2488 (Kingswinford) Squadron ATC

On 5th December 1969, 2488 (Kingswinford) Squadron was formed from the Wall Heath Detached Flight of 347 (Dudley) Squadron. 

Today, we have over 60 Air Cadets ranging from the ages of 13 yrs old up to 18 yrs old based at our own premises in Kingswinford. As a squadron of Sector 3 in the West Mercian Wing, which is one of the six wings in the Wales & West region, we have a fantastic network of staff and cadets sharing ideas and working together.

Being an Air Cadet is a rewarding and fulfilling experience. You can join for however long you want. We’re not a recruiting organisation for the main RAF, so all the skills you learn and experiences you gain will benefit whatever career path you choose.

To be an Air Cadet you must be 13 years old, or 12 years old if you're already in year 8 in school. Most Air Cadets leave when they're 18-20 years old and some stay involved as an adult volunteer.

2488 (Kingswinford) Squadron meet twice a week on Tuesday and Thursday evenings - 50 weeks a year (we only close over the Christmas period). 

Each session lasts around two hours from 19:30hrs to 21:30hrs. This means it should fit in easily with your other commitments and hobbies.

There's a small subscription payable monthly to cover the running costs which equates to only a few pounds per week.

After you have completed your basic training and are ready to become a First Class Cadet, you will be issued with your uniform. This is free but you have to look after it as being a 'military' youth organisation, we have high standards to maintain. You'll take pride in your uniform and appearance and be well mannered and self-disciplined. 

Footwear and your greens uniform is not included, so shoes or boots along with the MTP uniform will need to be provided at your own cost.

We offer a wide range of fun and challenging activities, suitable for those with no experience and anyone who has already had a go. All Air Cadets can also benefit from training and gain qualifications that will be useful for all career choices, both in and out of the RAF.

Read more about the activities and training we offer.

Everyone in the Air Cadets, and the RAF, is identified by a badge that represents their rank. As a Cadet Non-commissioned Officer (NCO), there are opportunities to earn a promotion through demonstration of good leadership.

A few years ago, you would have been issued your own little blue book called a F3822 to log all of your achievements, promotions and activities. You would have also used the F3822 as your pass to get onto RAF stations. Nowadays it is all on your smart phone through an app called 'MyRAFAC' which started as an RAF Astra concept and ended up being a full-blown internal Astra Appivate Project developed by RAF personnel. It is where cadets manage personal details, monitor progress and see upcoming activities.

We have two intakes a year (around March and September), preceded by an Open Evening where you can see the Air Cadets in action. So, drop us an email and we will put you on the waiting list and let you know about the Open Evening or intake when we are closer to the date.

We also welcome personal visits by potential cadets (ideally accompanied by a parent or guardian), during one of our Parade Nights. Just contact us to make an appointment to come along and see if you like it. We will discuss what we do, show you some of the activities and answer any questions you, your parents or carer may have.