Who Are We?

Chigwell Squadron was formed in September 1958 and was originally based at RAF Chigwell which was a radar and barrage balloon base. (The site is now occupied by the David Lloyd centre.) The base was de-commissioned in 1968 and, eventually, the Squadron moved to its current location in Squirrel’s lane Buckhurst Hill. It is the only Squadron in London Wing to have been based at an RAF Station.

Today the Squadron’s location means that we have almost unique access to the adjacent playing fields and acres of public land around the Roding Valley which we regularly use as a highly versatile training area.

Over the years the Squadron has been proud of producing cadets of an exceptionally high calibre, who have gone on to successful careers in both military and civilian life. Cadets from the Squadron have served in the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, Royal Corps of Signals the Light Infantry, Royal Green Jackets and, of course, the Royal Air Force. We have also produced a number of Wing staff, including the first commander of the new, expanded, London Wing.

We pride ourselves on packing a disproportional punch to our size and continue to make a considerable impression across London Wing, London and South East Region and beyond.

What do we do? What Do Air Cadets Do? You name it, there is a good chance there is an Air Cadet somewhere doing it! The only limitation is how much you want to do or achieve! The Air Training Corps has official aims that were set out by King George VI when the organisation was founded in 1941:

• To promote and encourage among young people a practical interest in aviation and the Royal Air Force.
• To provide training which will be useful both in service and civilian life.
• To foster the spirit of adventure and develop qualities of leadership and good citizenship.

What all that means is that Chigwell Air Cadets and the wider Air Cadet Organisation provides opportunities for you to get fly, meet new people, learn new skills, develop in character and ability and have fun doing it.
Remember, whatever your tastes, nothing is compulsory. If it's more your cup of tea to go flying, try your hand at aircraft recognition, or perhaps you like nothing more than dangling from a rock face in the rain, that’s entirely up to you.

Being an Air Cadet requires personal commitment. We hold Parade nights twice a week – Monday and Thursday nights from 7pm - 9.30pm. and regular attendance is expected so that you get the most out of being a member of the Squadron but there are of course always exceptions so just let us know….!

Added to these evenings  there is a full programme of weekend activities and events to keep you occupied. You are not expected to attend every event although the chances are that you will want to!

There are also courses and camps, held at RAF Stations, Army Exercise Areas, in the National Parks, as well as overseas that you can attend. You will discover more about the wide variety of activities and challenges on offer by exploring this site or better still, come and speak to us!

The great thing is that in addition to learning new skills and having lots of fun, at the end of the academic part of Air Cadet Training, you can be the proud recipient of a BTEC in Aviation Studies (equivalent to 2 GCSE's) or better still, a BTEC in Public Studies (equivalent to 5 GCSE’s), all while having fun!

PARADE NIGHTS The parade nights during the week provide the training and knowledge needed to carry out the many and varied weekend activities, expeditions and camps cadets can take part in. On squadron nights cadets typically progress through the ATC training syllabus, practice drill, sports, adventure training such as indoor rock climbing, navigation and fieldcraft/night exercises as well as projects such as communications, first aid and much, much more.

No two nights are ever the same. For more information on these activities, see the links above.
There is a training programme in place which not only covers the events calendar for the year but also helps you progress through the different training stages throughout your cadet career.