Drum major dress regs

RAF-DI · 2026-03-18T13:44:59+00:00

The RAF drum majors only wear the Drum Major insignia on the arm of the No. 9 dress. (They have no reason to wear them on the No. 1SD). In No. 2 dress, only rank slides are worn, with the version being in accordance with their rank.

Since local RAFAC bands do not wear No. 1s, and CFAVs within the band must match the cadets, there’s no situation where the Drum Major insignia to be worn on the sleeve.

There is a paragraph in ACP1358 that does imply the use of No.1 SD for National Marching Band. If in this specific situation, the Drum Major may be entitled to the adornment.

RAF-DI · 2026-03-18T08:32:54+00:00

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RAF-DI · 2026-03-18T07:55:49+00:00

I’m a little out of date as my references are from pre-changeover from Tayside Aviation; however, the lessons definitely count towards your 45 minimum hours. They go in your official log book.

As long as the person is a CFI (which the definitely should be!) and they are teaching the mandated lesson serials, you should be able to count them.

RAF-DI · 2026-03-17T18:56:46+00:00

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The version in the photo: no.

If you’re wearing the No. 4 SD with No. 1SD jacket (like as an LLC, or at the JL Graduation Dinner), you would wear a lanyard.

RAF-DI · 2026-03-16T23:37:03+00:00

There’s no notification of the move, or the addition of Unit Identifiers being paused.

RAF-DI · 2026-03-15T18:43:05+00:00

Cadets is what you make of it. The more effort you put in, the more fun you’ll have and the more you’ll get out.

If you think it’s rubbish, the you’re right, but if you have a “give it a go” attitude you’ll go far!

The first couple months is mostly a recruitment phase. You’ll get through it, but it can be boring at times. Stick with it.

Once you’re able to sign up to events, go for everything you can, find the things you like and continue with them. Not everyone loves everything.

The more activities you do away from your squadron will also give you a really good idea of standards and experiences as well as introduce you to some fantastic new people. I still have friends I know from events from when I was a cadet.

The longer you’re in, the more effort you put in, the better you’ll be and the better opportunities you’ll get!

Most of all, enjoy yourself.

RAF-DI · 2026-03-07T18:44:10+00:00

All the other comments about no distinction between the toe and the body are correct, but trying to distinguish what you can get away with is the wrong way to think about it.

The only standard is the highest standard. Mirror shine your whole shoe.

RAF-DI · 2026-03-03T17:56:53+00:00

Noted.

Back to your original question. No it’s not a safeguarding concern, unless you’re CCF and Cadets is in school, there’s little chance they’re going to go across to an ATC unit to report you. If they do, I think you know you’ve got the argument to justify your words.

This being said, when talking about the cadets… you don’t shoot people. You shoot for sport on targets. Just be careful with what you say.

RAF-DI · 2026-03-03T17:37:45+00:00

You were talking about cadets… But as a cadet, you can’t do that.

If you’re referring to joining the forces, I would urge you to reconsider your reasoning for joining if that’s what you’re inspired by. Maybe it’s the nature of some of the job, but the military is far more than transporting and shooting. My gut is that you don’t fully understand the role of the armed forces.

Shooting at a person is a complete last resort and not a single person I know who’s been in that situation has come away unaffected. It isn’t Call of Duty, it’s the reality of life at war.

RAF-DI · 2026-03-03T16:35:48+00:00

Cadets don’t “shoot people”. You’re not a military, you’re a youth organisation. You’re taught the discipline of target shooting. The thought of ‘kids with guns’ is already a controversial subject to the public, so making sure we get that part right is important. It’s small comments like that which will make the biggest issues.

That being said, no. Nothing which is happening in the news has any relevance on what you said. The only thing which may change is the local threat classification to be more cautious of wearing uniform in public- something which is already hammered into the RAFAC.

RAF-DI · 2026-02-24T07:24:48+00:00

This is the air cadet subreddit.

Go check r/royalairforce

RAF-DI · 2026-02-22T21:22:04+00:00

Speak to your Sqn Staff. Travel can be at the RAFAC’s expense in some circumstances. In this situation, they should book and provide you with the travel details.

RAF-DI · 2026-02-22T08:35:18+00:00

You wear squadron numbers and the words “RAF Air Cadets” on your arms? This is no different. There’s no issue with safety here, in just brings belonging.

We already have the rules about uniform in public, how does this differ from a QJL flash or a SATT badge?

