Military Zone

RAF Village
At the heart of the array of RAF assets is the must-visit interactive RAF village. The perfect place to find out more about a career in the RAF and discover the role we perform daily. With a variety of different trades represented by current serving personnel each one with a different career story.

RAF Recruiting

There are over 60 different trades and branches to choose from in the RAF, including specialisations such as Cyberspace Communications Specialist, Air Operations support, Intelligence Analyst, Engineering, Force Protection and hospitality to name but a few. Want to find out more? Go and chat to the friendly RAF recruitment team and find out what full-time or reserve roles are available.

Find them at: www.raf.mod.uk/recruitment and follow them on www.facebook.com/rafrecruitment and www.twitter.com/rafcareers.

Royal Air Force Air Cadets

There are 22 Air Training Corps squadrons in Sussex Wing and 22 squadrons in Surrey Wing. You will find some of their Air Cadets and Volunteer Staff showcasing their skills and teamwork whilst assisting and supporting Wings & Wheels on the showground, as they have done throughout the existence of this Airshow.

In recent years, several ex cadets from local squadrons have appeared at the Show as part of the Royal Air Force contingent. Notably, two such pilots formed the Hawk Display Team from RAF Valley and they are represented in the prestigious Red Arrows Display Team. Others have been associated with impressive civilian displays.

Many current cadets will have experienced the thrill and excitement of a flight in a Grob Tutor with a qualified pilot, taken the controls and enjoyed some aerobatics. A keen and motivated cadet has the opportunity to gain a Scholarship leading to flying training to solo standard. Several local cadets have been successful in gaining and completing flying scholarships since last year’s Show.

Adventure training is very popular and the skills gained can lead to the Duke of Edinburgh Award at Bronze, Silver or even Gold level. Rock climbing, hill walking, abseiling and canoeing also feature highly with regular camps at specialist Adventure Training Centres in Wales and the Lake District.

Music also features, for instance Sussex Wing has a dedicated corps of Pipers and Drummers. These highly motivated cadet musicians meet regularly for practice and are often in attendance at high profile events and indeed participate in prestigious national competitions.

Air cadets have the opportunity to try their hand at military skills and drills – rifle shooting and field craft. Marksmanship is one of our most popular activities. Lying on your stomach, concentrating and focusing on a static target on a Range, in a supervised and controlled environment and firing with consistent accuracy requires focus, agility and a very steady hand. If you prove your skills you may participate in shooting competitions. Fieldcraft is taught on a regular basis at Skills Weeks and on local squadrons. The training provides the skills needed to survive and navigate around outdoors in unfamiliar places.

All cadets have the opportunity to participate in seven major sports at local, regional and national level. Many other activities include First Aid, Public Service, Leadership Training and Annual Camps at RAF Stations both at home and abroad.

There are real qualifications to be gained as an Air Cadet. BTECs such as the First Diploma in Public Service, in Aviation Studies and Performing Arts (Music) and also City & Guilds – where cadets and staff can also benefit from vocational qualifications in management. Leadership, Management and Training qualifications are available to adult volunteers through the CVQO charity.

The role of our Adult Volunteers is vital in enabling the cadets to participate in all of the activities available by their supervision of activities and teaching of skills. This involvement can range from a parent member of the Squadron Committee, a Civilian Instructor, non-commissioned officer (NCO) or Officer.

If you would like to find out more about becoming an Air Cadet (aged from 12 and in year 8) or an adult member of staff (over 20) then visit us at our Recruitment Trailer on the Showground.

Come and talk to us about this high quality, modern and dynamic youth organisation of which we are all proud to be a part.

Securing Britain in an uncertain world – The British Army

There are many roles available in the Army. A career with the Army offers challenge and adventure that you simply can't find in any other job. Visit the Army recruitment stand and hear from recruits, their experiences of the application process and how they felt during their journey. The support they had during the journey, and help they received when needed - whether it was reassurance about things that they were worried about, or practical help in getting them ready to do their best at the Assessment Centre. For more information on roles and opportunities please visit the stand or website https://apply.army.mod.uk/.

Protecting Our Nation’s Interests - The Royal Navy

The Royal Navy recruitment team can be found in the Military Zone with their Wildcat Helicopter, to show you round these fascinating aircraft and demonstrate what a job in the Naval Service means - adventure, camaraderie and lifelong prospects. From policing the world's oceans, delivering humanitarian aid when natural or man-made disasters strike or deployed in combat, visit the team to find out how you could be a key part in operations around the world. In times of conflict and peace, the Royal Navy is key to the prosperity of Britain and the stability of the high seas.

Dunsfold Aerodrome History

Not to be missed is the chance to take a brief look at the history of Dunsfold Aerodrome, from the creation of the airfield to current plans.

Aldhurst Military Vehicles has a fantastic display which includes a collection of jeeps, motorcycles, armoured cars, lorries and a tank – don’t miss them!

O.F Military Group is a Cold War/Gulf War based group. Several of the Group's vehicles have served in Bosnia, Northern Ireland and the Gulf and consist of Land Rovers from the early 80s through to the 90s. On display will also be a full field trailer kitchen, bomb disposal, radio communication tent and a field hospital

Angels One Five living history group takes part in aviation days all around the UK and abroad, where it presents uniforms and equipment once used by the RAF and WAAF as well as other items from the Second World War. They have also cooperated on several documentary films produced both by private companies and the BBC. The Group has been engaged in the preparation of numerous exhibitions and regularly participates in memorial ceremonies and the unveiling of commemorative plaques or monuments.

The Armoury

The Armoury portrays a number of different allied uniforms from the Second World War. The Group also has a variety of authentic equipment on display, including weapons from the period.

The Military Zone is action-packed this year and this is some of what will be on show...