Here you will find details of how to become a member of the Air Training Corps and the options available to you. Click on the links to find out more or visit our frequently asked questions page. You are welcome to phone or call into our squadron headquarters to find out more, our contact details are here.
Prospective cadets and their parents are welcome to visit the squadron at any time during one of our parade nights to see if you like it - there is no obligation to join! We will be able to discuss what we do and answer any questions that you may have. Answers to some of the common questions are on our FAQ page. We look forward to seeing you soon.
If 1461 Wigston squadron isn't local to you there is sure to be another squadron nearby. Click here for the location of all squadrons within South and East Midlands Wing.
Previous military experience is not a requirement for joining, but it is important to be able to communicate and motivate young people, along with the commitment to give up some of your free time. Our squadron structure page describes some of the roles and responsibilities, the significant differences between the adult positions are:
| Commissioned Officers |
- Commissioned into the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve (Training Branch) [RAFVR(T)]
- Commitment of at least 12 hours per month
- Unpaid, but can claim up to 28 days remuneration plus travel and subsistence expenses
- Full range of training and development courses available
- Expected to attend and pass the Initial Officers' course at RAF College Cranwell, Lincolnshire during your first year
- Wearing a VR(T) uniform is a non-combatant role and means you cannot be deployed to a war zone
- Adults often join first as a Civilian Instructor, depending on previous experience
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| Non-Commissioned Officers (Adult NCOs) |
- A member of the Air Training Corps
- Commitment of at least 12 hours per month
- Unpaid, but can claim up to 28 days remuneration plus travel and subsistence expenses
- Full range of training and development courses available
- Expected to attend and pass the Senior Non Commissioned Officers' Staff Initial Course (SSIC) at RAF College Cranwell, Lincolnshire during your first year
- Wearing a uniform is a non-combatant role and means you cannot be deployed to a war zone
- Adults often join first as a Civilian Instructor, depending on previous experience
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| Civilian Instructors |
- A member of the Air Training Corps
- No time commitment - you can give as much or as little of your free time that suits you
- Unpaid, but can claim travel expenses
- Full range of training and development courses available
- Civilian Instructors do not wear a uniform
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Other Volunteers
As well as squadron staff, who run ATC activities on a day-to-day basis, there are also other opportunities available for adults, perhaps those with less time:
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| Civilian Committee |
- Parents, friends, relatives and local people can all become members of the Civilian Committee
- The committee ensures that the squadron maintains it's direction, assisting the Commanding Officer and raising funds
- Committee members do not get involved with day to day running of the squadron or parade night activities
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| Civilian Gliding Instructors |
- Attached to a volunteer Gliding School (VGS) at one of 25 locations around the UK, not a local Squadron
- Previous flying or gliding experience is useful, for those with aptitude you will be taught to fly
- Expected to fly 2 or 3 days every month
- Unpaid, but can claim travel expenses
- With experience can apply for a commission in the Training Branch of the RAF Volunteer Reserve
- To become a Civilian Gliding Instructor (CGI) you should contact your local Air Cadet Volunteer Gliding School, call 01400 267630 for details
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