Volunteers

1015 (Horsham) Squadron is run entirely by volunteers, known as Cadet Forces Adult Volunteers (CFAV). If you’re looking for a rewarding way to develop leadership skills, gain real qualifications, and help young people build confidence, we’d love to hear from you.

Why volunteer?

Whatever you choose to get involved in, volunteering with the squadron is a genuinely rewarding way to spend your time. You’ll pick up practical skills in teamwork, organising activities and safeguarding, build your leadership abilities by guiding cadets and fellow volunteers, and have the chance to work towards nationally recognised qualifications such as expedition leadership, first aid, and ILM-accredited leadership and management awards.

Our volunteer team comes from all kinds of backgrounds and professions, and no previous military experience is needed — just enthusiasm and a willingness to get involved.

Roles at the squadron

• Civilian Instructor — our most flexible role. Help with training, admin or running activities on parade nights, with no uniform commitment required.
• Senior NCO or Commissioned Officer — a uniformed leadership role for volunteers who want to take on more responsibility, from running training to commanding the squadron.
• Chaplain — offering pastoral care, moral guidance and emotional support to cadets and staff, from any faith background.
• Civilian Committee member — supporting the squadron behind the scenes with fundraising, admin and events, usually meeting once a month.

What volunteering involves

No two parade nights look the same. You might be teaching a subject from the training syllabus, helping cadets prepare for an inspection, or planning the next camp. Depending on your role, you could get involved in:

• Flying and gliding days
• Drill and ceremonial training
• Adventurous training, including Duke of Edinburgh’s Award expeditions
• Annual camps at RAF stations
• Visits to museums, air shows and other organisations
• Delivering the training syllabus, from leadership to space and cyber

Most Civilian Instructors give at least one parade night a month, though many do more. Uniformed volunteers commit to a minimum of around 12 hours a month across parade nights and weekend activities.

What we’re looking for

• Aged 20 or over (18 if you’re a former cadet)
• No military background needed — full training, induction and uniform (where applicable) are provided
• Patient, reliable, and good with young people
• Willing to complete an enhanced DBS check before starting

How to join

1. Get in touch — contact us to let us know you’re interested, and we’ll arrange a visit.
2. Visit & chat — come along to a parade night, meet the team, and have an informal chat with our Commanding Officer.
3. Apply & checks — complete the online application and an enhanced DBS check.
4. Induction & probation — complete the Adult Volunteer Induction Package during a short probation period, then you’re a fully appointed volunteer.