Commanding Officer Flying Officer David Pringle said that the squadron will be recruiting for the first half of 2018 and encouraged all Mount Isa youth to consider having a look into becoming a cadet.   

“Air Force cadets learn valuable life skills including leadership, self reliance, teamwork, self confidence and good citizenship,” Mr Pringle said.    

Cadets are involved in a range of activities including learning about service knowledge, aviation, field craft, survival, drill and ceremonial activities.    

These activities are designed to build self confidence and self discipline in young people.

The Australian Air Force Cadets is actively supported by the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) and the Australian Defence Force. 

“When cadets join the squadron at Mount Isa, they are able to attend state and national activities, a number of our cadets attended training courses in Townsville,” Mr Pringle said.

Other activities by the squadron include weekend camps where cadets are taught bushcraft and survival skills as well as firearms safety training.  

Mr Pringle said all new recruits travel to RAAF Townsville for a week of hands on experience, living and working on a defence base.  

“The Cadets get to see a lot at the RAAF base in Townsville including any aircraft that happen to be visiting at the time.    

“There are several reasons why youth join the cadets but that doesn’t mean you have to become a fulltime RAAF personnel, or even learn to fly,” he said.

“Many of our youth go on to have successful careers in other areas, but the important thing is the skills of leadership, self confidence and self discipline that they learn, these are transportable qualities that will serve them well in their adult life.”

​The Squadron parades every Tuesday evening during school term at HQ at Mount Isa airport between the hours of 6pm and 9pm. 

If you would like to more information contact Dave Pringle on 0488572113 or call in to the Squadron on Tuesday evenings.