International Air Cadet Exchange

Major australian sponsor international air Cadet exChange

SelectionCadets should:• Be at least 17 years of age at the commencement of the exchange• Hold the rank of CSGT or above, however, those with a minimum of three years

service may also apply• Be recommended by their Squadron CO and approved by the Wing OC• Be able to apply for an Australian passport

Escorts should:• Be at least 25 years of age at the commencement of the exchange• Have a minimum of three years enrolled service with the AAFC and be an Officer

Instructor, although NCO members may apply.• Be recommended by their Squadron CO and approved by the Wing OC• Be able to apply for an Australian passport

ApplicationsAll cadets and instructors are to apply in CI (Cadetone) in December and January each year. Your applications must then be endorsed by your CO and OC. Endorsed applicants will then be interviewed by your Wing PACIO and Wing Executive Officer.

Financial CommitmentApplicants should be aware that they are responsible for their airfare component on the outbound exchanges. Boeing Australia currently provides a supplement to Cadets’ and Escorts’ airfares. The IACE Program is greatly indebted to Boeing Australia for their ongoing financial support.

IACE UniformParticipants will need to purchase a navy blue blazer and grey trousers or skirt. Participants will be provided with special AAFC slides, an IACE Tie, a pocket badge for the jacket, two IACE polo shirts for casual wear and an IACE Name Badge.

For further informationAAFC Website: www.aafc.org.auIACE Association Website: www.iacea.com

International Air Cadet Exchange BackgroundThe International Air Cadet Exchange (IACE) Program came into being in 1947 when Canada and the UK arranged a bi-lateral exchange of air cadets between the two countries.Over the next few years the scheme was adopted by the USA and several European countries. It now has a membership of some 20 nations around the world including, in this region, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Hong Kong and Singapore. The mandate of the association is to encourage international understanding, co-operation and goodwill between young people from many different ethnic and cultural backgrounds, with a central theme of aviation.This exchange, involving several hundred participants, takes place over 2-3 weeks in July/August each year. Many long-term friendships have been made during IACE visits which are often described as the highlight of a cadet’s career.

Exchange CountriesThe AAFC exchanges with the following countries – United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Hong Kong, Singapore, New Zealand, France, Korea and the Netherlands.

Outbound ToursEach year up to 35 cadets and instructors (escorts) are selected to represent the AAFC on various overseas visits. The people chosen act as ambassadors for Australia and the AAFC. Once exchange members are met at the designated entry city, they are the guests of the host organisation which will provide all accommodation, food and travel during the course of the program. The itinerary will give visitors the experience of places and cultural events not usually available to ordinary tourists.

Inbound ToursAustralia hosts a reciprocal visit each year from the air cadet organisations AAFC visited. HQAAFC organises the event and, in addition to the visitors, a cadet from each of the other Wings is selected to attend. These tours are great fun with visits to such places as the Canberra, ADFA, Australian War Memorial, Australia Zoo, Gold Coast, Brisbane, Blue Mountains, Sydney Harbour, and local defence bases (which often include the opportunity to fly in Service Aircraft).

Major australian sponsor international air Cadet exChange

Cadets – Air Force’s future