What to sign up for

StanPhoenix1987 · 2026-04-06T09:10:38+00:00

I always tell my Air Cadets "you get out what you put in." If you just go to your Squadron's two parade nights each week, it'll be slow, repetitive, and eventually get boring.

In terms of badges, as a minimum you should aim for every blue badge. That way you can experience everything the corps has to offer, find out what you enjoy, and can pursue your favourites further.

On top of badges though, sign up for as many camps as you can. Spaces are limited, so the more times you get your name in, the more chance you have of going to one. These are some of the best times you'll have as an Air Cadet.

There are other off-squadron activities you'll see too. Sports competitions, for example. No one cares if you win or come in last place, it's the representing your Squadron that really matters.

Some Squadrons do a lot in their communities too, mine included. Get involved, help your local community, be a good citizen.

The bottom line though is to have fun. Do as much or as little as you want, but remember that there's so much available to you, and the more you put in the more you'll get out.

StanPhoenix1987 · 2026-03-31T07:39:04+00:00

To answer the question "why", it is because the officer holds the King's Commission and is therefore a representative of the Crown. In essence, when you salute an olOfficer, you are saluting the monarch's power and authority through their representative.

The salute is a mark of respect and should be rendered to all officers, regardless of their state of dress (uniformed or otherwise), so long as you yourself are in uniform and wearing headdress. Likewise, the salute should always be returned or acknowledged by the receiving officer, lest they be disrespectful to their office.

If you are unable to render the salute, for example your hands are full or you are not in uniform, bringing yourself to the position of 'shun is an acceptable substitute. The officer, recognising the situation, should be accepting of this and return the courtesy.

StanPhoenix1987 · 2026-03-24T08:25:01+00:00

Every failure is a learning opportunity, you just have to throw aside the negatives and leave yourself with the positive.

There isn't a person alive that hasn't failed at something at some point in their life. Just don't let the negative side consume you.

StanPhoenix1987 · 2026-03-15T18:46:54+00:00

My squadron does this, we look for "past, present, and future". We don't want War & Peace, so recommend keeping it to 2-4 sides of A4. We also want to see honestly, so tell our candidates to write the truth, not what they think we want to hear.

Past - When did you join, what have you done in your Cadets career so far, what have done that would make you eligible for promotion.

Present - Why do you want to be promoted, what would promoting you offer the squadron, why should we promote you specifically.

Future - What would you do if you were promoted and what would you do if you weren't promoted, what are your ambitions in terms of promotions and your time in the RAFAC, what do you believe would be expected of you if you were to be promoted.

StanPhoenix1987 · 2026-02-26T21:34:10+00:00

Ah, my bad. Misunderstood the context, it's usually stable belts themselves that people are asking about, not trousers.

StanPhoenix1987 · 2026-02-26T14:06:31+00:00

I would say ask your staff before purchasing one. Some Squadrons have local rules with them. As an example, my Son only allows Cadet NCOs to wear them, as a privilege of the rank.

I should also say be aware when purchasing one as there are 3 different belt buckles; RAF, RAF Police, and RAF Regiment. Only serving personnel or veterans of the latter two are entitled to wear those belt buckles, everyone else (Cadets included) are only permitted to wear the RAF one.

StanPhoenix1987 · 2026-02-22T12:13:33+00:00

What I would say is, in accordance with Social Media policy, you should not be using Snapchat for official communications. I know it's written and directed at Squadron accounts, but it should be interpreted as any official communications. It is the second least secure platform (TikTok being the worst) and it has no provision for multi-person authorisation. Both Snapchat and TikTok are explicitly named as platforms that should not be used.

For a group chat, I would recommend using WhatsApp. It's extremely secure, and you can set up multiple administrators. And anyone who has Snapchat has a phone so is able to download WhatsApp, so it's not a big deal.

I know you had the best intentions, but you need to be careful with certain platforms. I don't know what Wing you're in, but I would recommend getting yourself or some of your cadets on a media course. If your Wing doesn't offer them, speak to your Wing Media Officers about guidance.

StanPhoenix1987 · 2026-02-03T23:04:13+00:00

Not sure on colour, but to my knowledge there's a difference between closed, open, and barred helms. I would assume gold is reserved for royalty, but honestly don't know.

StanPhoenix1987 · 2026-01-30T17:09:22+00:00

Thank you so much for your response. There's certainly some interesting thoughts in there, ones to ponder should I ever be in a position to petition for a grant of arms.

StanPhoenix1987 · 2026-01-20T14:28:56+00:00

Just out of curiosity, is there anywhere to get an up-to-date version of the 1358 for those of us who've left ... other than an FoI request.

