Air Training Corps in Expansive Mode

The training programme will therefore reflect the following specific objectives: To give cadets a foundation of Air Force knowledge and discipline; to develop qualities of leadership and self-reliance; to develop character and good citizenship in the widest sense; to develop an interest in the RAAF and aviation generally; to instill a knowledge of the history of aviation; and to encourage cadets to continue an active interest in aviation into their adult life. Actually, around 70% of cadets continue on to apply for RAAF entry.

The Air Training Corps’ main purpose is thus to develop leadership qualities with young Australians between the ages of 13 and 18 years, while also fostering citizenship through supporting the local community.

Cadets train weekly at their respective Flights, be it a School Flight, on an RAAF establishment or otherwise. The training syllabus covers an array of subjects in aviation and outdoor activities. Practical applications are taught on bivouacs or camps. Every cadet has the opportunity to attend a camp or a promotional course held on an RAAF base during school holidays, at which time flying in service aircraft may be available.

Some of the subjects studied by cadets at Flight level are:

Aeronautical Knowledge, Aircraft Recognition, Aircraft Engineering, Navigation, Fieldcraft, Survival and Airweapons. There are also a variety of elective subjects which the cadet has to choose from.

The adult staff of the AIRTC are all volunteers, some of whom have served in or are presently members of the RAAF or other services. The suitability and qualifications of all staff are carefully vetted by senior AIRTC staff and the RAAF. Cadets who have achieved certain standards and therefore have been promoted to various cadet ranks are also assigned instructional duties by adult instructors at their respective flights.

The camps and courses available to cadets as previously mentioned are along the following lines:

• General Service Training Camp-which give cadets an insight into the day by day operation of the RAAF.

• Promotional Camp-these allow the cadets to gain the necessary qualifications to be promoted.

• Fieldcraft and Survival – on these camps the cadets put to test their initiative and the skills taught to them. Under supervision, their qualities are put to the real test by using mother nature to feed and shelter themselves if the need arises.

• Flying Camp – these are divided into two distinct groups: powered and gliding. Powered Flight – flying training is available in most squadrons and in some cases squadrons own and operate their own aircraft. The squadrons provide access to aircraft for cadet flying on camps during school holidays. Training is conducted for those cadets who are seriously considering possible careers in the military, civil aviation, or for recreational purposes. Gliding – some squadrons of the AIRTC own their own gliders and have training flights which are dedicated to providing instruction in this area. Like all facets of aviation depends on the individual skills of cadets as to how much they achieve in the time permitted on a camp. Cadets may progress to virtually any level they wish dependent on skill and time available with help of flying instructors within the AIRTC. Various awards consequently are earned by cadets appropriate to the level of flying attained.

Apart from the activities already mentioned, cadets may also travel abroad through the International Air Cadet Exchange Programme (IACE) and visit cadet units in other countries. Outstanding cadets are selected on individual achievements to participate in this programme.

The AIRTC raises most of its operating money at Flight level, this is usually achieved by the parents committee at the respective Flight. These funds enable Flights to purchase camping equipment and audio visual and other items deemed necessary.

The AIRTC is an excellent proving ground for Australian youth who wish to foster a career in the RAAF or the various areas of civil aviation. For those wishing to join the RAAF, there is no better place in which to gain an insight into service life and experience what it is like to live and work in an Air Force environment. A large number of AIRTC cadets have made the RMF their career and continue to provide extra assistance to the AIRTC