Australian Air Force Cadets

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Australian Air Force Cadets
Crest of the Australian Air Force Cadets.png
FoundedFebruary 1941;
83 years ago
 (1941-02) [1]
CountryFlag of Australia (converted).svg Australia
Allegiance Royal Australian Air Force
RoleVolunteer youth organisation
SizeCadets: 9,000+ (April 2024)
Number of squadrons: ~144
Adult Volunteers: ~1,200 [2]
Part of Australian Defence Force Cadets
HeadquartersHeadquarters Australian Air Force Cadets - Building F4, level 2 28 Scherger Drive Fairbairn ACT 2610
Motto(s)Inspiring today, leading tomorrow [3]
Website airforcecadets.gov.au
Commanders
Director General Cadets – Air Force Air Commodore Craig Heap
Commander – Australian Air Force CadetsGroup Captain (AAFC) Stephen Johns

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.

Contents

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 on 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, on 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 AirForceCadet Trumpeter MemorialChurchService 2007.JPG
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]

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.

ADFC
Cadets
CDT 9 (Special Grade)CDT 8CDT 7CDT 6CDT 5CDT 4CDT 3CDT 2CDT 1CDT (R)
Crest of the Australian Air Force Cadets.png
Australian
Air Force
Cadets
[16]
No equivalent Rankslide AAFC CUO.jpg Rankslide AAFC CWOFF.jpg Rankslide AAFC CFSGT.jpg Rankslide AAFC CSGT.jpg Rankslide AAFC CCPL.jpg No equivalent Rankslide AAFC LCDT.jpg Rankslide AAFC CDT.jpg No insignia
Cadet Under OfficerCadet Warrant OfficerCadet Flight SergeantCadet SergeantCadet CorporalLeading CadetCadetCadet Recruit
CUOCWOFFCFSGTCSGTCCPLLCDTCDTCDTRCT
Instructor Ranks of the AAFC (Instructor of Cadets – IOC) [17]
Insignia Rankslide AAFC WOFF.jpg Rankslide AAFC FSGT.jpg Rankslide AAFC SGT.jpg Rankslide AAFC CPL.jpg Rankslide AAFC LAC.jpg Rankslide AAFC AC.jpg
RankWarrant Officer (AAFC)Flight Sergeant (AAFC)Sergeant (AAFC)Corporal (AAFC)Leading Aircraftman
Leading Aircraftwoman (AAFC)
Aircraftman
Aircraftwoman (AAFC)
AbbreviationWOFF(AAFC)FSGT(AAFC)SGT(AAFC)CPL(AAFC)LAC/W(AAFC)AC/W(AAFC)
Officer Ranks of the AAFC (Officer of Cadets – OOC) [17]
Insignia Rankslide AAFC GPCAPT.jpg Rankslide AAFC WGCDR.jpg Rankslide AAFC SQNLDR.jpg Rankslide AAFC FLTLT.jpg Rankslide AAFC FLGOFF.jpg Rankslide AAFC PLTOFF.jpg
RankGroup Captain (AAFC)Wing Commander (AAFC)Squadron Leader (AAFC)Flight Lieutenant (AAFC)Flying Officer (AAFC)Pilot Officer (AAFC)
AbbreviationGPCAPT(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.

Awards/Badges/Medals

AwardStaffCadetYears serviceNotes
Australian Cadet Forces Service Medal All ranksN/A15 Years Continuous serviceBar is awarded each five years after award [17]
GST Completion CertificateN/AAll ranksN/AAwarded after GST course completion
JNCO Completion CertificateN/ALCDT/CCPLN/AAwarded after JNCO course completion
SNCO Completion CertificateN/ACCPL/CSGTN/AAwarded after SNCO course completion
CWOFF Completion CertificateN/ACSGT/CFSGT/CWOFFN/AAwarded after CWOFF course completion
Marksmanship Badge

"Crossed Rifles" [18]

All ranksAll ranks above Cadet1 Year serviceAwarded 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 [19]

CUO Completion CertificateN/ACSGT/CFSGT/CWOFF/CUON/AAwarded after CUO course completion
Firearms Proficiency Badge

"Single Rifle"

All ranksAll ranksN/AAwarded to Cadets who have been passed the firearms training elective (FTE) having fired at least 45 rounds [18]
Silver Steyr BadgeAll ranksAll ranks above CadetN/AAwarded to Cadets who have completed the ADF F88 course
Golden Steyr BadgeAll ranksAll ranks above CadetN/AAwarded to Cadets who qualify as marksman on the ADF F88
Band BadgeAll ranksAll ranksN/AAwarded to Cadets who have worked on at least 75% of official

band parades [18]

