Joining Details
Who can join?
YOU can join the Air Training Corps. If you live in the UK and can get to a Squadron then you will be more than welcome!
People with disabilities* are welcome to join in the fun too. 1216 (Eastleigh) Squadron headquarters has level access to the front door and lift access to the first floor.
How old do I need to be?
The ATC is open to anyone between the age of 13 and 18.
How much does it cost?
Subscriptions make an important contribution to the finances of the squadron and help to fund many of the activities, materials and infrastructure that directly or indirectly benefit the cadets.
Joining 1216 Eastleigh Squadron costs nothing until you are enrolled. Once enrolled subscriptions are due. Subscriptions are £7.50 per month and paid by Standing Order Mandate. If parents are UK tax payers, we ask that they also complete a Gift Aid Declaration which means that for every £1 the cadets pay in subs, the tax office will donate an additional 28p. The ATC is concerned that no one should be denied membership on grounds of financial ability, if cost is an issue then please speak with the Squadron Commander, they will always do all they can to help.
Air Cadet Membership is exceptionally good value, especially when compared with other youth organisations. For your £7.50 a month you will receive a free uniform on-loan to you until you resign, all you need to find are a pair of shoes! You also get loan of all your training manuals, shooting, flying and gliding - not bad is it?! The only time you will be asked for additional funds will be if you wish to attend annual camp, overseas camps, D of E expeditions and other more expensive activities. Having said that, a weeks camp in the UK with all your food, accommodation and activities for the week will only set you back approximately £40! Again, if cost is a problem speak to your Squadron Commander; do not let it stop you from getting as much out of your time in the Corps as possible!
What do I get?
Apart from your uniform and training (that can lead to a BTEC in Aviation Studies) you will gain skills that will be of value to you throughout your life and will set you head and shoulders above the competition at University or Job interviews. You will also make some of your best friends within the Corps, not just from your Squadron but people that you meet on camp or at sports. One thing is for sure YOU WILL GET AS MUCH OUT OF THE ATC AS YOU PUT IN it might be hard going sometimes and some parade nights might be more fun than others, but stick with it and you will reap the benefits.
*The ACO is committed to equal opportunities and we welcome members with disabilities. We have had blind Cadets participating in activities including target shooting and adventure training; wheelchairs are no barrier to many of the pursuits available - we can get you abseiling! Help with dyslexia and other learning difficulties can be given to help Cadets pass the training syllabus levels. Each Squadron will do its utmost to ensure that as many people was possible can take advantage of the opportunities on offer.
It does need to be noted, however, that not all Squadrons are able to supply wheelchair access and that the physically and mentally challenging nature of some of our activities may exclude some from participating. This is down to purely practical and logistical problems. Each Squadron will have its own individual characteristics. We will do our best to try and overcome them but it is only fair to prospective and current members to state that membership may not be suitable for all and that there may be some things you will be unable to take part in. The Commanding Officer at your local Squadron will be very pleased to meet and discuss with you any concerns you may have and offer advice. Don't be put off from enquiring about joining, make contact and see what you can do.