40F Maidstone Squadron ATC

22/03/2026

🏔️ SECTOR 3 CADETS TAKE ON INITIAL EXPEDITION TRAINING! 🏔️

What a weekend it has been! 🌄

This weekend, our Cadets joined fellow Cadets from across Sector 3 for an action-packed Initial Expedition Training weekend — with almost 40 Cadets coming together from six fantastic Squadrons:

✈️ 40F (Maidstone)
✈️ 1039 (Gillingham)
✈️ 1404 (Chatham)
✈️ 25 (Parkwood)
✈️ 213 (Rochester)
✈️ 2374 (Ditton)

Over the course of the weekend, our Cadets threw themselves into a packed programme of expedition skills, including:
🗺️ Navigation Training — learning to read the land and find their way
🔥 Stove Training & Camp Craft — mastering life in the field
🎒 Food & Kit Training — preparing and packing like seasoned explorers

And the moment that made it all worthwhile? The weekend culminated in a remotely supervised navigation exercise, where each and every Cadet had the chance to put their new skills to the test and prove they are ready to progress to the next stage of their Duke of Edinburgh's Award expeditions. 🏅

The commitment, teamwork, and determination shown by ALL the Cadets this weekend has been truly outstanding — watching them grow in confidence over just two days has been a joy to see.

A massive thank you must go to all of the dedicated event staff who gave up their weekend to plan, deliver and support this training. Your expertise and passion for developing our young people does not go unnoticed — none of this happens without you. 👏

Well done to every single Cadet involved. Adventure awaits — onwards to the next stage! 🧭⛺

22/03/2026

🌟 INCREDIBLE effort from our Cadets! 🌟

Friday night, the Cadets of the Squadron pulled on their boots, grabbed their sleeping bags, and took part in the Great Tommy Sleep Out — spending the night sleeping in tents to honour the sacrifice of our Armed Forces veterans. 🏕️🇬🇧

These young men and women didn't just show up — they stepped up, braving the cold to raise an outstanding...
💰 £600! 💰

We couldn't be more proud of every single one of them. The Great Tommy Sleep Out is a powerful reminder of what our veterans have endured, and our Cadets faced the challenge with courage, compassion, and the spirit that makes 40F Squadron so special.

A huge THANK YOU to everyone who sponsored, supported, and cheered our Cadets on — this achievement belongs to all of you too. 🙏

Well done to you all.

09/03/2026

This weekend saw over 60 Cadets from our Sector attend a Multi-Activity camp at Lydd.

Cadets had the opportunity to experience multiple activities, including paddlesports, mountain biking, fieldcraft, shooting, STEM, and archery.

For quite a few Cadets, this was their first camp, so allowed them to experience the etiquette of spending time on a military establishment and socialise with fellow Cadets.

The camp also provided the opportunity for Staff to refresh and continue to build their own skills in their respective knowledge areas.

Thanks to all of the Staff from the Sector, Wing and Region for supporting this event.

Squadrons: , , , , ,

16/02/2026

Cadets from 40F (Maidstone) & 2374 (Ditton) Squadrons enjoyed an incredible visit to HMNB Portsmouth with the Royal Navy today 🇬🇧

The day began on board HMS Prince of Wales, where cadets learned how the carrier operates at sea, exploring the air traffic control tower, ops room, and flight deck. They then visited the Historic Dockyard before heading to HMS Collingwood, taking turns driving a ship in the navigation training simulators.

A huge thank you to LT Tom Brown RN, a former Kent Wing cadet, for organising and hosting such a fantastic and memorable experience.

08/02/2026

🎉 85 Years of the Air Training Corps 🎉

On 5 February 1941, the Air Training Corps was officially formed. Today, we were proud to mark this historic milestone with a special anniversary service.

Cadets and staff from across the London & South East Region came together at St Clement Danes, the Central Church of the RAF and the RAF’s family church, to reflect on 85 years of service, opportunity, and development for young people.

Kent Wing was proudly represented by 81 cadets and 16 staff from across the Wing. Kent Wing cadets also played a key role in the service, contributing as members of the band, choir, and through the reading of prayers.

We were honoured to be joined by Dame Susan Langley, the Lady Mayor of London, alongside the Regional Commandant, Group Captain K Walton.

A fitting and memorable service to celebrate 85 years of the Air Training Corps, its people, and its continued impact across generations.

02/02/2026

Last weekend, Cadets Bassey and Maftei took part in a weekend-long blue road marching camp, where they worked hard to build endurance, skills, and teamwork. The experience was challenging but rewarding, and both cadets showed great effort and determination throughout the weekend. Well done to both! 💪🥾

24/01/2026

💙✈️ Support Maidstone Squadron Air Cadets! ✈️💙

We’re proud to be taking part in the Tesco Stronger Starts campaign, and we need your help! Every blue token makes a difference and helps Maidstone Squadron Air Cadets continue giving young people incredible opportunities to grow in confidence, leadership, teamwork, and practical life skills.

Next time you’re in Tesco, please remember to drop your token in our box and help us keep inspiring the next generation. A small action from you can have a big impact on our cadets’ future.

Thank you for your support — it truly means the world to us! 🙌



Video provided by Tesco as part of this campaign.

20/12/2025

On Wednesday, the Squadron held their last parade evening of the year. The evening was primarily a social evening organised by our Squadron Committee. Activities included Christmas films and Christmas themed cake decorating.

We wish you all a Merry Christmas and best wishes for the New Year.

12/12/2025

07/12/2025

Today, cadets from the Squadron joined others from across Kent Wing for the Kent Wing Cross Country Competition running either 3km or 5km routes.

Despite the weather conditions, the Cadets had a great attitude and took part with a smile on their faces.

Congratulations to FS Callaghan-Jarvis for being selected to represent Kent Wing at the L&SE Region competition and to CI Shelley for winning the Staff race.

09/11/2025

Today saw Staff and Cadets join 36 Engineer Regiment, fellow Cadet Forces, and dignitaries to pay our respect to those that have served and continue to serve in our Armed Forces to fight for our freedoms, support our communities and work towards building peace and diffusing conflict.

Lest we forget!

We will remember them.

14/10/2025

On Sunday, the Squadron held its Annual Inspection parade to recognise the achievements of the Cadets over the last year.

This year's awards were:

Endeavour - Cdt Maftei
Best Overall Cadet - Cdt Stevens
Best Senior NCO - FS Callaghan- Jarvis
Best Junior NCO - Cpl Herbert-Cogger
New Cadet - Cdt Fowell
Charities - Cdt Harvey
Cadets Cadet - Cpl Herbert-Cogger
Silver D of E - Cdt Gurung
Instructor Cadet - FS Callaghan-Jarvis
Silver Cyber - FS Callaghan-Jarvis
Promotion to Corporal - Cdt Stevens & Cdt Chappell

The Squadron also thanked Sandra Knatchbull who is the Chair of the Cobtree Trust, who helped the Squadron fund modernisation of the Squadron's training equipment.