No. 23 (Nelson) Sqn ATC
We give young people – from all walks of life - access to fun, friendship, action and adventure.
We challenge young people to learn more, do more and try more. We inspire them to aim high and go further in life, no matter what they aim to do.
Our volunteers get to know each cadet individually and offer a huge range of training, qualifications and challenges. They inspire young people to challenge their limits, become more independent, confident and able to step up to any challenge.
This year members of 23 Squadron will participate in parades, bushcraft and survival camps, shoot in national and international competitions, learn about and go flying in light aircraft, visit Air Force and Army bases, use radios and leadership skills to co-ordinate our activities, travel overseas on exchange programs, help out at community events, get fit, have fun and become more confident. Sound like you? Read on.
23 Squadron is the Nelson branch of the Air Training Corps and part of the New Zealand Cadet Forces. We sometimes go by the nickname of "Ghost Squadron", but you'll have to ask one of our members about that.
We take cadets aged 13-15 (or at least Year 9 at school), but during their cadet career they can stay untill their 19th birthday.
How do I join?You can register yourself via the Joining section. (Link above) We'll then be intouch when it's recruiting time and give you all the information for our recruiting and open day.
Can both girls and boys join?Absolutely.
How much does it cost?We have a Joining Fee of $200. This covers uniform loan, your own Squadron Shirt, Cap, Socks, and the first camps Fees. In Term 2, Annual Fees for the Squadron are then due, which is a further $160 for new recruits. Please still get in touch if you are concerned about this and think it may affect your decision to join.
Weekend activities occur most months and vary in price from $15 to $50 depending on how far we travel, food, venue etc. Discounts for multiple family members may apply.
How long can you serve for?The majority of Cadets serve for up to three years. After that, you can serve up to the age of 18 years as a Cadet instructor (called Non-commissioned Officer). Beyond this you need to make a commitment to train as an adult instructor (called a Commissioned Officer).
Do I have to stay if I find Cadets is not for me?No, you volunteer to enter Cadet Forces and you can leave at any time.
What if I'm not too fit?There is no requirement to meet a specific level of fitness to join Cadets. However, like many activities, if you are fit you will get greater enjoyment from your experiences. If you elect to join a competition team or come on activities regularly you may find your fitness improves!
Do I have to join the Armed Forces when I leave?No, Cadet Forces is a youth leadership training scheme and is not part of NZ Defence Force. There is no requirement for you to join the Armed Forces, although some of our Cadets choose to do so.
Will I be sent overseas to fight?Definitely not. You are not part of the New Zealand Defence Force.
Will being a cadet help me get into the Armed Forces when I leave school?Cadet Forces is not a recruiting arm of the NZ Defence Force. However, anecdotal evidence suggests that young people who serve with Cadet Forces seem to adapt more readily to life in the Armed Forces and appear to "have an edge" when applications are considered.
What if I move town, can I join another Unit?Yes, there are over 100 Units across New Zealand that you could transfer to, with an ATC Squadron located in most major centres.
What does the NZ Defence Force provide Cadets with?The NZDF provides you with a uniform, less footwear. They also supply Regular Force advisors and organise and pay for the area promotion courses you may be selected to attend. They also provide the subjects you will study.
You can join cadets if you are aged between 13 and 15, or have started secondary school.
Joining is easy, but we only recruit once per year. This means that we can offer a high quality of training and development - and it means that you will make lots of new friends at once. Our intakes are run at the start of march.
If your interested it's important that you let us know and/or visit us during one of our open days. The Squadron will be open for tours and enrollments in February/March (Dates Below) - if you register your interest below we will send you further details. Many of your first questions might be answered in our FAQ section.
We parade every week on Wednesdays, during the School Term. Feel free to drop by for a visit. We can give a tour, and you can get an idea of how we operate.
Our parades begin at 1810hrs (6.10pm) and finish at 2100hrs (9pm).
We also offer many weekend activities such as camps, competitions and shooting. These are breifed beforehand on the wednesday parade nights and we aim to have several exercises on every month. The locations of these exercises vary mostly around the Nelson/Tasman region, but we send cadets all over the country on courses and competitions.
Our Headquarters is based on Dakota St, down by the Airport.
If you need to contact us, you can use the form below. If this is a recruiting enquiry please instead click the register interest button and submit that form. This adds you to our list.
Otherwise, feel free to message us via this form and we'll get back to you as soon as we can.