Why Volunteer?

Cadets need your leadership.  

They know your service as unpaid youth development professionals, instructors, and mentors is the most essential ingredient in cadet life.  The AAFC will not succeed in its mission unless it has the benefit of well-trained and dedicated adult volunteers.

Volunteering is an extremely important part of the AAFC being able to influence the youth of today to shape them and prepare them for their future.  It's hard, but it's extremely rewarding. 

Time Commitments

Cadets and volunteers go hand-in-hand.  Where there is a cadet, there is a volunteer.  That's why the expectations to commit are similar.  Since the organisation is run by volunteers, there is often a need to take some extra time to plan and administer the squadron. Uniformed volunteers are eligible to claim remuneration through Cadet Volunteer Payments.

Generally, cadets parade once a week, with roughly 2-3 weekend activities a term.  Some units may do a lot more.  Some activities are tailored to specific sub-groups so not all activities have to be attended by all adults.  Staff are generally expected to attend 75% of weekly parades and 60% of activities in a year.

What will I be doing?

As a volunteer you provide essential capability to the Air Force Cadets by supporting the Instructors of Cadets (IOC) and Officers of Cadets (OOC) in the management, supervision and conduct of cadet activities.  As a registered Defence Approved Helper (DAH) you will generally provide support on an occasional basis, or provide regular 'back office' support.  However, your commitment in terms of days per annum will vary depending on the needs of your unit, and your individual availability. 

As a DAH, you will assist in a supervisory role and can be included as part of the adult supervisor/cadet supervision ratio for activities, but you will not be the sole supervisor of any activity.

You will also be required to maintain/renew required certifications and competencies such as Working With Children clearances etc. and prescribed annual awareness training.

If you have experience, or would like to develop skills in teaching, then you may be requested to help either deliver training, or mentor senior cadets in teaching lessons at cadet activities.  Otherwise, you may also be engaged in administrative or operational roles such as:

• office administration (e.g. rosters, filing, reception, finance)

• training administration (e.g. training plans, activity administration)

• logistics duties (such as issue of uniforms, ordering and management of stores)

Instruct Aviation

PILOTS, AVIATION INSTRUCTORS AND STAFF

SUPPORTING FLYING EXPERIENCES with the Australian Air Force Cadets

As Australia’s premier air-minded youth organisation, the AAFC has the mission of developing young Australians in a military and aviation environment. 

Thanks to considerable support from Air Force, the AAFC aviation program enables Cadets to have a safe, positive and educational aviation experience.

The flying training and aerospace opportunities offered by the AAFC provide the perfect opportunity for young Cadets aged in their mid-teens to see their career take off. 

As a pilot, aviation instructor or staff member you can play a vital role in the provision of our flying training program – to give Cadets exposure to, and inspire their interest in, the aerospace industry through education in theoretical and practical skills of aircraft handling, aircraft engineering and flight operations. 

Our pilot trainees develop excellent energy management skills that assist in flying a wide range of aircraft. 

Many Australian Defence Force and commercial aviators began their flying careers by learning to fly with the AAFC. 

There are two streams of aviation training available to Cadets – gliding and powered flying – supported by our Elementary Flying Training School (EFTS) and Gliding Training School (GTS) which are subordinate units of the AAFC’s Aviation Operations Wing (AOW).

All experiences and training are offered to Cadets at no cost. Cadets as young as 15 years – the minimum legal age – may have the opportunity to fly their first solo flight in a VH-registered powered aircraft or glider.

Download the Pilots, Aviation Instructors and Staff brochure here.

Staff Development

The Air Force Cadets provides a continuum of adult learning to help you develop your skills to be able to support the organisation.  On acceptance, you'll be expected to complete a series of mandatory eLearning packages on Youth Safety, Behaviour, and our Initial Mandatory Training course, to help situate your understanding of the Air Force Cadets and your role within it.

After that, you can volunteer to assist at a unit and do most of the basic roles at the unit.  There are additional courses to allow you to progress to be a uniformed member and then to take on greater responsibilities.

How to submit an expression of interest in becoming a volunteer with the Air Force Cadets

The squadron is run by volunteers without whose ongoing support, we would not be able to operate. Parents and/or guardians interested in becoming a Civilian Instructor Volunteer can submit an expression of interest (EOI) via this link. 