Adventure Training BadgeAll ranksAll ranksN/AAwarded 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 badgeAll ranksAll ranks1 year of service, requalifying every yearAwarded 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 BadgeAll ranksAll ranks2 Years serviceAwarded to cadets who have completed a solo flight either powered or glider [18]
General Flying Proficiency Test BadgeAll ranksAll ranks2 Years serviceAwarded to cadets who have obtained an FAI "C" certificate for gliding [18]
AAFC Wing BadgeAll ranksAll ranks2 Years serviceAwarded to cadets who hold a CPL or an AEI qualification for gliding [18]
Three Bladed PropN/AAll ranks above LCDT2 Years serviceAwarded to cadets who complete their proficiency stage training [18]
Four Bladed PropN/AAll ranks above LCDT3 Years serviceAwarded to cadets who complete their advanced stage training [18]
National Badge of the AAFCAll ranksAll ranksN/AAny cadet may wear this [18]
Duke of Edinburgh BronzeN/AAll ranksN/AAwarded to cadets who complete the Duke of Edinburgh program and qualify for bronze [18]
Duke of Edinburgh SilverN/AAll ranksN/AAwarded to cadets who complete the Duke of Edinburgh program and qualify for silver [18]
Duke of Edinburgh GoldN/AAll ranksN/AAwarded to cadets who complete the Duke of Edinburgh program and qualify for gold [18]
Ellie Tibble AwardN/AAll ranksN/AAwarded 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.

PositionAbbreviationCurrent Incumbent
Commander – Australian Air Force CadetsCDR-AAFCGPCAPT(AAFC) Stephen Johns [21]

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 NameAbbreviationDirector
SafetyDDSVacant
Cadet and Adult DevelopmentDDCADWGCDR(AAFC) Tony Lee
People and Culture DirectorateDDPERSWGCDR(AAFC) Paul Gregory
StrategyDDS&TWGCDR(AAFC) Dee Dorward

Cadets Branch – Air Force (CB-AF)

