Uniform of The Air Cadet Organisation - Activities

Activities

Activities undertaken by cadets in the ATC are intended to provide experience and training in the skills and disciplines admired by the armed forces; however, instruction is designed to be useful to a teenager whether the cadet later chooses a military career or a civil one. The emphasis is on team work, leadership, physical fitness, discipline and the development of such virtues and talents as courage, dexterity and mental agility. Parade drill is taught and regularly practiced, outward bound activities such as hill walking and rock climbing are often available and community service is encouraged, in particular the Duke of Edinburgh's Award. Opportunities exist to learn rifle shooting and marksmanship, first aid and radio communications. Team sports such as rugby, football and netball, or more individual challenges such as orienteering and cross country running, often involve rivalry between squadrons. Adventure training gives a cadet the opportunity to develop the skills of initiative and leadership.

There are also opportunities for band music and many camps offer teenagers the chance to spend a week away from parents practicing fieldcraft or receiving instruction in gliding and other outdoor pursuits. Many of these activities, including gliding, have a well-defined scale of achievement that a cadet can work to build up; this includes the leadership qualities reflected in an NCO structure.