Kidlington Air Cadets is part of a national organisation called the Air Training Corps – or ATC.  The ATC is sponsored and supported by the Royal Air Force (RAF) and has been around since 1941.

We’re officially known as No. 1315 (Kidlington) Squadron and we usually say the number as “thirteen-fifteen”.  This number was given to the Squadron at its formation in 1941 at a time when, because of war, the ATC was much bigger than it is now.

Today, there are around 1,000 Squadrons and Flights in the UK staffed by volunteers providing opportunities for training, development and enjoyment for nearly 35,000 young people, some of their activities can be found from this site.

Air Cadets are not just found in the UK though, there are similar organisations in countries around the world as diverse as USA, Canada, Australia, India, Israel, Turkey and Hong Kong.

Here in Kidlington there are usually around 30 cadets but this can vary from time to time as new people join and older ones leave.

What do we do?

We have some official aims that were set out by King George VI when the organisation was started.

• To promote and encourage among young people a practical interest in aviation and the Royal Air Force.

• To provide training which will be useful in the Services and civilian life.

• To foster the spirit of adventure and develop qualities of leadership and good citizenship.

What all that means is that Kidlington Air Cadets and the wider Air Cadet Organisation provides opportunities for you to get airborne, meet new people, learn new skills, develop in character and ability and have fun doing it.