO) Ranks
= Any LCDT can apply for the Junior Non-Commissioned Officer Course. A cadet's Commanding Officer (CO) reviews the LCDT's application, and, if successful, endorses their application. This allows the LCDT to attend a promotion course (held during school holidays) conducted by their parent wing. The Junior Non-Commissioned Officer (JNCO) courses generally last for 14 days and are held at a RAAF base, depending on availability. At the end of a promotion course, the course commander grades the LCDT as either recommended or not recommended for promotion to the rank of CCPL. If recommended for promotion, a CO should promote the LCDT to the rank of CCPL as soon as practicable.= Cadet Senior Non-Commissioned Officer (CSNCO) Ranks
= Any CCPL can apply for the Senior Non-Commissioned Officer Course but must have held that rank for a minimum of five months before being able to attend the promotion course. They go through much the same process, though more rigorous, as do prospective JNCOs. SNCO courses typically last for 14 days and are also held at a RAAF base, often concurrently with a JNCO course. Promotion is as for JNCOs. Having been recommended for promotion by the course commander, promotion is at the discretion of the CCPL's CO as soon as practicable. After six months as a CSGT, a cadet may be promoted to the rank of CFSGT by their CO. This does not require the CSGT to attend a wing promotion course. Many COs require their prospective CFSGTs to demonstrate the ability to lead a team of SNCOs. Often Cadet Flight Sergeants are treated as 'executive' members of the Squadron and are given duties to match (activity planning, squadron organisation etc.), along with Cadet Warrant Officers and Cadet Under Officers; although they are still distinctly a Cadet Senior Non-Commissioned Officer.Cadet Warrant Officers (CWOFF) and Cadet Under Officers (CUO)
A Cadet Warrant Officer (CWOFF) is the most senior of the NCO ranks but most squadrons consider this to be a "Senior Cadet" due to the privileges and responsibilities it has. In order to attend a CWOFF course, a cadet must be an SNCO and have completed their JNCO course not later than 16 months before the commencement of the CWOFF course. The CWOFF course generally lasts for 14 days as well and are conducted at a RAAF base. CWOFF courses conducted by the AAFC primarily cover leadership and supervision, particularly focusing on the maintenance of morale, cadet welfare and, discipline. Due to the role of a CWOFF often being that of the Squadron Warrant Officer, the course has a significant weighting towards Drill and Ceremonial and service protocol. Cadets promoted to the rank of CWOFF are addressed as Sir, Ma'am or Warrant Officer. Cadets, staff and defence personnel of a high rank generally will address the CWOFF by their rank and last name e.g. "Warrant Officer Bloggs", whilst subordinate ranks will address the CWOFF as Sir or Ma'am depending on their gender and, are too also allowed to address the CWOFF as "Warrant Officer Bloggs". The ranks of CWOFF and Cadet Under Officer (CUO) are usually considered to be senior cadet ranks due to the large increase of duties and privileges the two ranks have. In order to attend a CUO course, a cadet must be an SNCO and have completed their JNCO course not later than 16 months before the commencement of the CUO course. CUO courses usually run for 14 days, also at a RAAF base. The rank of CUO is the highest attainable by a cadet and is designed to give the cadet experience in the role of an officer. To this end, the course is heavy in leadership and management-related subjects in addition to the drill required to be an officer. CUOs are addressed by all cadets below their rank as Sir or Ma'am, as applicable, and are saluted.Rank Establishments
The AAFC has specific rank establishments depending on the strength of a squadron. This is to ensure a balance between leadership roles and subordinates members (especially to prevent a top-heavy squadron developing). As an exaggerated example, it would not be beneficial for a squadron of 40 cadets to have 39 CUOs and 1 CDT, nor would it be beneficial for it to have 20 CWOFFs, 10 CFSGTs and 10 CSGTs. Rather, that squadron ought to have 2 CUOs, 2 CWOFFs, 1 CFSGT, 3 CSGTs, 5 CCPLs and around 30 LCDTs/CDTs. The general standard is 1–4 NCOs and CUOs, This is not a rule of the AAFC but is rather a recommendation made to units. * Squadrons may not exceed the establishment for CUO and CWOFF positions. CUO positions do not cascade down to CWOFF positions if there are vacancies in the CUO numbers. * Squadrons may use vacancies in CFSGT and CSGT positions to cascade down to lower ranks to permit COs the option to fill vacancies in SNCO ranks with JNCOs. * Vacancies in rank cannot cascade upwards at any time. * This means that vacant CCPL positions remain that way at all times, and, for example, a squadron with an establishment for 75 cadets that have only 3 CSGTs could not assign those positions to CUO/CWOFF/CFSGT rank but could assign them to allow for more CCPLs. * Since the introduction of CadetNet as the AAFC's primary management system there is no limit imposed by CEA on rank establishments however the establishment is still followed by most COs.Cadet Phases of Training