PositionAbbreviationIncumbent
Director General Cadets – Air ForceDGCADETS-AFAIRCDRE Craig Heap AM, CSC
Deputy Director General Cadets – Air ForceDDGCADETS-AFGPCAPT Michel Devine
Director Ground OperationsDGNDOPSGPCAPT Wayne Kelly OAM
Director Aviation OperationsDAVNOPSGPCAPT Craig White
Director Cadet AdministrationDCDTADMINWGCDR Nigel Leurs
Coordination ManagerCOORDMGRAPS Rob West
Deputy Director General Safety Operations AirworthinessDDGSOAGPCAPT Ian Watts
National Air Force Liaison OfficerNAFLOWGCDR Trevor Murphy
National Safety ManagerNSMAPS Glenn Roberts
Director LogisticsDLOGAPS 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 WingLocation
No. 1 WingNorthern Queensland
No. 2 WingSouthern 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 WingNational
*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
SquadronLocation
101 SquadronTownsville
103 SquadronIngham
104 (City of Cairns) SquadronCairns
105 (City of Mackay) SquadronMackay
106 SquadronTablelands
107 SquadronInnisfail
108 SquadronCharters Towers
109 SquadronBurdekin
110 SquadronBowen
111 SquadronMount Isa
112 SquadronWeipa
202 SquadronDaisy Hill
203 SquadronEast Brisbane
204 SquadronRoma
205 SquadronGatton
207 (City of Nambour) SquadronNambour
208 SquadronAmberly
209 SquadronOakey
210 SquadronToowoomba
212 (City of Redcliffe) SquadronRothwell
213 SquadronElanora
214 SquadronCalamvale
215 SquadronCarindale
216 SquadronMaryborough
217 (City of Redland) SquadronCapalaba
218 SquadronCorinda
219 SquadronArcherfield
220 SquadronClayfield
221 (City of Gold Coast) SquadronAshmore
222 SquadronCoomera
223 SquadronCaloundra
224 SquadronRothwell
225 SquadronIpswich
226 SquadronBray Park
227 SquadronRockhampton
228 SquadronBundaberg
229 SquadronYeppoon
230 SquadronSpringfield
232 SquadronRobina
233 SquadronMountain Creek
234 SquadronCaboolture
302 SquadronRockdale
303 (City of Camden) SquadronCamden
304 SquadronPymble
305 (City of Northern Beaches) SquadronNorthern Beaches
306 SquadronDarlinghurst
307 (City of Bankstown) SquadronLidcombe
308 (City of Maitland) SquadronMaitland
309 SquadronHolsworthy
310 (City of Tamworth) SquadronTamworth
311 (City of Gosford) SquadronGosford
312 SquadronSouth Kempsey
313 (City of Dubbo) SquadronDubbo
314 (City of Wollongong) SquadronWollongong
315 (City of Canberra) SquadronCanberra
316 (City of Lake Macquarie) SquadronLake Macquarie
317 (City of Taree) SquadronTaree
318 (Shire of Sutherland) SquadronSutherland
319 SquadronInverell
321 (City of Newcastle) SquadronNewcastle
322 (City of Ryde) SquadronRyde
323 (City of Blue Mountains) SquadronGlenbrook
324 (City of Randwick) SquadronRandwick
325 (City of Goulburn) SquadronGoulburn
326 (City of Lismore) SquadronLismore
327 SquadronGungahlin
328 (City of Bathurst) SquadronBathurst
329 (City of Orange) SquadronOrange
330 (City of Shoalhaven) SquadronShoalhaven
331 SquadronCoffs Harbour
332 (City of Wagga Wagga) SquadronWagga Wagga
333 SquadronPort Macquarie
334 SquadronHarman
335 SquadronWilliamtown
336 SquadronRichmond
337 SquadronArmidale
338 (City of Shellharbour) SquadronShellharbour
339 SquadronMoree
340 (City of Griffith) SquadronGriffith
345 SquadronOrchard Hills
346 SquadronCanberra
401 SquadronSurrey Hills
402 SquadronWatsonia
403 SquadronBeaconsfield
404 SquadronPoint Cook
405 SquadronSunshine
406 SquadronFrankston South
408 SquadronRingwood East
409 (City of Sale) SquadronSale
410 SquadronBendigo
411 SquadronSwan Hill
412 SquadronAlbury-Wodonga
413 SquadronWarrnambool
414 SquadronRichmond
415 SquadronSouth Yarra
416 SquadronMoonee Ponds
417 (City of Bayside) SquadronSandringham
418 SquadronPoint Cook
419 SquadronShepparton
420 SquadronWangaratta
424 SquadronMorwell
425 (City of Ballarat) SquadronBallarat
426 (City of Latrobe) SquadronTraralgon
427 (City of Greater Geelong) SquadronGreater Geelong
428 SquadronGeelong
429 SquadronQueenscliff
430 SquadronMacedon Ranges
501 SquadronDowsings Point
502 SquadronHobart
507 SquadronDevonport
508 (City of Launceston) SquadronLaunceston
601 SquadronKeswick
602 SquadronWoodside
603 SquadronBerri
604 SquadronGreenacres
605 SquadronLonsdale
608 (Town of Gawler) SquadronGawler
609 SquadronWarradale
612 SquadronMount Gambier
613 SquadronEdinburgh
614 (City of Port Pirie) SquadronPort Pirie
617 SquadronKeswick
620 SquadronPort Adelaide-Enfield
622 SquadronMurray Bridge
623 (City of Mildura) SquadronMildura
701 SquadronBullsbrook
702 SquadronCannington
703 (City of Fremantle) SquadronFremantle
704 (City of Wanneroo) SquadronMadeley
705 (City of Albany) SquadronAlbany
707 SquadronMandurah
708 SquadronRockingham
709 (City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder) SquadronKalgoorie-Boulder
710 SquadronBunbury
711 (City of Greater Geraldton) SquadronGreater Geraldton
712 (City of Belmont) SquadronBelmont
713 SquadronCannington
714 SquadronKarrakatta
715 (City of Belmont) SquadronBelmont
721 SquadronMadeley
723 SquadronJoondalup
801 SquadronDarwin
802 SquadronPalmerston
803 SquadronKatherine
804 SquadronAlice 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 WingSquadron/FlightType
No. 1 Wing100 SquadronAviation Training
102 FlightFirearms Training
1LOG FlightLogistics Flight
No. 2 Wing200 SquadronAviation Training
233 FlightCeremonial
234 FlightFieldcraft and Firearms
2LOG FlightLogistics Flight
No. 3 Wing300 SquadronSupport Squadron
341 FlightAeromodelling Flight
342 FlightFieldcraft & Adventure Training Flight
343 FlightFirearms Flight
344 FlightMusicians Flight
No. 4 Wing400 SquadronSpecialist Training
431 FlightFieldcraft Specialist Flight
432 FlightBand Flight
4LOG FlightLogistics Flight
No. 5 Wing500 SquadronSupport Squadron
5LOG FlightLogistics Flight
No. 6 Wing600 SquadronAviation Training
606 FlightBand Flight
616 FlightSpecialist Flight
6LOG FlightLogistics Flight
No. 7 Wing716 FlightAviation Training
717 FlightFirearms Training
718 FlightCeremonial
719 FlightField Training
720 FlightHeritage & Aeromodelling
7LOG FlightLogistics Flight
No. 8 Wing800 SquadronSupport Squadron
8LOG FlightLogistics 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
TypeFlightLocation
Gliding Training SchoolGTS Flight BalaklavaBalaklava
GTS Flight BathurstRaglan
GTS Flight WarwickWarwick
Elementary Flying Training SchoolEFTS Flight AmberleyAmberley
EFTS Flight Point CookPoint Cook
EFTS Flight RichmondRichmond

