Gravesend Air Cadets - 402 Sqn

08/10/2026

✈️ National Air Cadet Week ✈️

This week, we are celebrating everything that makes being an Air Cadet so special - adventure, opportunity, teamwork and so much more.

From flying, shooting, camps, leadership and everything in between, RAFAC gives young people the opportunity to develop skills, build confidence and create memories and friends that will last a lifetime.

We are proud to be a part of the Air Training Corps and even prouder of the cadets who make 402 Squadron what it is 💙

Venture Adventure 🔵⚪️🔴

Air Force Air Cadets Kent Wing Air Cadets

05/10/2026

COULD YOU HELP RUN THE BACK OFFICE AT 402 SQUADRON?

Not every volunteer role involves teaching aviation, leading expeditions or standing on a parade square.

Behind every cadet opportunity is a team of adults keeping things organised: planning activities, managing information, coordinating transport, communicating with families, supporting events and making sure the right people and resources are in the right place.

We are looking for organised, dependable adults who could contribute in areas such as:

✅ Administration and record-keeping
✅ Planning and coordinating activities
✅ Communications and social media
✅ Event organisation
✅ Logistics and transport
✅ Fundraising and community engagement
✅ IT and digital support
✅ General operational support

You do not need military or aviation experience. Whether your skills come from an office, school, business, charity, community group or simply managing a busy household, they could help us create extraordinary opportunities for local young people.

Volunteering with the RAF Air Cadets is much broader than many people imagine—and there could be a place for you within our team.

Come and meet us at our Volunteer Open Evening:

📅 Friday 9 October 2026
🕕 18:00–20:30
📍 402 Squadron HQ, Gravesend

Register via our website: www.402aircadets.co.uk/join-as-a-staff-member

Can’t attend? Please don’t wait—contact us now and we will arrange another opportunity to meet you.

Build the team behind the opportunities.
Find your place. Make a difference.

Volunteer with 402 (Gravesend) Squadron RAF Air Cadets. Use your skills, support local young people and receive training as an adult volunteer.

30/09/2026

Could you help inspire young people in Gravesend?
402 (Gravesend) Squadron, Royal Air Force Air Cadets is looking for volunteers to join our growing Squadron.
You do not need a military background, and you do not need to know anything about the Air Cadets before getting involved. We need people with all sorts of skills—including teachers, instructors, drivers, administrators, tradespeople, fundraisers, outdoor enthusiasts, digital specialists and people who are simply willing to lend a hand for the benefit of our young people.
Volunteering with the Air Cadets can be widely misunderstood. Volunteering can include working directly with cadets or helping behind the scenes with administration, equipment, logistics, communications and fundraising. We will work with prospective volunteers to find a role that reflects their interests, skills and availability.
We are holding a Volunteer Open Evening and would love for you to come along and find out more:
📅 Friday 9 October 2026
🕕 18:00–20:30
📍 Joint Cadet Centre, Grange Road, Gravesend, DA11 0EU
It is an informal opportunity to meet the Officer Commanding, see what we do and ask questions—without any obligation to join.
Further information and to register for the event, please visit:
https://402aircadets.co.uk/join-as-a-staff-member
Even if volunteering is not for you, sharing this post may help us reach someone locally who could make a real difference.

Volunteer with 402 (Gravesend) Squadron RAF Air Cadets. Use your skills, support local young people and receive training as an adult volunteer.

29/08/2026

✈️ National Air and Space Camp ✈️

For a whole week, Sgt Blackwell and Cpl Thilthorpe had the amazing opportunity to attend NASC at RAF Syerston, experiencing a packed programme designed to showcase the different careers and opportunities within aviation, engineering and the wider aerospace industry.

Throughout the week, they took part in gliding, base visits, engineering experiences, section visits, an industry day and much more, giving them the chance to learn from serving personnel and professionals, gaining insight into the world beyond.

