The Air Training Corps (ATC), predecessor to the Australian Air Force Cadets, was formed by the Australian War Cabinet in February 1941 as a cadet corps part of the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) reserves. The main aims of the force were to train young men from ages 16 to 18 to join the RAAF in the midst of World War II, and for young men to increase their "air knowledge" and interest in the RAAF. The personnel strength of the ATC peaked at 12000 cadets in training in 1943. [4]
Post-War Period and Brief Disbandment
After the end of World War II, the ATC was scaled down from the lack of demand of RAAF pilots by demobilisation, and its aims were changed for a peacetime role, for training cadets to eventually join the peacetime RAAF. [5]
In August 1975, the then Minister for Defence, Bill Morrison, announced that the three branches of cadet corps, Australian Cadet Corps, Sea Cadet Corps, and Air Training Corps would be disbanded from January 1976, based on the recommendations of the Millar Report of 1975. [6][7] However, in May 1976, the new Federal Government Minister for Administrative Services announced the re-formation of the Australian cadets movement, and the ATC acronym was renamed AIRTC. [8]
Post-disbandment to the modern Australian Air Force Cadets
In May 1982, the Minister for Defence announced the inclusion of girls in the AIRTC. [9]
In January 2000, based on recommendations from the Topley Review, a national Directorate of Defence Force Cadets was formed to administer cadet units. The following year, the separate state cadet organisations, with little consistencies in training, standards, or organisations, and were not managed under the Australian Defence Force, were administered under a national administration. The name of Air Training Corps was also then changed to Australian Air Force Cadets (AAFC). [10]
In 2005, the AAFC was re-organised into functional wings, supported by the RAAF. These wings and their boundaries remained mainly defined by political state lines, redirected for better service delivery and focus. [11]
Philosophy
Australian Air Force Cadets wearing the long-sleeved service dress; parading at the memorial outside St John's Ashfield
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: [12]
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.
Uniform
The AAFC uniform is near-identical to its parent organisation, using the RAAF General Purpose Uniform (GPU) and Service Dress (SD). Before the issuing of GPU uniform, the Disruptive Pattern Camouflage Uniform (DPCU) was used. The differences between AAFC and RAAF uniform are badges, shoulder biscuits, pocket tags, and rank slides, the former's being embroidered with a blue/white band with the acronym AAFC.
The Service Dress Air Force Blue (SD) uniform is the uniform worn on most ceremonial occasions. 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). Cadet Staff are also issued a RAAF peaked cap or RAAF Garrison Cap.
From early 2021, the AAFC superseded the DPCU uniform and replaced it with the General Purpose Uniform (GPU), the current issued uniform of the RAAF. 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 flights.
Training
Cadet Home Training
A cadet traditionally progresses through several phases of training throughout their cadet career. Standard training is on the fundamentals and development of military drill, aerospace, and skills on the field, whilst extension trainings, a prerequisite for progressing in rank, develop on leadership skills and concepts, as well as the aforementioned subjects in a leadership context. [13]
Cadet External Training
Cadet external training usually constitutes training on a Royal Australian Air Force establishment or a remote location for fieldcraft camps, usually done in conjunction with other units. These activities include General Service Trainings (GST) for cadets to learn about Defence and happenings on a RAAF airbase, Cadet Flying Trainings (CST) to train cadets in piloting various aircraft, and Fieldcraft camps to extend on core field skills training. [14][15]
Foot drill in the Australian Air Force Cadets
AAFC training constitutes much training on foot drill (mentioned as "Drill and Ceremonial"), ranging from basic "static" drill movements in initial phases to advanced banner, Rifle and sword drill with later stages.