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;

AppointmentAbbreviationRank
Officer CommandingOCWGCDR(AAFC)
Executive Officer*XOSQNLDR(AAFC)
*Some wings have a regional appointment with the region appended to the title. e.g. Executive Officer (South) (RXO-S).
Staff Officer Training*SOTSQNLDR(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 ServicesSOMSSQNLDR(AAFC)
Staff Officer OperationsSOOPSSQNLDR(AAFC)
Staff Officer Wing SafetySOWSSQNLDR(AAFC)
Wing Warrant OfficerWGWOFFWOFF(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*RXISGT(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 GroupCWCRGCSGT – 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 Competitions

HQAAFC holds three National Competitions throughout the year, they are:

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.

International Air Cadet Exchange (IACE)

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]

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.

Firearms

Currently in use

Formerly used

[19]

Aircraft and Gliders

Piper PA-38 Tomahawk in Australian Air Force Cadet livery PA-38 Piper Tomohawk Australian Air Force Cadets.jpg
Piper PA-38 Tomahawk in Australian Air Force Cadet livery

Powered Fixed Wing Aircraft

Aircraft [32] VariantsOriginRolePeriod of service
Diamond DA40 Diamond Star DA-40NGFlag of Austria.svg AustriaFour-seat light aircraft2019–present
Piper PA-25 Pawnee PA-25-235, PA-25-235A1Flag of the United States.svg United StatesSingle-seat glider tug aircraft2007–present
A PZL Krosno KR-03A Puchatek in Australian Air Force Cadets livery VH-GKR PZL Krosno KR-03A Puchatek Australian Air Force Cadets (AAFC) (9547289517).jpg
A PZL Krosno KR-03A Puchatek in Australian Air Force Cadets livery

Past Powered Fixed-Wing Aircraft

Aircraft [32] VariantsOriginRolePeriod of service
Cessna 172 Skyhawk 172D SkyhawkFlag of the United States.svg United StatesFour-seat light utility aircraft1981–?
Zlín Z 42 242LFlag of the Czech Republic.svg CzechoslovakiaTwo-seat pilot trainer aircraft2002–2018
Beechcraft Baron 58 BaronFlag of the United States.svg United StatesGround-based instructional airframe and simulator2003–?
Grob G 109 G 109Flag of Germany.svg GermanyTwo-seat motor-glider aircraft2006–?
Piper PA-38 Tomahawk PA-38-112Flag of the United States.svg United StatesTwo-seat pilot trainer, utility aircraft2006–?
Scheibe Falke SF-25C FalkeFlag of Germany.svg GermanyTwo-seat motor-glider aircraft2006–?

Gliders

Aircraft [33] [32] VariantsOriginPeriod of service
DG Flugzeugbau DG-1000 DG-1000SFlag of Germany.svg Germany2013–present

Past Gliders

Aircraft [33] [32] VariantsOriginPeriod of service
Grob G 103 Twin Astir G.103Flag of Germany.svg Germany2018–
Grob G103a Twin II G.103a Twin IIFlag of Germany.svg Germany2010–2018
LET L-13 Blanik L-13, L-13A1Flag of the Czech Republic.svg Czechoslovakia2010–2018
PZL Krosno KR-03 Puchatek KR-03AFlag of Poland.svg Poland2006–2018
Schleicher ASK 13 ASK-13Flag of Germany.svg Germany2006–2018
Schleicher ASK-21 ASK-21, ASK-21MiFlag of Germany.svg Germany2014–2018
Schleicher K7 K.7Flag of Germany.svg Germany
Schleicher Ka 6 Ka.6CRFlag of Germany.svg Germany2010–2018
SZD-51 Junior 51-1 JuniorFlag of Poland.svg 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. [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]


See also

Related Research Articles

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Bibliography

External images
ANZAC Day 2008
ANZAC Day 2008
AAFC National Badge