Header
       
Rank Structure
       
  Cadet Non-Commissioned Officer Ranks  
       
  Corporal

Corporal is the first NCO rank that a cadet can obtain.

The average time taken for a cadet to be promoted is two years, but it can be more or less. A Corporal is referred to as a Junior NCO (JNCO) and acts as a liaison between cadets and Senior NCOs (SNCO). The promotion to Corporal is made by the Commanding Officer (CO) of the Squadron, in consultation with the Squadron's other staff. Selection is purely on merit and not on classification. The emblem of the rank of Corporal is two silver downward pointing chevrons.

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
       
  Sergeant A Sergeant is an SNCO and a cadet is promoted to this position after he or she has reached the rank of Corporal. Appointment is made by Squadron CO and staff. In a large Squadron, a Sergeant will be second in charge (2IC) of a flight, or in charge (IC) of a flight if the Squadron is not quite so big. The rank's emblem is as that of Corporal, but with an additional chevron.  
 
 
 
 
 
   
       
  Flight Sergeant This is the highest rank to which the Squadron CO can promote a cadet. If a squadron is split up into flights then a Flight Sergeant will be the non-commissioned officer in command (NCO I/C) of a flight. The emblem is the same as Sergeant but with a silver crown above it.  
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
       
  CWO Promotion to Cadet Warrant Officer (CWO) can only be made by the Commanding Officer of a Wing. There are a set number of CWOs each wing can have - one per squadron plus two thirds. The emblem of a Cadet Warrant Officer is a crown surrounded by laurel branches. To be a CWO you must be over 18. CWOs usually take over all charge of all flights in a Squadron.  
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
       
  Non-Commissioned Officer (ATC) Ranks  
       
  Sergeant (ATC) Sergeant (ATC) is the first rank that an adult NCO can obtain. They are referred to by their rank which in this case is Sergeant. The abbreviation for Sergeant (ATC) is Sgt (ATC).  
   
   
   
   
       
       
  Flight Sergeant (ATC) Flight Sergeant (ATC) is the second rank that an adult NCO can obtain. A Sergeant (ATC) can be promoted to a Flight Sergeant after four years’ service, and on the authority of the Wing Commander. They are referred to by their rank which in this case is Flight Sergeant. The abbreviation for Flight Sergeant (ATC) is FS (ATC).  
   
   
   
   
       
       
  Warrant Officer (ATC) After a further four years’ service, and on selection by the Regional Commandant, a FS (ATC) is eligible for promotion to the rank of Warrant Officer (ATC). They are referred to as Sir or Ma’am. The abbreviation for Warrant Officer (ATC) is WO (ATC).  
   
   
   
   
       
  Commissioner Officer Ranks  
       
  Officer Cadet Officer Cadet is the first rank that a member of staff receives when they are selected to be commissioned into the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve (Training Branch). The abbreviation for Officer Cadet is OCdt. All officers are called Sir or Ma’am.  
   
   
   
   
       
       
  Pilot Officer Officer Cadets are promoted to Pilot Officer following successful completion of their Officers’ Initial Course at RAF College Cranwell. The abbreviation for Pilot Officer is Plt Off.  
   
   
   
   
       
       
  Flying Officer Pilot Officers are usually promoted to the rank of Flying Officer after two years of service.  
   
   
   
   
       
       
  Flight Lieutenant Flight Lieutenant is the rank held by most ATC Squadron Commanders and Junior Wing Staff Officers, and officers who have completed 9 years continuous commissioned service with the Cadet Forces. They are required to complete an Officers’ Senior Course at RAF College Cranwell.  
   
   
   
   
       
       
  Squadron Leader Squadron Leader is the rank held by Senior Staff Officers within the Wing. The post of Squadron Leader may also be held by a Squadron Commander on a large unit usually one with over 100 cadets.  
   
   
   
   
       
       
  Wing Commander Wing Commander is a rank appointed by HQ Air Cadets, it is the highest rank that can be obtained within the RAF VR(T). A Wing Commander is responsible for all units and staff within his/her Wing.  
   
   
   
   
       
  Civilian Instructors  
       
  Civilian Instructor Civilian instructors are the backbone of the organisation. Civilian instructors provide the specialist skills required for training cadets to the highest levels. Civilian instructors can be appointed to their unit on their 20th birthday. Whether the instructor is a fully fledged shooting coach, Mountain Leader qualified hill walker,have knowledge of radio’s, or simply wants to be a part of the local unit and help out in whatever way they can. Civilian instructors are always welcome to attend and be appointed for the benefit of the corps. Once appointed all the courses that the ATC has to offer are then available and open to them. This enables them to gain additional qualifications for both the benefit of the corps and themselves.