AAFC squadrons often form guards and banner parties at Anzac/Remembrance Day/Victory in the Pacific Day/Vietnam Veterans Day services and other cadets will march on these parades. Promotion course graduation parades are very significant events, often requiring days of training. These parades will often be reviewed by a senior RAAF officer and consist of several squadrons/flights as well as colour parties. Ceremonial parades may include firearms, with Lee Enfields, L1A1 rifles, or innocious versions of the F88 Austeyr (abbreviated as the F88I), and swords for executives. Colour party members are often temporarily issued ceremonial equipment such as White cotton gloves, Banner Girdle (for Banner/Colour Bearer) or Sash (Banner/Colour Warrant Officer) and white belts. [citation needed]
Ranks
The ranks of the Australian Air Force Cadets (AAFC) are closely based on the ranks of the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). As such, a system of differentiation was required to distinguish members of the AAFC from those of the RAAF. This means that cadet ranks wear rank slides which are AFB (Air Force Blue) with an embroidered light blue ribbon, 1cm wide at the base of the rank slide with 'AAFC' in AFB embroidery. Adult members of the AAFC wear rank slides with an embroidered white bar that contains the letters AAFC in place of the light blue bar. When DPCU uniforms became standard issue, cadets and cadet staff would wear surplus Australian RAAF and Australian Army Rank slides. These would be replaced in 2014 with the "AAFC" styled DPCU rank slide. Adult ranks are also followed by the letters AAFC (in brackets) when written, to distinguish them from actual members of the RAAF. Cadet Non-Commissioned Officer ranks are prefixed with the letter C, to identify them as cadets and not adult staff or members of the RAAF.
Recruit (RCT) is not an official rank, but commonly refers to new cadets who have been enrolled but have not yet finished "Recruit Stage" Training.
Instructor Ranks of the AAFC (Instructor of Cadets – IOC)[17]
Insignia
Rank
Warrant Officer (AAFC)
Flight Sergeant (AAFC)
Sergeant (AAFC)
Corporal (AAFC)
Leading Aircraftman Leading Aircraftwoman (AAFC)
Aircraftman Aircraftwoman (AAFC)
Abbreviation
WOFF(AAFC)
FSGT(AAFC)
SGT(AAFC)
CPL(AAFC)
LAC/W(AAFC)
AC/W(AAFC)
Officer Ranks of the AAFC (Officer of Cadets – OOC)[17]
Insignia
Rank
Group Captain (AAFC)
Wing Commander (AAFC)
Squadron Leader (AAFC)
Flight Lieutenant (AAFC)
Flying Officer (AAFC)
Pilot Officer (AAFC)
Abbreviation
GPCAPT(AAFC)
WGCDR(AAFC)
SQNLDR(AAFC)
FLTLT(AAFC)
FLGOFF(AAFC)
PLTOFF(AAFC)
Rank Establishments
The AAFC has specific rank establishments and quotas 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 an explicit 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 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.
Awarded to cadets who have completed the Adventure Training Award
AAFC Staff may wear the ATA badge if they earned it as a cadet, however there is no option to be awarded the ATA badge as AAFC staff.
Individual Proficiency badge
All ranks
All ranks
1 year of service, requalifying every year
Awarded annually to a Cadet, OOC/IOC who meets criteria based on Personal Standard, Active Program Participation, Personal and Organisational Development and Community or Public Ceremonial Activities[18]
First Solo Badge
All ranks
All ranks
2 Years service
Awarded to cadets who have completed a solo flight either powered or glider[18]
General Flying Proficiency Test Badge
All ranks
All ranks
2 Years service
Awarded to cadets who have obtained an FAI "C" certificate for gliding[18]
AAFC Wing Badge
All ranks
All ranks
2 Years service
Awarded to cadets who hold a CPL or an AEI qualification for gliding[18]
Three Bladed Prop
N/A
All ranks above LCDT
2 Years service
Awarded to cadets who complete their proficiency stage training[18]
Four Bladed Prop
N/A
All ranks above LCDT
3 Years service
Awarded to cadets who complete their advanced stage training[18]
Awarded to cadets who complete the Duke of Edinburgh program and qualify for bronze[18]
Duke of Edinburgh Silver
N/A
All ranks
N/A
Awarded to cadets who complete the Duke of Edinburgh program and qualify for silver[18]
Duke of Edinburgh Gold
N/A
All ranks
N/A
Awarded to cadets who complete the Duke of Edinburgh program and qualify for gold[18]
Ellie Tibble Award
N/A
All ranks
N/A
Awarded to high-performing cadets representing the finest values and traditions of the organisation. [20]
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 RAAF chain of command.
Under HQAAFC are the Operational Wings and Directorates, each headed by a Wing Commander (WGCDR(AAFC)) who holds the appointment of Officer Commanding or Director respectively.
In 2015 the role of Warrant Officer of the AAFC was abandoned by a majority vote of National and Wing Executive. As a result of this more than 40% of AAFC staff, being Instructors of Cadets, are no longer represented at a national level by a staff member regarded as the most senior AAFC Instructor of Cadets. Airmen within the Wings are represented by the Wing Warrant Officer.
