171 Christchurch Squadron Royal Air Force Air Cadets

09/10/2026

Ferndown Town Council National Cadet Week Event

READY FOR TAKE-OFF? NATIONAL CADET WEEK IS HERE!

​Join us TOMORROW, Saturday 10th October in Ferndown as we launch the UK’s very first National Cadet Week!

​Whether you’re curious about what cadets do, looking for a new adventure, or just want a fantastic day out with the family, ALL ARE WELCOME!

​What’s in store?
​Interactive displays and hands-on activities 🛠️
​Meet the cadets and adult volunteers 🎖️
​Discover skills in aviation, radio, fieldcraft, STEM, and more 📡✈️

​Find out how to join as a cadet or adult volunteer!
​📍 Where: King George V Playing Fields, Ferndown
⏰ When: Saturday, 10th October from 11:00
🎟️ Admission: Completely FREE!

​We can't wait to see you all tomorrow in Ferndown! Come down, say hello, and be part of history as we kick off this amazing national event. 🙌

East Dorset Sector Commander- RAFAC

05/10/2026

This week is National Cadet week.

Tonight the cadets were given a command task to create a photo opportunity showcasing the activities they get up to as Air Cadets utilising only what they could find on Sqn, all within a 20min timeframe . This incorporated our new intake of cadets on their second week. Great work team.

How many different activity references can you spot in the photo?

We also presented certificates to all those attending last weeks East Dorset Sector Annual Formal I section (AFI). Where the cadets were commended for their drill, uniform and precision.
Dorset & Wiltshire Wing - Air Cadets

01/10/2026

We hope all our cadets are looking forward to Ferndown Town Councils National Cadet Week Event in Ferndown on Saturday 10th October!

We are proud to be partnering with Ferndown Town Council for our upcoming National Cadet Week Event and parade! 🇬🇧✨
We want to extend a massive thank you to our incredible sponsors, Pure.Crest consultancy Ltd and The David Ellis Charity, for their incredibly generous donations towards the cost of the parade. Their support makes events like this possible and directly invests in the future of our young people and the wider Armed Forces community. 🙌



East Dorset Sector Commander- RAFAC
Dorset & Wiltshire Wing - Air Cadets
Wessex RFCA

28/09/2026

Congratulations to all the Cadets awarded well earned certificates and badges at this months COs parade.

This months awards were for Progressive training syllabus awards for Silver Space, Bronze First Aid and swimming. The East Dorset Sector Commander- RAFAC also had the honour of presenting the first sector Commanders coin awarded to a 171 Sqn Cdt to Cpl C for his outstanding commitment and dedication across Sector and Wing events this year.
Well done

28/09/2026

Thank you to everyone who attended tonight’s Annual Formal Inspection (AFI) of the Sector. Lots of really positive comments about how 171 Christchurch Squadron Royal Air Force Air Cadets and the sector performed on parade this evening. So thank you for all your hard work, not only tonight but in the rehearsals, general training and uniform presentation. Congratulations to FS H on his promotion by the East Dorset Sector Commander- RAFAC

11/09/2026

Huge Congratulations to WO Corbin, who used to be on 171 (Christchurch) Squadron before quick succession through his roles.

What a great achievement and a big job to get hold of, from all the Staff and Cadets from the Squadron, we wish you all the best.

🌟 Introducing our new RAFAC Warrant Officer: WO Alex Corbin 🌟

We are delighted to announce the appointment of WO Alex Corbin as the new Warrant Officer for the RAF Air Cadets!

Alex brings over two decades of experience to the role, having started his journey in 2002 as a cadet at 171 (Christchurch) Squadron. Over the years, he has served across both Dorset & Wiltshire Wing and Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wing as a Civilian Instructor, Squadron SNCO, Sector SNCO, and Wing Warrant Officer.

Holding a Level 7 qualification in Leadership & Management through CVC, Alex brings both deep cadet/CFAV experience and extensive corporate leadership expertise from his career in global software consulting. He is passionate about ensuring the Cadets' and CFAVs' voices are heard at the highest level while championing simplicity, pragmatic policies, and strong support for our volunteers.

Outside of uniform, Alex lives in the New Forest with his partner Isabelle and their Labrador puppy.

We’d like to thank the outgoing RAF Air Cadets Warrant Officer, WO Donna Hall, for her time in the post and her absolute dedication to the organisation.

Please join us in sending a massive congratulations to WO Alex Corbin as he steps into this vital role! 👏✈️

10/09/2026

Thank you to all the 171 Christchurch Squadron Royal Air Force Air Cadets for supporting the Friends Of The New Forest Airfields annual commemoration service. Between them they carried the Royal Air Forces Association Christchurch Branch Standard and Squadron Banner, laid a wreath on behalf of the Royal Air Force Air Cadets, distributed orders of service, helped to host foreign and UK Armed Forces personnel, provided a guard of honour and most importantly assisted in eating lots of cake after the service.

We received lots of praise from the organising committee, veterans and serving officers from across the Nations as to how smart, professional and curious you were. Well done team.
Dorset & Wiltshire Wing - Air Cadets

24/08/2026

Congratulations to all Cadets awarded certificates and badges at this evening's CO's parade.

This month's awards were for four cadets passing First Class Cadet, and to Cpl C for achieving Master Cadet classification, the highest classification award within the RAFAC.

Moreover, the CO had the pleasure of presenting Cadet K with 'Cadet of the Month' for her outstanding performance in a recent camp.

17/08/2026

171 (Christchurch) Squadron will also have pullers for this event.

Please take the time and if you can read the link and donate today.

Help Jack Shefford raise money to support The John Thornton Young Achievers Foundation

21/07/2026

Congratulations to all the Cadets awarded well earned certificates and badges at last nights COs parade.

This months awards were for Progressive training syllabus awards for blue and silver space and blue communications.

The CO also had the honour of presenting a Master Cadet classification, the highest classification award within the RAFAC to Sgt C. The culmination of years of study and assessments to get to this level. Well done