Australian Air Force Cadets

The Australian Air Force Cadets (AAFC), known as the Air Training Corps (AIRTC) until 2001, is a Federal Government funded youth organisation. The parent force of the AAFC is the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). Along with the Australian Army Cadets (AAC) and the Australian Navy Cadets (ANC), it is part of the Australian Defence Force Cadets.

Australian Air Force Cadets
Founded	February 1941 (1941-02)
Country	Australia
Allegiance	Royal Australian Air Force
Role	Volunteer youth organisation
Size	Cadets: 9,000+ (April 2024) Number of squadrons: ~144 Adult Volunteers: ~1,200
Part of	Australian Defence Force Cadets
Headquarters	Headquarters Australian Air Force Cadets - Building F4, level 2 28 Scherger Drive Fairbairn ACT 2610
Motto(s)	Inspiring today, leading tomorrow
Website	airforcecadets.gov.au
Commanders
Director General Cadets – Air Force	Air Commodore Craig Heap
Commander – Australian Air Force Cadets	Group Captain (AAFC) Stephen Johns

History

Founding of the Air Training Corps

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.

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.

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. 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.

Post-disbandment to the modern Australian Air Force Cadets

In May 1982, the Minister for Defence announced the inclusion of girls in the AIRTC.

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).

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.

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:

• 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.

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.

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.

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.

ADFC Cadets	CDT 9 (Special Grade)		CDT 8	CDT 7		CDT 6		CDT 5	CDT 4	CDT 3	CDT 2	CDT 1	CDT (R)
Australian Air Force Cadets	No equivalent									No equivalent			No insignia
			Cadet Under Officer	Cadet Warrant Officer		Cadet Flight Sergeant		Cadet Sergeant	Cadet Corporal		Leading Cadet	Cadet	Cadet Recruit
			CUO	CWOFF		CFSGT		CSGT	CCPL		LCDT	CDT	CDTRCT

• 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)

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)

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.

Awards/Badges/Medals

Award	Staff	Cadet	Years service	Notes
Australian Cadet Forces Service Medal	All ranks	N/A	15 Years Continuous service	Bar is awarded each five years after award
GST Completion Certificate	N/A	All ranks	N/A	Awarded after GST course completion
JNCO Completion Certificate	N/A	LCDT/CCPL	N/A	Awarded after JNCO course completion
SNCO Completion Certificate	N/A	CCPL/CSGT	N/A	Awarded after SNCO course completion
CWOFF Completion Certificate	N/A	CSGT/CFSGT/CWOFF	N/A	Awarded after CWOFF course completion
Marksmanship Badge "Crossed Rifles"	All ranks	All ranks above Cadet	1 Year service	Awarded to Cadets who achieve an average score of 85% or higher at a Wing or National shooting competition. This comes in the form of two crossed Enfields
CUO Completion Certificate	N/A	CSGT/CFSGT/CWOFF/CUO	N/A	Awarded after CUO course completion
Firearms Proficiency Badge "Single Rifle"	All ranks	All ranks	N/A	Awarded to Cadets who have been passed the firearms training elective (FTE) having fired at least 45 rounds
Silver Steyr Badge	All ranks	All ranks above Cadet	N/A	Awarded to Cadets who have completed the ADF F88 course
Golden Steyr Badge	All ranks	All ranks above Cadet	N/A	Awarded to Cadets who qualify as marksman on the ADF F88
Band Badge	All ranks	All ranks	N/A	Awarded to Cadets who have worked on at least 75% of official band parades
Adventure Training Badge	All ranks	All ranks	N/A	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
First Solo Badge	All ranks	All ranks	2 Years service	Awarded to cadets who have completed a solo flight either powered or glider
General Flying Proficiency Test Badge	All ranks	All ranks	2 Years service	Awarded to cadets who have obtained an FAI "C" certificate for gliding
AAFC Wing Badge	All ranks	All ranks	2 Years service	Awarded to cadets who hold a CPL or an AEI qualification for gliding
Three Bladed Prop	N/A	All ranks above LCDT	2 Years service	Awarded to cadets who complete their proficiency stage training
Four Bladed Prop	N/A	All ranks above LCDT	3 Years service	Awarded to cadets who complete their advanced stage training
National Badge of the AAFC	All ranks	All ranks	N/A	Any cadet may wear this
Duke of Edinburgh Bronze	N/A	All ranks	N/A	Awarded to cadets who complete the Duke of Edinburgh program and qualify for bronze
Duke of Edinburgh Silver	N/A	All ranks	N/A	Awarded to cadets who complete the Duke of Edinburgh program and qualify for silver
Duke of Edinburgh Gold	N/A	All ranks	N/A	Awarded to cadets who complete the Duke of Edinburgh program and qualify for gold
Ellie Tibble Award	N/A	All ranks	N/A	Awarded to high-performing cadets representing the finest values and traditions of the organisation.

