"Enable JavaScript to view menubar" 

 

Frequently ASked Questions

 

 

| General FAQ | Technical FAQ |

 

 

General Questions

 

Q. What is the aims of New Zealand Cadet Forces?

A. The aims of of the New Zealand Cadet Forces is to provide challenging and disciplined training which will be useful both in the Services and in civil life,

to promote an awareness and appreciation of the Services and the role they play in the community, and to foster the spirit of adventure and teamwork and develop those qualities of mind and body which go to making good citizens and leaders.

 

| General FAQ | Technical FAQ |

 

Q. Are you members of the Armed Forces?
A. The Air Training Corps is not part of the New Zealand Defence Force. It is however, supported by and gets its military training flavour from the New Zealand Defence Force.

 

| General FAQ | Technical FAQ |

 

Q. If I join up does that mean I may be called up to serve overseas?
A. No. We are a youth organisation. We have a military flavour but are not part of the New Zealand Defence Force.

 

| General FAQ | Technical FAQ |

 

 

Q. What is the age that young males and females can join?

A. Lower limit is year 9 at high school or 13 years of age. The upper limit would be around 15 years old. If they join much later than this they will not be able to get through the whole programme before the age of 18.

 

| General FAQ | Technical FAQ |

Q. When can I join up?

A. We usually recuit in October so that you can ease into the training program. However we are always eager to discuss recuiting options with you at any time of the year. Just contact us.

 

| General FAQ | Technical FAQ |

 

Q, Can I have a look around the unit first?

A. Certainly. Just come down on a parade night (Tuesday nights during the school term) between 7pm and 9pm and have a chat with the staff. You can find us here

 

| General FAQ | Technical FAQ |

 

Q. How much does it cost?

A. Currently $30 per term which is reduced to $20 for prompt payment within the first two (2) weeks of the term . That's just $ 2-3 per parade night!. Some activities require additional fees such as flying and camps but these are kept as low as possible so that all who want can attend. If you have an issue regarding costs please contact the Unit Commander so that we can assist

 

| General FAQ | Technical FAQ |

 

Q. How much does the uniform cost to buy?

A. The uniform is NZ Defence issue. It is issued free of charge on loan for as long as your son or daughter is an active member of the squadron.

 

| General FAQ | Technical FAQ |

 

Q. When is the uniform issued?

A. Typically 3-4 weeks after the enrollment forms are completed and fees are paid.

There may be some delays with the availability of some items. Until uniforms are issued, cadets are required to wear school uniform unless advised otherwise. We supply your uniform free of charge on a loan basis for your use during your career. The uniform is identical to the Royal New Zealand Air Force uniform except that cadets have "CADET FORCES" on their rank slides rather than "NEW ZEALAND". Because of this similarity we expect a high standard of dress and self discipline.

 

| General FAQ | Technical FAQ |

 

Q. What other clothing items do cadets need?

A. All cadets are required to provide the following items at their own expense:
1. Black, non-patterned, lace up shoes to wear with uniform. Shoes are required to be polished to Squadron standards before cadets arrive for any Routine Parade, Civic Parade, NZCF Camp or Course or any other activity as advised.
2. Nametag. These can be ordered through the squadron (Subject to change) These are embossed with an Air Training Corps Crest and include cadets’ first and last names.

 

| General FAQ | Technical FAQ |

 

Q. What does my Son or Daughter need to bring along to ATC each night?
A. If not issued a uniform. Then needs to come along in full school uniform.

Additionally bring: Personal stationary, Folder with paper, Record of service booklet (Also known as a 3822), and any forms or applications that are due.

 

| General FAQ | Technical FAQ |

 

Q. Are the officers paid?
A. Unfortunately not. All the time that Officers put into the Squadron is completely voluntary.

 

| General FAQ | Technical FAQ |

 

Q. What equipment does my Son or Daughter need for most outdoor activities?

A. An activity specific equipment list is sent out to parents for all activities. The Squadron has some items to loan on a first come first served basis. It is recommended that Cadets eventually purchase their own equipment after they have been in the squadron for 2-3 years. Before you buy contact the squadron for a recommendation of the equipment required.

 

| General FAQ | Technical FAQ |

 

Q. What happens if my son or daughter needs to take leave?

A. Ring the unit 04-5275220 and advise us as soon as possible. Please note that this phone is only manned during squadron activities however there is a facility to leave messages.

