What do I need to bring with me?

Before you arrive, we will send through a clear kit list of everything you will need to bring. This will include civilian clothing, toiletries, and personal effects.  You must bring an iron and ironing board with you. This is to ensure your uniform is treated with care and meets our inspection standards.

Is there anything not on the official list that might be useful?

Everything you will need is on the official kit list. We regularly take on board feedback from current and recently graduated cadets to make sure that the list is up to date and right for all cadets’ needs. There are some non-essential items that some officers have found useful, such as in-soles, washing up liquid and wooden hangers for uniform.

Can my friends and family come with me for my arrival?

We know the first day can be intimidating so you can bring a couple of people for support. However, due to our COVID-19 policy, they will only be allowed to drop you off.

Do I have to arrive the night before? 

You don’t have to arrive the night before, but, if you are travelling a long distance, we can make provisions for those that have to.

What is the course length?

The duration of the course is 24 weeks or 18 weeks for previously serving individuals. 

What are the course modules?

Module 1 – Military Skills where you will learn the basics of being part of the RAF

Module 2 – Development 1: Know yourself to lead others 

Module 3 – Development 2: Line management & command 

Module 4 – Consolidation (Summative assessment & graduation)

Where will I be staying? 

During your training at Cranwell, you will stay on base. In your first and second modules, you will stay in the Number 1 Mess accommodation where you will share a room with one other person. In your third and fourth modules, you will move to your own room in the College Hall Officers Mess (CHOM).

What are the bathrooms like? 

At Cranwell, our bathrooms are single sex and communal with individual cubicles for toilets, shower and baths.

What's the food like?

We provide three meals a day from your respective mess. If you are out on exercise, you will be given a military issue ration pack.

We’ve created a balanced diet that gives you the essential energy and nutrition for life in the RAF. There are options available at each sitting so you can choose the meal that will power you through the day. All dietary requirements are catered for including vegan, vegetarian, pescatarian, halal and milk alternatives.

How fit do I need to be?

Fitness is important in the RAF, as a cadet you must be fit enough to enough to pass the Multi-Stage Fitness Test (MSFT) for your age and gender.   
  
We’ve developed a training programme you can follow, and you can find out the standard you need to meet during the fitness test here.

What happens if I fail?

We aren’t looking for superhuman athletes, we want officers that don’t give up and keep striving to be the best. Depending on when you failed the test and the degree of failure, we will look into each case and assess individually. If it doesn’t go the way you expected, don’t worry, retests will be offered.
 

What if I get injured?

If you are injured during your training, we will do all we can to keep you on the course safely. If this isn’t possible, you will be transferred to Cadet Support Flight (CSF) while you recover. When you are physically ready and the next available training place comes up, you will be placed back on the course.