Please click here for instructions to submit the EOI, and download the Adult Volunteer - Join Online User Guide.pdf for detailed instructions on the process.

For more information about volunteering with the Air Force Cadets, please click here

Apply to become a Defence Approved Helper

Only persons deemed suitable by the decision maker (Wing Officer Commanding) to work with young people may be accepted as a Defence Approved Helper. Applicants must provide documentation or other information as directed by National Headquarters. To be accepted as a Defence Approved Helper, applicants must:

• be 18 years of age or older

• reside in Australia and commit to regularly attend AAFC activities, consistent with activity schedules

• not be a current member of the Australian Navy Cadets, the Australian Army Cadets, the Australian Air Force Cadets or member of a foreign military or foreign cadet organisation

• declare any previous offences and agree to civilian police (and if relevant) Service history checks as deemed applicable by the decision-maker

• satisfy mandatory checks for eligibility to work with minors in the State or Territory where the applicant is located (background checks by police and working with children checks)

• upon acceptance agree to abide by and sign the Defence Youth Safe Code of Conduct (Adult) 

• upon acceptance agree to abide by AAFC Orders, Instructions and Publications (OIP) as it relates to their involvement in AAFC activities

• upon acceptance complete youth safety training or courses as required to satisfy statutory, Defence and AAFC working with young people requirements

• (if required) be assessed as possessing the physical, medical, aptitude and social qualities to fulfil their role in the AAFC and to work with young people

• hold and maintain any qualifications and experience applicable to the duties the person may undertake including first aid qualifications if assisting in the supervision of cadets

• be medically fit and active enough to assist in the supervision of young people and declare any known medical conditions that may affect their supervision of cadets

Expression of Interest - Defence Approved Helper - Australian Air Force Cadets 

As a DAH, you will play a vital role in shaping the future of our cadets by providing invaluable guidance, mentorship, and assistance throughout their training journey. Your unique perspective, expertise, and dedication will contribute to fostering an environment of excellence, professionalism, and growth within the Australian Air Force Cadets.

The AAFC recognizes the importance of combining the best of civilian expertise with cadet training principles. As a DAH, you will have the opportunity to collaborate closely with staff, cadets, and other AAFC members to deliver comprehensive support and enhance the learning experience for our youth.

After your Expression of Interest (EOI) has been accepted, you will be invited to submit your application. You will receive a system generated email providing you with a link to your application. You need to click the link, enter your date of birth, and set up your “secret question” and “answer” to proceed. Please ensure you keep track of your secret question and answer, if you are to lose this, we cannot reset the system and you will be required to submit a new EOI.

The Commanding Officer of your nominated unit will contact you to arrange a time for an interview in the near future. It is essential that this is conducted as soon as possible. The interview can take approx. 30-45 minutes and is to access your suitability as a Defence Approved Helper. During the interview you will be asked a few questions that relate to the supervision and care of youth. 

Below is information relating to the AAFC/ADFC policies, please take some time to familiarise yourself with these. The AAFC has zero tolerance for unacceptable behaviour and all Staff must comply with the code of conduct and AAFC policies.​

1. Behaviour Policy: Unacceptable behaviour (click here) which relates to:

   1. 1. 1. Bullying

         2. Harassment

         3. Discrimination

         4. Offensive and belittling behaviour

         5. Fraternisation

         6. Sexual harassment and assault

2. ​Youth Development Philosophy: Click here

3. Common Policies: It will assist you in being able to answer the interview questions if you review the following link, which includes the age of consent, alcohol, tobacco and prohibited substances, social media, and diversity and inclusion.  https://www.defenceyouth.gov.au/defence-youth-policy/part-1-defence-youth-protection-management-system/?chapter=1352 

4. Understand the Code of Conduct: Please follow this link to access this information https://www.defenceyouth.gov.au/defence-youth-policy/part-1-defence-youth-protection-management-system/?chapter=1352 

Click on links below for additional reading

AAFC SI(ADMIN) 04-01 - Youth Development Philosophy

AAFC SI(ADMIN) 13-01 - AAFC Public Communications and use of Social Media

ADF-Cadets-youth-safe-code-of-conduct-adult

AAFC - NPC Form

APPLICATION GUIDANCE

1. Take your time to complete the application. Read the small print which will provide guidance to ensure you complete your application correctly.