 

| General FAQ | Technical FAQ |

 

 

Q. How does membership benefit those who wish to join the Armed Forces?

A. Membership in the Air Training Corps benefits both cadets that are seeking a career path in the Armed forces and those that are seeking civilian employment.

1. Personal qualities: Improvement in confidence and bearing and discipline.

2. Leadership: Understanding and applying leadership tasks for everyday life.

3. Applying teamwork activities.

4. Insight to the roles and duties of the services.

5. Community services appreciation: Voluntary service to assist community organisations.

6. Aviation, Marksmanship and Outdoor pursuits, promoting healthy lifestyles.


| General FAQ | Technical FAQ |


Q.Will a health problem affect me being part of ATC?
A. Health problems do not necessarily mean that a cadet will be unable to participate in ATC activities. Any matter concerning the health of a cadet should be brought to the attention of the Unit Commander in writing to ensure the well being of the Cadet. Please advise the Unit Commander of any medication prescribed for the cadet.

 

| General FAQ | Technical FAQ |


Q. What about discipline?

A. The Air Training Corps has an Air Force 'flavour' so there are high standards to maintain. Cadets are subject to the NZCF Code of Behaviour and the discipline associated with the carrying out of orders, instructions and directives. Minor infringements of discipline are dealt with by Squadron staff. The Unit Commander deals with more serious matters; parents will be informed if deemed necessary. The Unit Commander is always available to discuss any problems in this regard with parents or guardians.

 

| General FAQ | Technical FAQ |

 

Q. Can my son or daughter transfer to new unit if we move?

A. Yes they can. However in some cases it can result in a loss of seniority.

1. Send in a letter to the Unit Commander requesting transfer.

2. The Unit will contact the new Squadron on your behalf for transfer of documents.

3. Resign from your old Squadron (Handing back all loaned items).

4. Re-issued uniform from new squadron.

 

| General FAQ | Technical FAQ |

 

Q. What if Cadets is not for me. Do I have to stay?

A. Absolutely not. Membership of the Air Training Corps or any other Branch of The New Zealand Cadet Forces is totally voluntary. You can leave at any time.

 

| General FAQ | Technical FAQ |

 

 

 

 

Technical Questions

 

Q. I can't view your Menu or Image Gallery. What is wrong?

A. Our site runs on a mix of HTML/XML pages, JavaScript and Adobe Flash. To fully experience our site you need to ensure that scripting is enabled in your browser and that you have a minimum of Adobe Flash version 8 installed. See below for more help.

 

| General FAQ | Technical FAQ

 

Q. Where do I check the scripting settings in Internet Explorer?

A.

1. On the Tools menu, click Internet Options and then click Security Tab

2. Click on the Internet zone

3. Click Custom level

4. In the Security Settings - Internet Zone dialog box, click Enable for Active Scripting in the Scripting section

5. Reload the page by pressing F5

 

| General FAQ | Technical FAQ

 

Q. Where do I check the scripting settings in FireFox?

A.

1. On the Tools menu, click Options

2. Click on the Content icon

3. Check the box next to Enable JavaScript

4. Click the Advanced button to open the Advanced JavaScript Options box

5. Check the boxes under Allow scripts to section that you want to allow.

6. Click ok

7. Click ok

8. Reload the page

 

| General FAQ | Technical FAQ

 

Q. Where do I check the scripting settings in Google Chrome?

A. JavaScript should be enabled by default. However here is a method to ensure it is enabled

1. At a command prompt navigate to where your chrome.exe file is located. (Usually located in a path similar to "C:\Documents and Settings\%username%\Local Settings\Application Data\Google\Chrome\Application\chrome")

2. At the prompt type "chrome.exe -enable-javascript" without the quotes.

3. Reload the page

 

| General FAQ | Technical FAQ

 

Q. I don't have Adobe Flash. Where can I download it and is it free?

A. Yes Adobe Flash is free to download. Get Adobe Flash (1.88MB approx)

 

| General FAQ | Technical FAQ

 

Q. Your website looks a bit weird. What is the minimum version of browser I need?

A. Firefox 1.5, Internet Explorer 6.0, Internet Explorer for Mac 5.2, Safari 2.0,

Netscape 8.0, Opera 8.0.

 

| General FAQ | Technical FAQ