The pair had an amazing time, making new friends from across the country, trying new things and creating memories that they will take away from the camp. They had a fantastic time on Industry Day, when they ran into other members of 402 Sqn, who were visiting off a different camp! 👋

Another fantastic opportunity the cadets thoroughly enjoyed 🚀

Royal Air Force Air CadetsKent Wing Air Cadets

26/08/2026

‼️PROMOTION ALERT ‼️ SERGEANT -> FLIGHT SERGEANT ‼️

Congratulations to new:
• FS Vicary

Throughout her time as an NCO, FS Vicary has consistently led by example, supporting cadets and shown the qualities expected of senior leadership within the squadron. As Flight Sergeant, she will take on greater responsibility, including mentoring and supporting NCO’s, assisting staff with planning and taking a more active role in the organisation and running of squadron activities. She will also be expected to communicate effectively and take greater responsibility for tasks and decisions.
Well done FS 🎉


Royal Air Force Air CadetsKent Wing Air Cadets

26/08/2026

‼️PROMOTION ALERT ‼️ CORPORAL -> SERGEANT ‼️

Congratulations to new:
• Sgt Turner
• Sgt Fry
• Sgt Blackwell N

Throughout their time as Corporals, they lead by example, supported junior cadets and demonstrate the qualities expected of an NCO. As Sergeants, they will take on greater responsibility at the squadron, including supporting snd guiding other NCO’s, assisting planning and delivery of training and maintaining the high standards of the squadron. We look forward to seeing them grow as leaders and continuing to make great contribution to 402 squadron.
Well done all🎉

Kent Wing Air CadetsRoyal Air Force Air Cadets

26/08/2026

‼️PROMOTION ALERT ‼️ CADET -> CORPORAL‼️

Congratulations to new:
• Cpl Blackwell S
• Cpl Draper
• Cpl Fellows
• Cpl Munn
• Cpl Sodhi
• Cpl Ninnis

Together, they demonstrated excellent leadership, high standard of drill and uniform, confidence and maturity required to take on the responsibilities of an NCO. As Corporals, they will be expected to support and mentor junior cadets, assisting with training on parade nights, maintain high standards of discipline and take on greater responsibility throughout the squadron.
We look forward to seeing them develop their skills further and making a positive contribution!
Well done all🎉🎉


Royal Air Force Air CadetsKent Wing Air Cadets

20/08/2026

🎉 GCSE RESULTS DAY 🎉

From everyone at 402 Gravesend Squadron, we would like to wish a huge congratulations to everyone receiving their GCSE results today! 👏
Whether you achieved the results you were hoping for or are taking a different path, you should be incredibly proud of the hard work, dedication and commitment you have shown.
We wish you all the very best for the next chapter of your journey — well done! ✈️

From all at 402 Gravesend Squadron 💙

16/08/2026

🍽️ 402 Come (not so fine) Dine With Me! 🍽️

An amazing way to spend a summer parade night getting creative 👩‍🍳. Our Cadets were split into three teams, each representing a different cuisine - Greek 🇬🇷, Mexican 🇲🇽 And Italian 🇮🇹- and were challenged to create a three-course meal on Trangia’s, all whilst sticking to a budget, before presenting their dishes to our judging panel.

Before the cooking began, FS Skinner delivered a lesson on the safe operation of the trangia, giving cadets valuable, practical knowledge that will be transferable to future expeditions and adventures in the Air Cadets ⛰️.

After plenty of cooking, competition and mess, team Greece came out on top, winning over the judges with their homemade tzatziki!

A brilliant evening of fun, teamwork and learning - just one example of what we get up to on our summer parade nights!
‼️Keen to find out more? Sign up to our upcoming open evening on Wednesday 16th September 2026 by following the link below 🔗

https://forms.cloud.microsoft/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=y3LeFstyF0yt2ZBENpCsg-MQfT87nCBKhJZsZ4aqXrdUN01ESDc5MjU0VENZOUcyQjc3TUZHUDhQMS4u

12/08/2026

🦅 Ex Eagle Gauntlett 2026 🦅

A very successful week for our five cadets at Longmoor training camp! Over the course of the 5 days, the cadets worked hard to develop their skills, take on new challenges and earnt themselves an amazing 19 badges between them! 🥇

This camp, hosted by Orpington Air Cadets delivered a wide range of qualifications, including Blue & Bronze shooting, Youth First Aid, Blue fieldcraft, Silver leadership and Blue & Bronze space.

A special 402 congratulations to our Cadet Till , who was awarded Best Cadet for their outstanding hard work, commitment and dedication throughout the camp 👏🏼 🏆

We are incredibly proud of all five cadets and the effort they put in throughout the camp. An amazing achievement and a great example of the opportunities delivered by the Royal Air Force Air Cadets

‼️ Want to join our next cadet intake and get involved in opportunities like this? Sign up for our upcoming open evening on Wednesday 16th September, 2026 by clicking the link 🔗 -

https://forms.cloud.microsoft/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=y3LeFstyF0yt2ZBENpCsg-MQfT87nCBKhJZsZ4aqXrdUN01ESDc5MjU0VENZOUcyQjc3TUZHUDhQMS4u.