2. You have six months to submit your application, after which time the system will automatically decline it. You will receive automatic system reminders along the way as well as reminders from either Simon or myself. If you have not actioned your application or communicated with us upon invitation it may be closed at any point after 3 months​. We will both ensure your EOI is actioned well before this date.

3. The following documents will need to be uploaded at various sections of the application.

• ​Birth Certificate OR Passport (Personal Information – Proof of Age),

• Working With Children Check confirmation (Education & Qualifications) - For Queensland this is a Blue Card. If you do not already have one, please go online and create an account. Once created please email all Personnel Officer's - Onboarding (PERSO) staff with your application number/username. We will then link this to the AAFC so you can apply for a Volunteer Blue Card - this will mean you can apply for the Blue Card free of charge

• AAFC National Police Check form (attached), including the 100 points verification documents in the same scan. *Note – We cannot accept any pre-completed or prior Police Checks completed outside our processes. (Education & Qualifications),

• Senior First Aid Certificate – if achieved. Not mandatory required for application to proceed. (Education & Qualifications),

• Signed Application (Inclusive of the Code of Conduct).

When scanning documents to upload please ensure they are a .PDF file and do not exceed the size limit (4MB) otherwise they will not upload successfully.

We encourage you to submit your application, highlighting your relevant experience, qualifications, and passion for supporting young individuals in their pursuit of leadership and excellence. We look forward to reviewing your application and potentially welcoming you to our team of DAHs. Please note that any Personnel Officer's - Onboarding (PERSO) staff may reach out to you at any time throughout the process for feedback, or to check if you have any issues.

As a DAH, you will be an essential part of a dynamic and collaborative team committed to the development of cadets. Your dedication to excellence and passion for youth development will contribute significantly to the growth and success of our cadets.

Thank you for your interest in becoming a Defence Approved Helper for the Australian Air Force Cadets. We appreciate your commitment to shaping the future of our cadets and wish you the best of luck in the application process.​​​​​​

Applicant Interviews

Upon submitting an application you will be requested to attend an interview with the Commanding Officer of the Squadron you have indicated your like to join.  Listed below for information are some of the things that will be explored with applicant volunteers:

 GENERAL QUESTIONS​

• Why are you interested in joining the AAFC?

• Were you a cadet – or have children who are cadets?

• Do you have experience in volunteer organisations? Youth organisations specifically?

• What role do you expect to perform? Or do you know what roles are required within the AAFC?

• Are you considering being a DAH, IOC or OOC – or not decided yet?

• What do you do for work? Qualifications?

• What are your hobbies and interests?

• How much time do you think you have available to cadet activities (parades, preparation at home, activities etc)

• Can you tell me how you handle stress, or confronting situations?

• Do you have any and would you be happy to share any health concerns which might impact your ability to be an AAFC DAH or staff member?

• Do you have a First Aid Certificate?

• Anything else you would like to add that may help or hinder your involvement with AAFC staff and youth?

AAFC DEFENCE YOUTH SAFETY SCREENING QUESTIONS

• Can you outline the expectations set out in the ADF Cadets – Adult Code of Conduct?

• Are you aware of the fraternisation policy and the expectations set out in the Special Care Provision with respect to both cadet/cadet and cadet/staff relationships?

• What is your understanding of the ADF Cadets Social Media Policy?

• Can you tell me what the AAFC Youth Development philosophy is about?

• What is your understanding of a Duty of Care, WHS and your responsibilities as an adult staff member in this regard? 

• What is your understanding of the ADF Cadets Social Media Policy?

• Can you tell me what the AAFC Youth Development philosophy is about?

• What is your understanding of a Duty of Care, the WHS, and your responsibilities as an adult staff member in this regard?

• What is your understanding of the age of consent and special care provisions – and what does this mean for you as a staff member?

• In your own words can you explain bullying and harassment?

• What is your understanding of the drug and alcohol policy with respect to ADF Cadet activities?​

Volunteer Stories