Australian Air League cadets are trained in various types of Ceremonial Drill, for Field Competitions and Parades. Drill assists Cadets to acquire self discipline ands also teaches them to work together as a team. It also provides leaderships training to the Cadets chosen to be NCOs as they are put in charge of a unit and are responsible for their training.

There are several different types of units in the Australian Air League including:

Section

A Section is the smallest drill unit and is made up of 5 Cadets and an NCO in charge, normally a Corporal. One of the Cadets in the Section may also be a Leading Cadet, the first NCO rank, and would be expected to assist the Corporal in their duties.

As a Section the Cadets can take part in marching competitions against other Squadrons, or form together with two other sections to form a flight.

Flight

A flight is made up of three Sections that join together to march as a Flight, under the command of an NCO in charge, normally a Sergeant. A full section compromises of fifteen Cadets (three of whom may be Leading Cadets), and three Corporals under the leadership of the Flight Sergeant. An Air League Squadron can have one or more Flights, each with its own NCO in charge.

The Flight can take part in marching competitions against other Squadrons, or take part in marches supporting the community such as ANZAC Day and local festivals.

Flag Party

Each Air League Squadron has its own Flag Party which would carry the flag of their Squadron, as well as the flag of their home state and the Australian Flag.

A full flag party consists of 3 Flag Bears, typically NCOs selected from the Squadron’s Corporals who carry the ‘Colours’, or flags of the Squadron. They are supported by three Escorts, who are normally Leading Cadets although at times Cadets may also be chosen. The Escorts should not be higher in rank than the Bearers. The NCO in charge should be a Sergeant, although if a Sergeant is not available the NCO in charge must be of a higher rank that the other members of the Flag Party.

While normally a Flag Party would comprise seven personnel in total, Squadrons may parade a small Flag Party made up of a single Bearer carrying the Squadron Flag, along with two Bearers and an NCO in charge. Wing, Group and Federal Flag Parties would also parade one flag, although typically these Flag Parties would be composed of Officers, or Trainee Officers and Warrant Officers where necessary. As well as learning the drill necessary to take part in the Flag Party, the Cadets in the Flag Party also learn the symbolism and history of the Colours they carry, as well as the customs and courtesies associated with their use.

The Flag Party can take part in marching competitions against other Squadrons, or take part in marches supporting the community such as ANZAC Day and local festivals.

Squadron

A Squadron is composed of one or more Flights and a Flag Party, under the leadership of an NCO in charge, typically a Squadron Sergeant. The Squadron Sergeant is the most senior NCO of the Squadron and is the liaison between the Cadets and NCOs of the Squadron and the Officer staff.

The Squadron can take part in marching competitions against other Squadrons, or take part in marches supporting the community such as ANZAC Day and local festivals.

Bands

Several Squadrons, Wings and Groups throughout the Australian Air League also have marching bands, made up of Cadets and Officers with an NCO in charge who is the Drum Major. The Drum Major is equivalent in rank to a Sergeant, although whilst in the band they are in charge of all personnel, including Officers.

Air League bands are typically composed of either a Drum Corps, or a Drum & Bugle Corps and can vary in size from 9 personnel up to a full band of 24 personnel. Air League bands compete in competitions as well as provide music during parades, both for the Air League as well as outside events such as ANZAC Day, Reserve Forces Day, Community Festivals and other promotional work for the Air League.

Drill Competition and Reviews

Aside from participating in Community street parades and festivals, there are a number of organised competitive Parades held within each Group every year. Squadrons compete against each other in Band, Flag Party, Flight and Squadron drill and trophies are awarded for the Squadrons judged best in each competition. These parades also help promote the League to the public and provide recruiting and public relations opportunities.

Reviews are held by each Wing and Group annually and Nationally every two years. Reviews differ from Parades in that they are more intensive competitions covering every aspect of Field Activities and are usually held over an entire day, or sometimes over two days.