The Air Training Corps is one of the largest youth organisations in the UK. It teaches young people important life skills including leadership and discipline. The corps offers cadets the chance to participate in a huge variety of activites.

The purpose of drill is to teach teamwork, coordination and discipline. Drill done well leads to a high level of self discipline. We have some of the best NCOs in the wing who teach and instruct drill effectively.

Inspections are an integral part of cadet life. Once a month the CO (Commanding Officer) will inspect the squadron to ensure that we present a smart image.

Sport is very important to the corps. It ensures cadets are fit and healthy. The squadron competes at Wing and at Regional level in several sports, promoting the reputation of the squadron and improving team spirit.

Shooting is one of the core activities and is always popular with cadets. It requires a high degree of self discipline because although it is not difficult to do, it is very difficult to do well. Cadets fire small calibre rifles on our range at the TA centre and larger calibre rifles during special weekends and summer camps at RAF stations. Many Buxton cadets have achieved marksmans awards.

Flying and Gliding experience flights are available several times a year, at weekends and during the annual camp at an RAF station. Cadets get the chance to take control of the aircraft themselves and experience at first hand the aerobatics which are seen at air shows. Every year places are available for a residential week long gliding course which has the aim of graduating the attending cadets as qualified glider pilots.

Cadet Camps are hosted by an RAF station where you will do everything from swimming to tennis, mountain biking to rugby. Of course no cadet camp would be complete without the flying, shooting and social events that only the RAF can hold. These camps are a great place to make new friends from other squadrons who you can then meet again at other cadet events. Lucky cadets may be selected to go on camps to places like Cyprus and Gibraltar. A Buxton Squadron cadet attended the 2006 annual camp at Akrotiri in Cyprus.

The Duke of Edinburgh Awards are actively pursued as part of cadet activities. Every year our squadron has many cadets trying for awards by taking part in the sport sections, skills, service and expeditions.

When you join the air cadets you will soon become part of the team and begin making your own contribution to the various cadet activities and help us in making sure our squadron is the best. As you gain experience you can progress through the various classes of cadet and perhaps become an NCO. You will be helped to develop leadership skills so that you become eligible for promotion and take an active role in the organisation of the squadron. The air cadets is a great organisation, but don't take our word for it - come and see for yourself.