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.

Position	Abbreviation	Current Incumbent
Commander – Australian Air Force Cadets	CDR-AAFC	GPCAPT(AAFC) Stephen Johns

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.

Operational Wings

Operational Wing	Location
No. 1 Wing	Northern Queensland
No. 2 Wing	Southern Queensland
No. 3 Wing	New South Wales, including the Australian Capital Territory
No. 4 Wing	Victoria
No. 5 Wing	Tasmania
No. 6 Wing	South Australia
No. 7 Wing	Western Australia
No. 8 Wing	Northern Territory
Aviation Operations Wing	National
*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. 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:

• Home Training
• Bivouacs (Bush Camps)
• Live Firearm Shooting
• WTSS training shoots
• Gliding and Powered Air Experience and Training
• General Service Training Camps
• Personal Development and Leadership Courses (PDLC)
• Parades and Marches – Drill and Ceremonial
• Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
• Rocketry
• Aeromodelling
• National Competitions
• International Air Cadet Exchange

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 in Victoria (Australia), or Majura Training Area in the Australian Capital Territory).
• National Rifle Competition (NRC) – Held in September each year at various locations (such as Sydney International Shooting Centre).
• 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.

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.

International Air Cadet Exchange (IACE)

See also: International Air Cadet Exchange

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)
• 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.

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. 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 in World War II.

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.

Firearms

Currently in use

• Cz452
• Cz453
• Cz455
• ZKM 452
• F88 (Only used in ceremonial activities and in the F88 elective)

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

Piper PA-38 Tomahawk in Australian Air Force Cadet livery

Powered Fixed Wing Aircraft

Aircraft	Variants	Origin	Role	Period of service
Diamond DA40 Diamond Star	DA-40NG	Austria	Four-seat light aircraft	2019–present
Piper PA-25 Pawnee	PA-25-235, PA-25-235A1	United States	Single-seat glider tug aircraft	2007–present

A PZL Krosno KR-03A Puchatek in Australian Air Force Cadets livery

Past Powered Fixed-Wing Aircraft

Aircraft	Variants	Origin	Role	Period of service
Cessna 172 Skyhawk	172D Skyhawk	United States	Four-seat light utility aircraft	1981–?
Zlín Z 42	242L	Czechoslovakia	Two-seat pilot trainer aircraft	2002–2018
Beechcraft Baron	58 Baron	United States	Ground-based instructional airframe and simulator	2003–?
Grob G 109	G 109	Germany	Two-seat motor-glider aircraft	2006–?
Piper PA-38 Tomahawk	PA-38-112	United States	Two-seat pilot trainer, utility aircraft	2006–?
Scheibe Falke	SF-25C Falke	Germany	Two-seat motor-glider aircraft	2006–?

Gliders

Aircraft	Variants	Origin	Period of service
DG Flugzeugbau DG-1000	DG-1000S	Germany	2013–present

Past Gliders

Aircraft	Variants	Origin	Period of service
Grob G 103 Twin Astir	G.103	Germany	2018–
Grob G103a Twin II	G.103a Twin II	Germany	2010–2018
LET L-13 Blanik	L-13, L-13A1	Czechoslovakia	2010–2018
PZL Krosno KR-03 Puchatek	KR-03A	Poland	2006–2018
Schleicher ASK 13	ASK-13	Germany	2006–2018
Schleicher ASK-21	ASK-21, ASK-21Mi	Germany	2014–2018
Schleicher K7	K.7	Germany
Schleicher Ka 6	Ka.6CR	Germany	2010–2018
SZD-51 Junior	51-1 Junior	Poland

Incidents

Suicide of Ellie Tibble

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. 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. 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.

See also

• Australian Army Cadets
• Australian Navy Cadets
• Australian Defence Force Cadets
• Air League Cadets
• Air Training Corps (UK)
• Civil Air Patrol
• New Zealand Air Training Corps
• Royal Canadian Air Cadets
• Cadets (youth program)

Bibliography

• Cadet Forces Regulations
• Glozier, Matthew. 75 Years Aloft: Australian Air Force Cadets (Royal Australian Air Force Air Training Corps), 1941–2016. Canberra, 2016.

External links

External images
ANZAC Day 2008 ANZAC Day 2008 AAFC National Badge

• Official website
• Resource Centre, Australian Air Force Cadets Intranet
• International Air Cadet Exchange Official website