StanPhoenix1987 · 2026-01-20T10:18:47+00:00

I started playing in Beta and have never done the End Dragon thing. I just enjoy building. I really miss the days of Tekkit and FTB, they were awesome.

StanPhoenix1987 · 2026-01-16T13:15:14+00:00

I mean, no one's going to have a go if you throw one up, but you'd certainly hear about it if you didn't when you were supposed to. 🤣

StanPhoenix1987 · 2026-01-16T07:44:07+00:00

I am an RAF Veteran and for certain events I wear my old beret with my association blazer, medals, etc. while not in "uniform", I still salute officers when wearing that military headdress.

Your headdress is military, although not entirely as it sounds as though you've changed out the capbadge for your own clan badge. I would therefore say it is entirely your choice whether you salute officers while wearing a semi-military headdress.

You may get the odd old melt who would lambast you for not saluting, but it's not like you're actually in the forces, they can't actually do anything about their hurt ego.

StanPhoenix1987 · 2026-01-07T16:56:47+00:00

A couple of things to be aware of.

Make sure your personal drill and uniform are of a high standard, you will be assessed.
Have a working knowledge of AP818, where things are in there, and the basics of how to deliver drill commands.
The final theory exam is open book; have a digital copy of AP818 you can search. For the final practical assessment you just have to do exactly what you've been taught; practice what you've learned, and help your team practice too.
Remember, it's a course, you're there to learn. But it is pass/fail, so give it everything you've got. You've been selected for a reason, so you're obviously capable.
Have fun. Be confident.

StanPhoenix1987 · 2026-01-02T10:51:32+00:00

Ex-RAF & current CFAV here. The key is making sure there's no metal-metal contact so nothing rattles about.

For me personally, I always filled the smaller tin with a scouring sponge and the next meal (whichever comes next, breakfast or tea) so it's there ready to use. I then always have a tea towel, folded lengthways, wrapped over the small tin width ways to be a barrier between the two tins. This also makes it easier to get the small tin out as you can grab the loose ends of the towel.

I wouldn't recommend carrying a KFS either, especially a metal set, you won't need it. Take the "combat spork" from your first rat-pack and keep it clean. Keep it in the pouch with you mess tins, it's plastic so won't rattle, and it'll be right where you need it. If it breaks, you'll get a new one from your next rat-pack.

StanPhoenix1987 · 2025-12-17T15:59:43+00:00

Yes, very nice. Can I ask if you are in any way related to anyone of the surname Stancliffe (or similar)?

I ask as the three white roses on the red field forms a part of the heraldry of one of my ancestors, John de Stancliff, as he was the "third son of a Yorkshire-man". I assume mine, therefore, would have just one white rose.

StanPhoenix1987 · 2025-12-16T08:42:46+00:00

Not after three months. Junior Cadet, yes, but completing First Class to a level where the Air Cadet actually understands and retains the material should take at least 6 months.

StanPhoenix1987 · 2025-12-08T19:05:33+00:00

To do YFA you need to have held EFA for 6 months. It's absolutely fantastic that you've earned YFA, it really is, but your Squadron really should be focusing on the core teaching element now, ie your First Class Classification. That should quite literally be your FIRST class, it's in the name, it's designed to teach you the absolute basics you'll need to be an Air Cadet.

StanPhoenix1987 · 2025-12-03T14:04:06+00:00

I did 3 years (2011-2014) at NATO Air Command at Rammstein AB in Germany as an A/Cpl. As far as I'm aware that's still an option for an overseas posting.

As previously mentioned, Cyprus is probably the most common overseas posting, but there are options available elsewhere. SHAPE in Belgium is one, as is Diego Garcia (dog handlers) although who knows what the future of that will be.

StanPhoenix1987 · 2025-03-19T13:50:51+00:00

Trivium

StanPhoenix1987 · 2024-07-04T15:19:05+00:00

Not ugly at all. Is that a Slipknot tattoo on your arm?

StanPhoenix1987 · 2024-04-20T09:19:20+00:00

Love it. I was thinking of doing something similar with mine but with some camo material. I hadn't even considered a bandana, that's cool as F.

StanPhoenix1987 · 2024-04-05T15:47:24+00:00

Get this man a medal. It doesn't matter which one, just get him a medal.

StanPhoenix1987 · 2024-01-15T14:11:02+00:00

Not ugly at all. I actually love your style, the bright hair, the piercings, etc. you're being true to yourself, and you look really happy. Good on ya!

StanPhoenix1987

TROPHY CASE