In late 2019 it was reported that the role of Warrant Officer of the AAFC was to be restored. However, as a result of COVID-19 restrictions, this did not occur. In the interim several past Senior officers of cadets re-enlisted and were appointed at ranks that would enable them to qualify to submit an application for the role.
Directorates
Directorates perform a service support function to Operational Wings. As of Jun 2020, there are 4 Directorates under the announced Headquarters AAFC Functional Groupings.
Directorate Name
Abbreviation
Director
Safety
DDS
Vacant
Cadet and Adult Development
DDCAD
WGCDR(AAFC) Tony Lee
People and Culture Directorate
DDPERS
WGCDR(AAFC) Paul Gregory
Strategy
DDS&T
WGCDR(AAFC) Dee Dorward
Cadets Branch – Air Force (CB-AF)
Position
Abbreviation
Incumbent
Director General Cadets – Air Force
DGCADETS-AF
AIRCDRE Craig Heap AM, CSC
Deputy Director General Cadets – Air Force
DDGCADETS-AF
GPCAPT Michel Devine
Director Ground Operations
DGNDOPS
GPCAPT Wayne Kelly OAM
Director Aviation Operations
DAVNOPS
GPCAPT Craig White
Director Cadet Administration
DCDTADMIN
WGCDR Nigel Leurs
Coordination Manager
COORDMGR
APS Rob West
Deputy Director General Safety Operations Airworthiness
DDGSOA
GPCAPT Ian Watts
National Air Force Liaison Officer
NAFLO
WGCDR Trevor Murphy
National Safety Manager
NSM
APS Glenn Roberts
Director Logistics
DLOG
APS Mal Leonard
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.
*The Aviation Operations Wing was created in late 2018 to unify all the aviation squadrons in each wing.
Each year the Royal Australian Air Force awards the "Australian Air Force Cadets – Air Force Trophy". The winner of the Air Force Trophy is honoured with the custodianship of the AAFC National Banner for the following year.
Operational 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.[22] Squadrons that have completed a freedom of entry parade have been granted permission to state their location when officially referring to their squadron. (E.g. No. 104 (City of Cairns) SQN).
List of Operational Units
Squadron
Location
101 Squadron
Townsville
103 Squadron
Ingham
104 (City of Cairns) Squadron
Cairns
105 (City of Mackay) Squadron
Mackay
106 Squadron
Tablelands
107 Squadron
Innisfail
108 Squadron
Charters Towers
109 Squadron
Burdekin
110 Squadron
Bowen
111 Squadron
Mount Isa
112 Squadron
Weipa
202 Squadron
Daisy Hill
203 Squadron
East Brisbane
204 Squadron
Roma
205 Squadron
Gatton
207 (City of Nambour) Squadron
Nambour
208 Squadron
Amberly
209 Squadron
Oakey
210 Squadron
Toowoomba
212 (City of Redcliffe) Squadron
Rothwell
213 Squadron
Elanora
214 Squadron
Calamvale
215 Squadron
Carindale
216 Squadron
Maryborough
217 (City of Redland) Squadron
Capalaba
218 Squadron
Corinda
219 Squadron
Archerfield
220 Squadron
Clayfield
221 (City of Gold Coast) Squadron
Ashmore
222 Squadron
Coomera
223 Squadron
Caloundra
224 Squadron
Rothwell
225 Squadron
Ipswich
226 Squadron
Bray Park
227 Squadron
Rockhampton
228 Squadron
Bundaberg
229 Squadron
Yeppoon
230 Squadron
Springfield
232 Squadron
Robina
233 Squadron
Mountain Creek
234 Squadron
Caboolture
302 Squadron
Rockdale
303 (City of Camden) Squadron
Camden
304 Squadron
Pymble
305 (City of Northern Beaches) Squadron
Northern Beaches
306 Squadron
Darlinghurst
