The Air Cadet Organisation is the largest single operator of the Duke of Edinburgh's Award in the UK and the first recipient of a Gold Award was an Air Cadet.

The Duke of Edinburgh's Award is a challenging programme of diverse activities designed to encourage and stimulate the enthusiasm and energies of young people between the ages of 14 and 25. The Award is intended to develop in participants those qualities of maturity and responsibility, which will help throughout their lifetime. Participation in the Award is voluntary and is intended to be fun!

The Award programme consists of three levels, Bronze (entry age 14), Silver (entry age 15) and Gold (entry age 16). Each level has differing criteria for entry and the level of achievement necessary to complete each award. Each award is broken down into 4 areas (5 for gold – residential project) which participants must complete successfully to receive their award. These are:-

Service
Helping others in the local community.

Expeditions
Training for, and planning of a journey.

Skills
Demonstrate ability in a hobby, skill or interest

Physical Recreation
Sport, dance and fitness.

Millennium Volunteers Scheme – This is run in conjunction with the Duke of Edinburgh's Award and is open to any Squadron member between the ages of 16 and 25 who will commit up to 200 hours of volunteer community work in a 12 month period. Certificates are issued for 100 and 200 hours of work completed.