A cadet progresses through five phases of training during their cadet career. ''Propeller'' refers to a round gold pin with a propeller-blade symbol printed in service blue, worn centrally of the right breast pocket flap above the button.Staff Promotion
A person may be enrolled as an Instructor of Cadets (IOC) at the age of 18 and as an Officer of Cadets (OOC) at the age of 19, though most begin their career as an IOC. Ex-cadets are recommended to wait a minimum of 12 months before returning as a staff member. Upon appointment as an IOC, the staff member is normally given the rank of AC/ACW(AAFC). Any new staff members who were a cadet and held the rank of Cadet Warrant Officer or Cadet Under Officer, within the last 5 years, are eligible for the rank of LAC/LACW(AAFC). Ex-ADF members may also be appointed at higher ranks than AC/ACW(AAFC), to recognise their previous rank/service in the ADF. Current ADF members may also be appointed at different ranks, as no member is permitted to have dual mess status (i.e. may only be permitted to eat/sleep in ONE of the Airmens' Mess, Sergeants' Mess or Officers' Mess). * An ADF PTE(E)-CPL(E) can only be an AAFC AC(AAFC)-CPL(AAFC) * An ADF SGT(E)-WO1(E) can only be an AAFC SGT(AAFC)-WOFF(AAFC) * An ADF officer can only be an AAFC officer * Since the ranks WOFF(AAFC), SQNLDR(AAFC), WGCDR(AAFC) and GPCAPT(AAFC) are not substantive ranks in the AAFC, senior airmen and senior/air officers may only be given the highest substantive rank of FSGT(AAFC) or FLTLT(AAFC) unless the member also holds a senior airmen/officer appointment. AAFC staff members who join the ADF may have their rank changed to fit these criteria. This may include reversion in rank (e.g. PLTOFF or FSGT to CPL) or "promotion" (e.g. LAC or SGT to PLTOFF). The promotion to a commissioned officer rank is not automatic – the member is terminated as an instructor, and their application for an officer appointment is assessed. AAFC staff in the ADF do not need to have exactly the same rank in both the ADF and AAFC; their ranks are just required to adhere to the above criteria. Promotion is less frequent than that of cadets, as there is no upper age limit for staff. The minimum time in rank requirements between promotions is three years, with the exception of promotion from AC/ACW(AAFC) to LAC/LACW(AAFC), LAC/LACW(AAFC) to CPL(AAFC) or from PLTOFF(AAFC) to FLGOFF(AAFC) in addition to other staff training requirements. The minimum time in rank requirement for AC/ACW(AAFC) to LAC/LACW(AAFC) is one year; from LAC/LACW(AAFC) to CPL(AAFC) is two years; and from PLTOFF(AAFC) to FLGOFF(AAFC) is two years; and from FLGOFF(AAFC) to FLTLT(AAFC) is three years.Awards/Badges/Medals
Organisation
National Level
Headquarters
The AAFC organisation as a whole falls under the command of Headquarters AAFC (HQAAFC). HQAAFC has no physical location as it is made up of members from around the country. The only person to hold the rank of Group Captain (AAFC) (GPCAPT(AAFC)) is the Commander – Australian Air Force Cadets (CDR-AAFC). The CDR-AAFC reports to the Director General Cadets – Air Force, a member of the RAAF who holds the rank of Air Commodore, who reports to the RAAFDirectorates
Directorates perform a service support function to Operational Wings. As of 1 January 2019, there are 7 Directorates under the announced Headquarters AAFC restructure.Cadets Branch – Air Force (CB-AF)
Cadets can join from when they are 12, ensuring they're turning 13 that year and must leave (age out) at the end of the calendar year they turn 18.Operational Wings
Each year theOperational Units
Each Wing contains a number of different units (squadrons (SQNs), and flights (FLTs)). Each unit is given a 3-digit number with the first digit representing their parent wing. For example, it can be told just by looking at the squadron number that 101 SQN is part of No. 1 Wing.Special Units
In each wing, there are also special units that perform specialised duties such as aviation training, logistics, firearms training, and music. The Aviation Operations Wing (sometimes unofficially referred to as "9 Wing") is a wing for aviation operations. Its flights fall under two categories: Gliding Training School (GTS) for gliding experiences and Elementary Flying Training School (EFTS) for powered flights. They are as follows:Wing Cadet Reference Group
