Air Force Cadets

Annual Recuit Intake

218 Squadron has one recruit intake at the beginning of each year and is subject to space availability.

You can make an application at any time, but the actual selction process for recruits usually only commences from about October.  Any expressions of interest received before this time (including those from previous unsuccessful applicants) will be held on file for inclusion in the next selection process commences.

Click on this Expression of Interest link if you wish to apply to join 218 Squadron.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible to join the Australian Air Force Cadets (AAFC), you must meet the following criteria:

• be at least 12 years of age and turning 13 or older in the year of acceptance, but not have attained the age of 16 years;

• be enrolled in high school education (minimum year 7) in the year of acceptance;

• be medically fit to participate in AAFC activities. If required, the candidate must undergo a medical examination at parent/guardian expense and provide the AAFC with an Individual Health Management Plan;

• have parent/guardian permission to volunteer as a cadet in the AAFC;

• be a person ordinarily resident in Australia (i.e. not residing only on a temporary basis);

• not be a member of the Australian Navy Cadets (ANC), Australian Army Cadets (AAC) or Australian Defence Force (ADF);

• make a commitment by signing (and co-signed by their parent/guardian) that they have read and agree to abide by the ADF Cadets Youth Values and Defence Youth Safe Code of Conduct Statement;

• be willing to make a commitment to regularly attend Squadron parades and activities.

 Cadets can remain enrolled until the end of the calendar year in which they turn 18.

Recruit / Parent Information Evening

We will be holding a Recruit/Parent Information Evening at a date and time to be advised toward the end of the calendar year. Our address is Harry Dalziel VC Building (RSL Building opposite Westside HQ), 2 Clewley St, Corinda QLD 4075.

This event is a valuable opportunity to find out more about 218 Squadron (Corinda) and the AAFC. We will have staff and cadets on hand to answer any questions. We will take the opportunity to measure prospective cadets for their uniform and shoes sizes (Cadets will try uniforms and shoes/boots. Please wear socks and closed shoes) and take their photos for IDs. 

Fees for new cadets in 2025 is $230, which covers the following:

• Annual Insurance/support fees

• Learning equipment (projectors, print-outs, computers)

• The cost of participating in most Squadron-specific atvities.  Depending on the activity and circimstances, there may be addional charges/costs for participating in certain activities.

• Squadron facility maintenance/improvement

• A squadron polo shirt, name badge and squadron patch

There are additional costs if cadets want to pre-order canteen (dinner, drink, chips), and sometimes specialist training (flying, adventure training).

If any other friends or family are interested in joining 218 Squadron (Corinda), they are welcome to attend and click on the link to submit an Expression of Interest. Our Squadron enrolment numbers are capped at 30 at this stage. We parade during school term on Monday evenings from 1725 to 2135hrs. 

For further information on the AAFC, visit the national website https://www.airforcecadets.gov.au/ or Defence Cadets at http://www.cadetnet.gov.au