307 (City of Bankstown) Squadron
Lidcombe
308 (City of Maitland) Squadron
Maitland
309 Squadron
Holsworthy
310 (City of Tamworth) Squadron
Tamworth
311 (City of Gosford) Squadron
Gosford
312 Squadron
South Kempsey
313 (City of Dubbo) Squadron
Dubbo
314 (City of Wollongong) Squadron
Wollongong
315 (City of Canberra) Squadron
Canberra
316 (City of Lake Macquarie) Squadron
Lake Macquarie
317 (City of Taree) Squadron
Taree
318 (Shire of Sutherland) Squadron
Sutherland
319 Squadron
Inverell
321 (City of Newcastle) Squadron
Newcastle
322 (City of Ryde) Squadron
Ryde
323 (City of Blue Mountains) Squadron
Glenbrook
324 (City of Randwick) Squadron
Randwick
325 (City of Goulburn) Squadron
Goulburn
326 (City of Lismore) Squadron
Lismore
327 Squadron
Gungahlin
328 (City of Bathurst) Squadron
Bathurst
329 (City of Orange) Squadron
Orange
330 (City of Shoalhaven) Squadron
Shoalhaven
331 Squadron
Coffs Harbour
332 (City of Wagga Wagga) Squadron
Wagga Wagga
333 Squadron
Port Macquarie
334 Squadron
Harman
335 Squadron
Williamtown
336 Squadron
Richmond
337 Squadron
Armidale
338 (City of Shellharbour) Squadron
Shellharbour
339 Squadron
Moree
340 (City of Griffith) Squadron
Griffith
345 Squadron
Orchard Hills
346 Squadron
Canberra
401 Squadron
Surrey Hills
402 Squadron
Watsonia
403 Squadron
Beaconsfield
404 Squadron
Point Cook
405 Squadron
Sunshine
406 Squadron
Frankston South
408 Squadron
Ringwood East
409 (City of Sale) Squadron
Sale
410 Squadron
Bendigo
411 Squadron
Swan Hill
412 Squadron
Albury-Wodonga
413 Squadron
Warrnambool
414 Squadron
Richmond
415 Squadron
South Yarra
416 Squadron
Moonee Ponds
417 (City of Bayside) Squadron
Sandringham
418 Squadron
Point Cook
419 Squadron
Shepparton
420 Squadron
Wangaratta
424 Squadron
Morwell
425 (City of Ballarat) Squadron
Ballarat
426 (City of Latrobe) Squadron
Traralgon
427 (City of Greater Geelong) Squadron
Greater Geelong
428 Squadron
Geelong
429 Squadron
Queenscliff
430 Squadron
Macedon Ranges
501 Squadron
Dowsings Point
502 Squadron
Hobart
507 Squadron
Devonport
508 (City of Launceston) Squadron
Launceston
601 Squadron
Keswick
602 Squadron
Woodside
603 Squadron
Berri
604 Squadron
Greenacres
605 Squadron
Lonsdale
608 (Town of Gawler) Squadron
Gawler
609 Squadron
Warradale
612 Squadron
Mount Gambier
613 Squadron
Edinburgh
614 (City of Port Pirie) Squadron
Port Pirie
617 Squadron
Keswick
620 Squadron
Port Adelaide-Enfield
622 Squadron
Murray Bridge
623 (City of Mildura) Squadron
Mildura
701 Squadron
Bullsbrook
702 Squadron
Cannington
703 (City of Fremantle) Squadron
Fremantle
704 (City of Wanneroo) Squadron
Madeley
705 (City of Albany) Squadron
Albany
707 Squadron
Mandurah
708 Squadron
Rockingham
709 (City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder) Squadron
Kalgoorie-Boulder
710 Squadron
Bunbury
711 (City of Greater Geraldton) Squadron
Greater Geraldton
712 (City of Belmont) Squadron
Belmont
713 Squadron
Cannington
714 Squadron
Karrakatta
715 (City of Belmont) Squadron
Belmont
721 Squadron
Madeley
723 Squadron
Joondalup
801 Squadron
Darwin
802 Squadron
Palmerston
803 Squadron
Katherine
804 Squadron
Alice Springs
Special Units
In each wing, there are also special units that perform specialised duties such as aviation training, logistics, firearms training, and music.
