Adult volunteers · 402 (Gravesend) Squadron

Find your place. Make a difference.

You do not need military experience—and you do not have to become an instructor. Bring your strengths, discover new skills and help create extraordinary opportunities for young people in Gravesend.

Express your interest Explore the pathways

No military experience required
Different levels of commitment
Training and support provided

More than one way to volunteer

Your experience can create their next opportunity.

Adult volunteers make our training, activities and day-to-day operation possible. Some work directly with cadets; others organise events, manage resources, support communications or contribute specialist expertise.

What matters is reliability, a willingness to learn and a commitment to helping young people develop safely and positively. We will help you find a contribution that matches your strengths, interests and realistic availability.

Volunteer pathways

Where could you make a difference?

Eight flexible ways to bring your existing strengths to 402—and develop new ones.

Teach & Inspire

Help young people discover new skills, build confidence and reach their potential.

Adventure & Activities

Turn challenge into confidence through outdoor experiences and memorable activities.

Organise & Deliver

Turn good ideas into safe, well-planned opportunities for young people.

Logistics & Transport

Help people, equipment and activities get where they need to be.

Digital & Communications

Tell our story, connect our community and develop young people’s digital skills.

Lead & Develop

Support cadets and volunteers to grow in confidence, capability and responsibility.

Fundraise & Support

Build partnerships and secure the resources that make new opportunities possible.

Occasional Specialist

Share a particular skill or support individual activities without attending every week.

Volunteering that can work

A meaningful commitment—not one fixed pattern.

Regular and reliable support matters, but not every volunteer contributes in the same way.

Regular

Squadron volunteer

Support parade nights, training and Squadron operations as part of the established staff team.

Activity-based

Focused support

Help with particular programmes, projects, events or periods when your contribution is most valuable.

Specialist

Share expertise

Contribute a professional, technical or practical skill without needing to become a weekly instructor.

Come and meet us

Adult Volunteer Open Evening

Friday 9 October 2026 · 18:00–20:30

Joint Cadet Centre, Grange Road, Gravesend, DA11 0EU

Reserve your place

How to join

Start with a conversation.

You can explore the Squadron and its opportunities before deciding whether to make a formal application.

Express interest

Tell us about your interests, experience and the time you may be able to offer.

Meet 402

Visit the Squadron, explore the pathways and ask questions about volunteering.

Apply

Complete the appropriate application, identity, suitability and vetting stages.

Begin induction

Join through planned induction, supervised experience and role-appropriate training.

Safe volunteering

The right people. The right checks. The right support.

Working with young people carries responsibility. Applicants complete the required appointment, identity, suitability and safeguarding processes before being confirmed in role.

The process can take time because the checks must be completed correctly. We will explain what happens at each stage and what applicants may do while their appointment is progressing.

Identity and eligibility checks
An application and informal discussion
References or suitability enquiries
Criminal-record vetting where required
Safeguarding and induction training
Role-specific development and support

Your place at 402

Could your strengths create their next opportunity?

Tell us what you could bring, what you would like to learn and how you might want to contribute.

Express your interest Email the Officer Commanding