The Air Cadets
Founded in 1941, the ATC is community-based and open to anyone aged between 12 in year 8, and 17 years old. The Air Cadets are a UK-wide cadet force with more than 40,000 members aged between 12 and 20.
We’re sponsored by the Royal Air Force and can give you hands-on experience of activities and courses that will challenge and develop your skills to help you succeed in whatever you want to do. HRH The Duchess of Cambridge is also our Honorary Air Commandant!
Amongst the many adventurous training opportunities on offer, we are the largest operator of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme.
Membership of the ATC or CCF (RAF) is exciting, rewarding and above all fun. You’ll discover skills you never knew you had, do things and visit places you never thought you would, and meet lots of like-minded people who will become your teammates and friends.
You’ll also have the opportunity to challenge yourself with adventurous training, be selected to represent your squadron on the International Air Cadet Exchange programme, or develop your potential on the Air Cadet Leadership Course. You can really shine as a cadet.
You can view the official RAFAC website Here
Who We Are
2484 Bassingbourn SQN
We are the local ATC squadron for Royston and the surrounding area.
Founded in 1964 and based at Bassingbourn Barracks we are one of the larger squadrons in the area with over 50 active cadets and adult staff.
Because of where we’re located we are able to use parts of the Barracks training area and have our own squadron building, which includes our very own rifle range for use on parade nights.
If your thinking of joining then please have a look at some of our other pages to get an idea of what we do and get in touch via the Join Us/Contact Us page. We run multiple open evenings every year so there might be one coming up!
We parade twice a week on Monday and Wednesday evenings.
FAQ
How Much Does It Cost?
It only costs £15 a month total, which is great value for money considering what you get out of it. Payments will be taken at the beginning of each month.
If you can’t afford the subscription or cost of activities then you can still join and take part in activities, please contact our civilian committee to discuss this.
How Old Do You Need To Be?
You can join when you’re 12 years old and currently in Year 8 at school, and below the age of 17. Once you’ve joined you can remain a cadet until you’re 20.
What Activities Do You Do?
We offer a huge variety of activities such as flying, gliding, target shooting, adventure training, sports, camps, drill, academic studies and lots of other things. There’s never a dull moment.
Check out the What We Do page for more details.
How Often Do You Meet?
We parade twice a week, Monday and Wednesdays, from 6:45pm until 9:30pm.
You’ll also usually find activities and courses running on weekends as well which you can take part in.
Do I Need To Purchase My Uniform?
No, the uniform is free but you have to look after it, and it does remain property of the Squadron so needs returning when you leave. You will need to buy your own shoes, boots and MTP (Combat) uniform, the total cost of this will be approximately £100. If your unable to purchase these items yourself the squadron will consider helping with these costs.
How Often Do You Get To Go Flying?
We try and offer as much flying as possible, ideally one slot per cadet every year. Unfortunately aircraft availability and the weather can be a factor in our flying slots. Some cadets may prefer to focus on other activities so you may get more opportunities.
Where Are We?
We’re located at Bassingbourn Barracks just North of Bassingbourn along the A1198.
Due to our location and training programme, it may not always be suitable for us to allow visitors. Therefore we ask that any potential cadets enrol on one of our open evenings. If you’re thinking of joining as a member of staff, please contact us on the details below.
Due to the fact we are located on a live military barracks, you may be subject to security checks on arrival so please make sure you have ID on you. Please also ensure you have contacted us before hand to confirm your visit (such as on an open evening). This way we can pass on your details to the guard room and let them know how many vehicles we’re expecting.
The guard room can refuse entry without reason.
