Forming a Squadron

Establishing a New Unit in the Australian Air Force Cadets

 The Australian Air Force Cadets (AAFC) is an organisation structured with multiple units across Australia.  The backbone of the AAFC is the Squadron (SQN) which is a unit that provided training for cadets in local; communities.  These units can range from 20 cadets to 150 cadets and will have locally based staff which provide the training.  SQNs are grouped together into Wings (WG) which cover geographical regions across Australia.

Our SQNs are run by AAFC staff members who volunteer their time to provide the training and have the necessary skills and attributes to be a significant leader and to help develop the cadets into better citizens in our community. SQNs are located in metropolitan and regional centres in every state in Australia and with cooperation and support from the local community, the AAFC provides young people an opportunity to participate in adventurous activities that encourages teamwork, leadership and self-respect.

The success of the modern Cadet Program is built, in part, on community participation. For example, the Staff volunteers who run the SQN come from the local community. While we prefer to be located at a Defence unit, the AAFC has many SQNs that are located in community facilities, schools, airfields and council buildings.

How to establish a New Squadron

Before a new SQN can be established, the AAFC needs to gather information on the viability and ongoing potential of establishing a SQN in the local community.  In order to achieve this, the AAFC needs to hear from the community.  In order to start the process, communities should look at the following requirements and put together a submission which they can discuss with the Officer Commanding the Wing that looks after the region in which the community is based.

In order to be successful you should prepare some background material. At a minimum you should be able to answer the following questions.

• Where would you locate the SQN: in a school, council hall, airport or on a Defence facility?
• Are there sufficient adult volunteers who meet the appointment requirements and have appropriate skills and or experience in working with young people, to staff the SQN? A minimum number of three adults is required.
• Is there community/school support for the proposed SQN?
• Are there sufficient numbers of young people interested in joining the AAFC? Twenty to thirty young people is generally thought to be a good number.
• Can the community provide an ongoing supply of young people that are interested in joining the AAFC

In return, Defence and the AAFC will provide:

• a development program,
• uniforms,
• an annual camp,
• training and professional development for adult staff,
• policy guidance,
• a safe and secure environment, and
• a Defence experience.

To contact your local Wing Headquarters, please use the list below

NORTH QUEENSLAND

 Number 1 Wing Australian Air Force Cadets

RAAF Base Townsville

PO Box 7289

Garbutt Business Centre, QLD, 4814

 

Parade Night:  Friday Night 1900h to 2200h

Unit Telephone on Parade Night: 07 4752 1718 

Officer Commanding:  Wing Commander (AAFC) Danny Pieri

Email address:   oc.1wg@aafc.org.au                       

SOUTH QUEENSLAND

 Number 2 Wing Australian Air Force Cadets

Building 899

RAAF Base Amberley

Amberley, QLD, 4306

Parade Night: Friday Night 1900h to 2200h

Unit Telephone on Parade Night:         07 5361 1169

Officer Commanding:   Wing Commander (AAFC) Ian Harding

Email address:                         oc.2wg@aafc.org.au

NEW SOUTH WALES and AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY

Number 3 Wing Australian Air Force Cadets

Cnr City & Darlington Roads

PO Box 1506

Strawberry Hills, NSW, 2012

Parade Night:  Tuesday Night 1830h to 2130h

Unit Telephone on Parade Night:         02 9519 6659

Officer Commanding:  Wing Commander (AAFC) Wayne Laycock

Email address:    oc.3wg@aafc.org.au

VICTORIA      

 Number 4 Wing Australian Air Force Cadets

RAAF Base Williams

Point Cook, VIC, 3027 

Parade Night:                                       Tuesday Night 1900h to 2200h

Unit Telephone on Parade Night:         03 8348 6155

 Officer Commanding:                          Wing Commander (AAFC) David Robson

Email address:                         oc.4wg@aafc.org.au

TASMANIA

Number 5 Wing Australian Air Force Cadets

Building 78-79, Anglesea Barracks

GPO Box 1081

Hobart, TAS, 7001

Parade Night:                                       Monday Night 1800h to 2130h

Unit Telephone on Parade Night:         03 6237 7139

Officer Commanding:                          Wing Commander (AAFC) David Read

Email address:                         oc.5wg@aafc.org.au

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

Number 6 Wing Australian Air Force Cadets

Building 240A RAAF Base Edinburgh

PO Box 1500

Edinburgh, SA, 5111

Parade Night:                                       Wednesday Night 1800h to 2200h

Unit Telephone on Parade Night:         08 8393 2172

Officer Commanding:                          Wing Commander (AAFC) Peter Gill

Email address:                         oc.6wg@aafc.org.au

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Number 7 Wing Australian Air Force Cadets

RAAF Base Pearce

Bullsbrook, WA, 6084

Parade Night:                                       Tuesday Night 1900h to 2200h

Unit Telephone on Parade Night:         08 9571 7800

Officer Commanding:                          SQNLDR (AAFC) Robert Caldera

Email address:                         oc.7wg@aafc.org.au