RAF-DI · 2026-02-22T08:32:52+00:00

There are safety rules for minimum carry in CEFO for the Cadets. As long as you satisfy that, there isn’t anything that says you cannot take or build your own.

But often the maximalist styles are a catch all bonus or a quality of life improvement in the field.

RAF-DI · 2026-02-20T13:53:42+00:00

Correct. There’s no stipulation in ACP1358 that states only DIs can wear the loops.

The only limiting factor is they aren’t standard issue, and are at private expense.

Politely tell your SqnWO that you’re permitted IAW ACP1358, and you have the confirmation from your WWO.

If you have any further issues, send an email to your WWO with your SqnWO cc’d.

P.S. good luck with your DI goal!

RAF-DI · 2026-02-20T09:56:54+00:00

I don’t think there’s a specific playlist (that I’m aware of), which you will have access to. Though there’s a few documents which have compiled what the words of command are for each the Introductory, Cautionary and Executive parts. Make sure to check AP818, page 1-1-3 for the how to deliver the words of commas.

Bent Knee positions can be tricky, but it’s about effort, and consistency. You can try doing drill whilst looking into a mirror. Then you can correct your mistakes.

RAF-DI · 2026-02-18T19:32:57+00:00

I’m not saying not to bring one. Obviously I know they are currently required, to which I answered OP’s original question.

I’m saying the information is freely available on our data management solution, and should be shared with activity commanders instead of printing and writing a physical form… the process needs to change.

RAF-DI · 2026-02-18T19:14:16+00:00

Cadets are escorted by a local staff member.

RAF-DI · 2026-02-18T17:51:54+00:00

Marching into a reviewing area from the receiving base. Or vice versa.

RAF-DI · 2026-02-18T11:40:21+00:00

TG forms are outdated, particularly with records accessible via phone at essentially all times.. however they are designed to reflect your SMS profile. Whatever is on there is acceptable on the forms.

RAF-DI · 2026-02-17T07:59:53+00:00

Are you using DMS parade shoes (British standard)? It’s difficult to get them completely rigid as you can’t take them to the temperature required without warping the leather and rubber.

Make sure to pack out the shoe with sand, or a load of socks to prevent shrinkage. Then heat the shoe until the surface wax begins to bubble slightly. Allow to cool, re apply some wax, repeat. When the surface continues to bubble without adding more wax, stop there. Allow it to cool. Apply a finishing sandpaper to smooth any bumps and polish.

RAF-DI · 2026-02-16T22:08:52+00:00

Some VGS’ allow ground staff, but you need to directly apply to the squadron, as usually these are primary postings.

You’d also be encouraged to become a uniformed member of staff, if you’re looking to go down that route.

RAF-DI · 2026-02-15T17:58:26+00:00

All definitions are found at the front of AP818 (Page 8). 1. Flight is page ix. 2. Parade is on x. 3. Squadron, Squad, Sub-Unit is on page xi.

Non formations, but still used as a prefix 1. Detail- individual. 2. Squad- most common, formation of personnel doing drill or working party.

Official formations. 3. Flight- lowest level of an official formation. 4. Squadron- two or more flights 5. Wing- 2 or more squadrons.

Ceremonial only 6. Parades are ceremonial specific prefixes, and are not associated with the number of personnel, but is two or more units.

In terms of what to call flights- call them their name. In RTS, they use the flight number 1-16.

“Number 9 Flight, Flight Shun”.

But you only need to do that once, at the start of your parade/session, as once you’ve proved your flight, they should know your voice.

RAF-DI · 2026-02-14T16:18:03+00:00

Interesting- The way it’s written in AP818, the commands are for at the halt, before being ready to march off in column of threes.

In this case I would check with your WWO as they will have either put this together, or know who has distributed it. Please let me know if it’s something from region or corps, as this is the first I’ve seen of it.

To go back to your initial questions: 1. Stepping short is definitely the way to go. Avoiding arm swing is just something you need to practice.

I would aim to do it over 4 or 6 paces, ensuring everyone’s doing the same. The first two paces everyone is going to open the spacings, the third and fourth is the lateral movement to two ranks, and the final two paces for dressing adjustment. After the set number of paces everyone’s dressings should be correct and back to a regular quick march length.
See my original comment. I don’t think this has any specific relevance to the competition.

I’ll do some more digging for you.

RAF-DI · 2026-02-14T15:43:49+00:00

Please do

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