* Role of the Cadet Reference Group: ''The role of the CRG is to provide a forum where cadets within SQNs can provide feedback on matters that affect them and can receive information being passed down from OCs and COs. The CRG should contribute to the management decisions within its SQN and Wing by providing a cadets’ perspective to their CO or OC, through their nominated representative, when the leadership team is considering issues that directly impact on cadets.'' * The Cadet Reference Group (CRG) is a cadet body within the Australian Air Force Cadets (AAFC) established to represent the views of AAFC Cadets to the strategic level of management. * There should be two representatives from each Squadron (flights do not have any representatives), a Cadet Reference Group Representative (CRGREP) and an Assistant Cadet Reference Group Representative (ASSTCRGREP). * Senior Cadets (CUO & CWOFF), and Cadet Senior Non-Commissioned Officers (CSNCO) – CWOFF, CFSGT & CSGT – will normally fulfil the CRGREP role for their Squadron whilst a CCPL to CDT would fulfill the ASSTCRGREP role. * The Squadron CRGREPs & ASSTCRGREPs report to their Wing CRG Executive (Chairman Wing Cadet Reference Group WCRG& Deputy chairman Wing Cadet Reference Group CWCRG. 2 & 3 Wings are broken down into regions: North, South, West & Metro(3 Wing). In these regions CRGREPs & ASSTCRGREPs report to their respective Regional Representatives who in turn report to their Wing's CRG Executive. * The Wing CRG chairman is responsible for providing representation to the management of the Wing by reporting to the Wing Officer Commanding, in some wings the CRG.Command and structure
The AAFC organisation as a whole falls under the command of Headquarters AAFC (HQAAFC). HQAAFC has no physical location as it is made up of members from around the country. The only person to hold the rank of Group Captain (AAFC) is the Commander of the Australian Air Force Cadets (CDR-AAFC). The CDR-AAFC reports to the Director General Cadets – Air Force, a member of the RAAF who holds the rank of Air Commodore, and in turn reports to the RAAF chain of command. Under HQAAFC are the Operational Wings and Directorates, each headed by a WGCDR(AAFC) who holds the appointment of Officer Commanding (OC) or Director respectively. Cadet squadrons only exist within the Operational Wings. They report to the Operational Wing Officer Commanding (often through an Executive Officer) and are commanded by a Commanding Officer. A squadron Commanding Officer (CO) will hold the rank of PLTOFF(AAFC), FLGOFF(AAFC) or FLTLT(AAFC) unless the officer holds another appointment which entitles them to a more senior rank, some squadrons are commanded by a WOFF(AAFC). There are 8 Operational Wings for all states and territories, however, the state of Queensland is divided into two Wings. There are also eight directorates to serve a support function for operational wings: Aviation Operations Directorate (AOD), Corporate Services Directorate (CSD), Diversity Directorate (DIVD), People and Culture Directorate (PCD), Operations Directorate (OPSD), Safety Directorate (SAFD), Training Directorate (TD). As of 1 April 2005, a Squadron's establishment no longer justifies a CO to hold the rank of SQNLDR(AAFC) rank. However, it is still possible to have a CO of SQNLDR(AAFC) or even WGCDR(AAFC) rank, but only if that CO holds a wing or national position e.g. Officer Commanding, Director, Staff Officer or deputy director position in Wing or National HQ in addition to their appointment as a Squadron CO. There are a number of key appointments within Wing Headquarters, including; There are also a large number of other positions such as Administration Officer, Psychologist, Chaplain and various other training and administrative appointments. Larger Wings may have more executive and other appointments. Each Wing has an Air Force Liaison Officer (AFLO), a RAAF officer (often a reservist) who is responsible for all activities requiring RAAF support for that region, amongst other duties. Airmen/women and junior officers are posted to an individual squadron (as per a squadron's size) as instructors of cadets (IOC) and officers of cadets (OOC). The AAFC incorporates a National Cadet Reference Group, comprising eight Wing Chairs under the direction and leadership of a Chairman of the NCRG and Deputy Chairman of the NCRG. This is the peak representative and advisory body acting on behalf of the cadets to the higher echelons of the organisation. The chairman is a default member of several groups through virtue of their appointment including the tri-service Cadet Consultative Forum, the AAFC Executive Council and the National Council among others.AAFC Home Training
There are five stages of AAFC Home Training, each Training Stage has a number of subjects.Cadet Recruit stage
This training stage is designed to give cadets fundamental knowledge required to participate in AAFC Home Parades and Activities. The course should take between two and six months and should include at least one weekend of training. Subjects in the Cadet Recruit Stage include drill, team building, and fieldcraft.Basic stage
This training stage is designed to take a cadet with fundamental knowledge and build on this to the point where the cadet is proficient at most basic activities. Completion of this stage also makes cadets eligible for reclassification to the rank of Leading Cadet. Subjects in Basic Stage includeProficiency Stage
