Young people aged between 13-15 years old (or in year 9 in secondary school) can join, regardless of gender.

Our recruitment period is during the second half of Term 4 and the first half of Term 1. Check out our newsfeed or our Facebook page for any upcoming recruitment events.

We are located at The Depot, Sir Lloyd Dr, Pakuranga Heights, behind the netball courts in Lloyd Elsmore Park. Check out Where We Are for more information!

Cadets can serve up to their 20th birthday. At that point, they may choose to remain as a member of staff (either as a civilian Supplementary Staff member or a volunteer Commissioned NZCF Officer), or be discharged from the unit.

No, all NZCF officers are commissioned under the New Zealand Cadet Forces, and are 100% volunteers. The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) provide regular force personnel as support, administrative and directive staff at a national and area level. In most cases, 40SQN ATC Officers and staff are ex-cadets or others who have committed their time to support our unit.