Gender (Composite Squadron) Policy

1. Policy on Composite Units
   1. No uniformed member of the League can join, remain a member, or be in charge of, a unit of the opposite gender unless approval is granted as detailed in Para 7.1.2, 7.1.3 and 7.3.
   2. The Council of the Australian Air League Inc. may give approval for the operation of a Group combined headquarters comprising Officers of both genders. Groups operating under this system are referred to as Composite Groups.
   3. The Group Council of a Composite Group may approve the operation of combined Regions, Wings and Squadrons within the Group.
2. Single Gender - Squadron Unit
   1. Single gender Squadrons of the League must consist of at least one (1) Officer, one (1) other adult member and six (6) cadets/NCOs of the same gender all of whom must be financial members.
   2. Where the provisions of para 7.2.1 cannot be met on a particular parade night or at any other function, as regards the Officer and adult member, then the Unit affected cannot meet.
   3. Group Councils shall only approve the opening of a new Squadron where the provisions of Para 7.2.1 are met.
3. Combined Regions/Wings/Squadrons
   1. Combined Regions, Wings and Squadrons may only operate in a Composite Group. No provision exists for combined Regions, Wings and Squadrons in a singular gender Group.
   2. Should the Council of the Australian Air League Inc. approve a change in status from a Composite Group to a Singular Gender Group then all combined Regions, Wings and Squadrons will immediately cease to function as combined Unit, but may continue to operate as a single gender Unit with Squadrons being subject to the provisions of Para 7.2.1.
   3. Should the Council of the Australian Air League Inc. approve a change in status from a Singular Gender Group to a Composite Group then combined Regions, Wings and Squadrons may be formed subject to the conditions of this Section.
   4. Group Councils may only approve the operation of combined Regions, Wings and Squadrons within their Group for the purpose of restructuring, training or because of isolation.
   5. Combined Squadrons must consist of at least one (1) Officer, one (1) other adult member of each gender represented in the Squadron membership and six (6) cadets/NCOs of either or both genders all of whom must be financial members.
   6. Group Councils shall, in conjunction with the Officers of a Combined Squadron, appoint officers to Squadron appointments as provided for in Para 7.1.2 above, but applying to Squadron appointments. These appointments shall apply to all functions other than when attending the Australian Air League Review – refer Para 7.3.8 below.
   7. Where the provisions of Para 7.3.5 cannot be met on a particular parade night or at any other function for either gender, as regards the Officer and adult member, then the Unit affected cannot meet.
   8. Training and administrative functions will be as for one Unit. The Squadron will operate as one Unit at all times.
   9. Should a Squadron request that they revert to a singular gender unit, the Group Council shall approve the request. Should the Group Council disagree with the request of a Squadron, the Group Council shall request the arbitration of the Chief Commissioner whose decision shall be final.
4. Squadron Operations
   1. Where a Squadron is operating or falls below the basic compliment, as per Para 7.2.1 or 7.3.5, the Group Council shall attempt to rebuild the Squadron to at least the minimum standard within a twelve-month period. Where the minimum compliment cannot be achieved within twelve months the Squadron will amalgamate or be closed.