The Australian Air Force Cadets (AAFC) is a youth oriented organisation that is administered and actively supported by the Royal Australian Air Force. The AAFC teaches cadets valuable life skills and aims to help cadets develop qualities including leadership, self-reliance, confidence, teamwork and communication. The fundamental aim of the AAFC is to foster qualities that will enable cadets to become responsible young adults, who will make a valuable contribution to the community, no matter what career cadets choose.

312 Squadron Macleay Valley was first formed in Kempsey in 1999 at the Kempsey Airport. The Squadron has since become an integral part of the Macleay Valley community with a current strength of approximately 30 cadets. Some activities undertaken by the AAFC include flying, fieldcraft, adventure training, firearms safety training, drill and ceremonial, service knowledge, aeromodelling, navigation and gliding.

312 Squadron cadets have the option to attend courses held all over NSW, such as attending a General Service Training camp at RAAF Williamtown or RAAF Richmond, Flying camps (both powered and gliding) held at Bathurst Aviation Centre, Musicians Course at RAAF Richmond, Aeromodelling, Rocketry and UAV courses held at Camden. Did you know that a cadet can learn to fly an aircraft, and can fly solo at the age of 16? As cadets progress within the Squadron, they can attend promotion courses where they learn to be effective and competent leaders and can undertake different roles within the Squadron.

2016 saw 312 Squadron participate in many activities, from several camping trips known as bivouacs, ceremonial parades locally such as Anzac Day, to participate in larger events involving cadets from all over New South Wales including the 3 Wing Freedom of Entry Parade to the City of Sydney where 312 Squadron cadets marched from Government House to the Opera House in what was the largest parade in the history of the AAFC. 

312 Squadron are based in Kempsey, at the Army Reserve Depot in South Kempsey. They parade each week of the school term on a Thursday night, from 5:30pm to 9:00pm, and have numerous weekend activities during the year. Don’t hesitate in contacting them to register your interest as vacancies are limited

Please contact 312 Squadron Commanding Officer, Flying Officer (AAFC) Ben Simon on 0408 486 859 or admino.312sqn@aafc.org.au.

Please feel free to also visit the Squadron Facebook page, at https://www.facebook.com/312sqnaafc