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Who we are
Are you up for fun, adventure, incredible experiences and making new friends? Are you looking for something to give you the edge in life? Then welcome to the Air Cadet Organisation (ACO). Better known as the 'Air Cadets', we’re a UK-wide cadet force with more than 40,000 members aged between 12 and 20 years.We're sponsored by the Royal Air Force and can give you hands-on experience of activities and courses that will challenge and develop your skills to help you succeed in whatever you want to do.
What we do
This is what it's all about - activities that offer challenge, excitement and adventure and the knowledge you pick up along the way through structured lectures and first-hand experience.Don't worry about being thrown in at the deep end. You’ll join your local squadron as a trial, when you get to know the other cadets and start basic training. You then get gradually introduced to activities as you progress, so you can make the most of every opportunity that comes your way.
Want to join?
We guarantee that you won't find the incredible combination of adventure, opportunity and fun that Air Cadets offers anywhere else, and with nearly 1,000 units nationwide we're probably closer than you think. Cadets and adult volunteers all gain the same second-to-none experience where you can make lasting friendships and build upon your confidence, skills and achievements. This section will give you all the facts about getting started in an exciting new direction.