List of Special Units
Parent Wing
Squadron/Flight
Type
No. 1 Wing
100 Squadron
Aviation Training
102 Flight
Firearms Training
1LOG Flight
Logistics Flight
No. 2 Wing
200 Squadron
Aviation Training
233 Flight
Ceremonial
234 Flight
Fieldcraft and Firearms
2LOG Flight
Logistics Flight
No. 3 Wing
300 Squadron
Support Squadron
341 Flight
Aeromodelling Flight
342 Flight
Fieldcraft & Adventure Training Flight
343 Flight
Firearms Flight
344 Flight
Musicians Flight
No. 4 Wing
400 Squadron
Specialist Training
431 Flight
Fieldcraft Specialist Flight
432 Flight
Band Flight
4LOG Flight
Logistics Flight
No. 5 Wing
500 Squadron
Support Squadron
5LOG Flight
Logistics Flight
No. 6 Wing
600 Squadron
Aviation Training
606 Flight
Band Flight
616 Flight
Specialist Flight
6LOG Flight
Logistics Flight
No. 7 Wing
716 Flight
Aviation Training
717 Flight
Firearms Training
718 Flight
Ceremonial
719 Flight
Field Training
720 Flight
Heritage & Aeromodelling
7LOG Flight
Logistics Flight
No. 8 Wing
800 Squadron
Support Squadron
8LOG Flight
Logistics Flight
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:
List of Units in the Aviation Operations Wing
Type
Flight
Location
Gliding Training School
GTS Flight Balaklava
Balaklava
GTS Flight Bathurst
Raglan
GTS Flight Warwick
Warwick
Elementary Flying Training School
EFTS Flight Amberley
Amberley
EFTS Flight Point Cook
Point Cook
EFTS Flight Richmond
Richmond
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;
Appointment
Abbreviation
Rank
Officer Commanding
OC
WGCDR(AAFC)
Executive Officer*
XO
SQNLDR(AAFC)
*Some wings have a regional appointment with the region appended to the title. e.g. Executive Officer (South) (RXO-S).
Staff Officer Training*
SOT
SQNLDR(AAFC)
*Some wings have specific appointments with the speciality appended to the title. e.g. Staff Officer Ground Training (Squadron) (SOGT(SQN)).
Staff Officer Management Services
SOMS
SQNLDR(AAFC)
Staff Officer Operations
SOOPS
SQNLDR(AAFC)
Staff Officer Wing Safety
SOWS
SQNLDR(AAFC)
Wing Warrant Officer
WGWOFF
WOFF(AAFC)
*Some wings have a regional appointment with the region appended to the title. e.g. Wing Warrant Officer (South) (WGWOFF(S)).
Regional Executive Instructor*
RXI
SGT(AAFC) – FSGT(AAFC)
*Some wings have regional appointments with the region appended to the title e.g. Regional Executive Instructor (West) (RXIW).
Chairman Wing Cadet Reference Group
CWCRG
CSGT – CUO
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.
Aviators 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.
Activities
Cadets receive the opportunity to participate in a wide range of activities such as:[23]
National Aviation Competition (NAC) – (formerly known as NATFLY) Held in December (previously October) of each year on RAAF Bases around the country, both Power and Gliding competitions take place.
In 2023 and 2024, the AAFC participated in the Chief of Army Cadets Team Challenge, an Australian Army Cadets national competition hosted at Kokoda Barracks, Canungra.[24]
Wing 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.
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:[25][26]
United States
Canada
United Kingdom
Hong Kong
Singapore
New Zealand
France
Republic of Korea (second year)
Netherlands
Minor 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 the 2019 Edinburgh Air Show.
Charities
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.[27]
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 General John Northcott in 1946.[28] It was built by Squadron Leader Arthur Whitehurst who had commanded a squadron at Ashfield during the period 1941–1946, and whose son Douglas Arthur Whitehurst had died in action[29] in World War II.[30]
The second is a plaque unveiled in 1981 as part of a commemoration parade on the fortieth anniversary of the Australian Air Force Cadets' predecessor the Air Training Corps. The plaque is located at the base of a tree adjacent to the south west path leading from the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Victoria.
Many squadrons have an association with a local Returned and Services League (RSL) branch and participate in local ceremonies such as ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day marches with their local RSL Branch.
In November 2000, 15 year old Cadet Sergeant Ellie Tibble committed suicide after being forced to either resign or be dishonourably discharged from the AAFC on fraternisation charges with an instructor. [34] A later internal Defence investigation found the disciplinary action inappropriate and unreasonable. It was later revealed that the Deputy Director Reserve Personnel Cadets gave a direction to Officer Commanding 5 Wing (Tasmania) to retain her in the AAFC, two weeks before the suicide, as the discharge proposal was unfounded, but the direction was never carried out. [35] Her death has since been the basis for the Ellie Tibble Award, given to high-performing cadets.
Royal Commission
In 2017, a Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse was held, examining the experiences of men and women who experienced sexual abuse in multiple institutions, including HMAS Leeuwin and the Army Apprentice School Balcombe between 1960 - 1980, and in ADF Cadets since 2000. The Royal Commission found "...the AAFC was more concerned with the 'efficiency' of the flight unit and setting an example to other cadets than with the protection of cadets from adult instructors in positions of authority" in regard to dealing with the charges against Tibble. [36]
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