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Australian Air Force Cadets

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Australian Air Force Cadets
FoundedFebruary 1941;
83 years ago (1941-02)[1]
Country Australia
AllegianceRoyal Australian Air Force
RoleVolunteer youth organisation
SizeCadets: 9,000+ (April 2024)
Number of squadrons: ~144
Adult Volunteers: ~1,200[2]
Part ofAustralian 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]
Websiteairforcecadets.gov.au
Commanders
Director General Cadets – Air ForceAir 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.

History

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Founding of the Air Training Corps

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Cadet Home Training

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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

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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

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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

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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[16]
 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)[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

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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

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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[17]
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"[18]

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[19]

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[18]
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[18]

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[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]
National Badge of the AAFC All ranks All ranks N/A Any cadet may wear this[18]
Duke of Edinburgh Bronze N/A All ranks N/A 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

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National Level

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Headquarters

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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[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

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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)

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Cadets receive the opportunity to participate in a wide range of activities such as:[23]

National Competitions

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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

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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)

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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:[25][26]

  • United States
  • Canada
  • United Kingdom
  • Hong Kong
  • Singapore
  • New Zealand
  • France
  • Republic of Korea (second year)
  • Netherlands

Minor Activities

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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

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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

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Currently in use

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Formerly used

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[19]

Aircraft and Gliders

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Piper PA-38 Tomahawk in Australian Air Force Cadet livery

Powered Fixed Wing Aircraft

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Aircraft[32] 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

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Aircraft[32] 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

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Aircraft[33][32] Variants Origin Period of service
DG Flugzeugbau DG-1000 DG-1000S  Germany 2013–present

Past Gliders

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Aircraft[33][32] 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

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Suicide of Ellie Tibble

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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

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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

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References

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  1. ^ "History". Australian Air Force Cadets. Retrieved 20 October 2021.
  2. ^ "Australian Air Force Cadets". Australian Air Force Cadets. Retrieved 11 May 2024.
  3. ^ "Who we are". Australian Air Force Cadets. Retrieved 20 October 2021.
  4. ^ "The War Cabinet approved the Cadet Corps formation as part of the RAAF Reserve". Air Force - Australia. Royal Australian Air Force. Retrieved 14 June 2024.
  5. ^ "Australian Air Force Cadets (AAFC)". Australian Aviation Hall of Fame. Retrieved 14 June 2024.
  6. ^ "School Cadets to disband". Army: the soldiers' newspaper. No. 19. Australian Imperial Army. Trove. 18 September 1975. Retrieved 14 June 2024.
  7. ^ "Australian Defence - Ministerial statement". Parliament of Australia. Australian Government. Retrieved 14 June 2024.
  8. ^ "Air Training Corps (ATC/AirTC) & Australian Air Force Cadets (AAFC)". ADF-Serials. Retrieved 14 June 2024.
  9. ^ "Australian Air Force Cadets (AAFC)". Australian Aviation Hall of Fame. Retrieved 14 June 2024.
  10. ^ "The War Cabinet approved the Cadet Corps formation as part of the RAAF Reserve". Air Force - Australia. Royal Australian Air Force. Retrieved 14 June 2024.
  11. ^ Martinic, Garry. "From Eagle's Nest to Soaring High in the Skies". Australian Naval Institute. Retrieved 14 June 2024.
  12. ^ "Who we are". Australian Air Force Cadets. Retrieved 14 June 2024.
  13. ^ "Cadet Program | Australian Air Force Cadets (AAFC)". www.airforcecadets.gov.au. Retrieved 13 June 2024.
  14. ^ "Powered Flying" (PDF). Australian Air Force Cadets. 9 December 2021. Retrieved 24 January 2023.
  15. ^ "Australian Air Force Cadets". Extension Camps and Courses. Retrieved 18 June 2024.
  16. ^ "Australian Defence Force Cadet Ranks".
  17. ^ a b c Volume 2, Part 1, Chapter 1 of the AAFC Manual of Management
  18. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m "Badges". Australian Air Force Cadets. Retrieved 20 April 2020.
  19. ^ a b "Firearms Training". Australian Air Force Cadets. 14 March 2018. Retrieved 14 March 2020.
  20. ^ "Cadet News - Welcome to 2022" (PDF). Australian Air Force Cadets. Australian Air Force Cadets. Retrieved 14 June 2024.
  21. ^ "Commander AAFC". Australian Air Force Cadets. Retrieved 16 December 2022.
  22. ^ "Wings". Australian Air Force Cadets. Retrieved 4 October 2021.
  23. ^ "Activities". airforcecadets.gov.au.
  24. ^ Doyle, Stacey (28 July 2023). "Cadets test their physical and mental strength". Defence Australia. Retrieved 9 March 2024.
  25. ^ "International Air Cadet Exchange (IACE)". Australian Air Force Cadets. Archived from the original on 9 March 2020. Retrieved 24 July 2023.
  26. ^ "Australia - Members". International Air Cadet Exchange. Retrieved 24 July 2023.
  27. ^ "Training at 321 Squadron | 321 (CITY OF NEWCASTLE) SQUADRON | Australian Air Force Cadets". 321sqn.aafc.org.au. Archived from the original on 2 March 2021. Retrieved 30 November 2020.
  28. ^ "Memorials to War Dead – Duke Opens Park". The Sydney Morning Herald. 28 October 1946. p. 4. Retrieved 14 September 2010.
  29. ^ "Family Notices – On Active Service". The Sydney Morning Herald. 16 May 1946. p. 16. Retrieved 27 September 2010.
  30. ^ "Ashfield Church Parade". Australian Air Force Cadets bulletin board. Archived from the original on 6 July 2011. Retrieved 14 September 2010.
  31. ^ "Australian Air Force Cadets: Alex and Eric". Radio Adelaide. 2017. Retrieved 14 March 2020.
  32. ^ a b c d "Australian, New Zealand & Papua New Guinea Military Aircraft Serials & History". adf-serials.com. 2 August 2019. Retrieved 20 April 2020.
  33. ^ a b "Gliding". 1 January 2018. Retrieved 20 April 2020.
  34. ^ "ADF cadets' lives destroyed by abuse: Royal Commission". Sydney Morning Herald. The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 14 June 2024.
  35. ^ "Chapter 14 -Australian Defence Force Cadets". Parliament of Australia. Australian Government. Retrieved 14 June 2024.
  36. ^ Aird, Harriet (22 August 2017). "ADF royal commission scathing of treatment of Tasmanian cadet Eleanore Tibble". Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved 14 June 2024.

Bibliography

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External images
ANZAC Day 2008
ANZAC Day 2008
AAFC National Badge
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