This training stage is designed to be completed one year. Proficiency Stage comprises three compulsory core subjects and three elective subjects. Subjects in Proficiency Stage include drill, aircraft recognition, fieldcraft, and survival skills.Advanced Stage
This stage of training is designed to provide cadets with extensive knowledge about the RAAF and the AAFC. Advanced Stage comprises three compulsory core subjects plus three other subjects.Qualified Stage
To complete Qualified Stage cadets are to complete a mix of Projects and Elective subjects. The mix of electives and projects may be: Qualified Stage cadets who have Squadron duties such as instructing, administration, or supervising junior cadets may have these duties recognised in lieu of elective subjects in the form of a generic subject labelled Squadron Management Elective. Projects are substantial multi-media presentations that may be individual or team efforts. Projects should be relevant to ADF or AAFC themes.Electives
Electives subjects include personal development, adventure training, aviation recognition, aircraft modelling, air navigation,AAFC RAAF Base Training
Every cadet that shows potential may apply for training held on active military bases.General Service Training Camps (GST)
GST training is a seven-day course that allows cadets to learn the basics of the RAAF and experience minor military training. This course primarily contains experience training at different RAAF units and lets cadets get a small understanding of what life in the RAAF is like.Powered Flight Training (PFT)
PFT can be held either on civilian or military-owned airfields and is usually held for two to three weeks. An example includes Elementary Flying Training School, which is held at a RAAF Base, such as RAAF Base Amberley on the Diamond DA40NG. These Cadets are trained on a variety of aircraft and are taught the basics of flight. They are trained to complete a solo circuit by the end of the course.Promotional Courses
During these courses, cadets are taught the qualities required of the rank they are attaining to. These courses vary and can be held in a multitude of military bases within Australia including Borneo Barracks, RAAF Base Amberley, RAAF Base Williams Laverton, RAAF Base Richmond, and RAAF Base Wagga.Drill and Ceremonial
AAFC training constitutes much Drill and Ceremonial training, ranging from basic static drill in recruit phase to advanced banner, Rifle and sword drill on officer courses. Each parade night a "squadron daily parade" is held (daily forMajor Activities
National Competitions
HQAAFC holds three National Competitions throughout the year, they are: * National Fieldcraft Competition (NFCC) – Held annually at various locations (such as Puckapunyal Training Area inWing Competitions
Wings may also hold their own competitions throughout the year and are similar to national competitions. This can include Drill Competitions, Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) competitions and a shooting competitions.International Air Cadet Exchange (IACE)
The International Air Cadet Exchange (IACE) Program came into being in 1947 when Canada and the UK arranged a bi-lateral exchange of air cadets between the two countries. The AAFC currently exchanges with the following countries: * United States * Canada * United Kingdom * Hong Kong * Singapore * New Zealand * France * Republic of Korea (second year) * NetherlandsMinor Activities
Airshows
Cadets are given the ability to appear at local airshows and military expos depending on location of the unit. For Example, 6 Wing (South Australia) sent many cadets to attend thCharities
Cadets assist local communities by holding and assisting in charity events, one such event including Relay for Life. These also consist of donations to military support organisations such as Legacy. Sometimes Senior Cadets plan these events.Bivouacs
AAFC units commonly partake in camping activities called 'bivouacs' and allow cadets to learn fieldcraft, leadership and teamwork prior to a promotional course. These can last from a weekend to a week.Memorials
Australia has two memorials to the Australian Air Force Cadets. The first occupies a prominent position on the grounds of St John's Ashfield, and a memorial service attended by the Cadets has been held annually since it was opened by the State Governor Lieutenant GeneralFirearms
Currently in use
* Cz452 * Cz453 * Cz455 * ZKM 452 * F88 (Only used in ceremonial activities)Formerly used
* Lee Enfield (retired 2011) (Still used during military drill) * Martini Cadet (retired in the 1970s) * L1a1 (retired 2013) (Still used during drill)Aircraft and Gliders
Powered Fixed Wing Aircraft
Past Powered Fixed-Wing Aircraft
Gliders
Obsolete gliders
See also
* Air League CadetsOther Australian Defence Force Cadets
* Australian Army Cadets * Australian Navy Cadets *Other Air Cadet organizations
*References
Bibliography
External links
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