Air Training Corps

Air Training Corps
Active	5 February 1941 - Present
Role	Volunteer Youth Organisation
Headquarters	RAFC Cranwell
Motto(s)	Venture Adventure
Commanders
Cmdt AC	Air Commodore Ian R W Stewart

For the New Zealand Air Training Corps, see New Zealand Air Training Corps

The Air Training Corps (ATC) is a cadet organization based in the United Kingdom. It is a voluntary youth group which is part of the Air Cadet Organization and the Royal Air Force (RAF). It is supported by the Ministry of Defence, with a currently serving regular RAF Officer, currently Air Commodore Ian R W Stewart, serving as Commandant Air Cadets (Cmdt AC). The cadets and the majority of staff are civilians and, although a number of its members do go on to join the RAF or other services, the ATC is not set up as a recruiting organization. The enrollment age for the Air Training Corps is 13 years and 3 months, however cadets can join at the age of 13, and enter as Junior Cadets. When the cadet reaches the age of 18 they become Instructor Cadets and are subjected to the same regulations as adult members of staff (including duty of care responsibilities). Cadets need to leave by their 20th birthday, when they become eligible to be instructors.(see membership).

Aims and motto

The Aims of the Air Training Corps are:

• To promote and encourage among young men and women a practical interest in aviation and the Royal Air Force.
• To provide training which will be useful both in the Services and civilian life.
• To foster the spirit of adventure.
• To develop qualities of leadership and good citizenship.

The Air Training Corps motto is "Venture Adventure".

HRH The Duke of Edinburgh has served as honorary Air Commodore-in-Chief since 1953.

The cadet promise

Upon enrollment into the ATC, each and every cadet has to make the following promise, usually at a ceremony presided over by the Unit Padre or Officer Commanding, and by signing the promise in their Cadet Record of Service Book (RAF Form 3822):

"I Cadet *Name*, hereby solemnly promise on my honor to serve my Unit loyally and to be faithful to my obligations as a member of the Air Training Corps. I further promise to be a good citizen and to do my duty to God and the Queen, my Country and my Flag."

Ensign

The Air Training Corps Ensign

On many squadrons, the Air Training Corps Ensign is hoisted every parade night, (usually in the warmer, lighter nights in the summer months), whereas others will only hoist it on special occasions such as parades and visits from senior Officers. The ensign is taken down at dusk and if rain begins to fall. It is treated with the same respect and dignity afforded to the Royal Air Force Ensign.

The ATC Ensign is hoisted and hauled down by the duty cadet NCO, with the salute being taken by any commissioned officer, normally the squadron's CO. All other officers salute during the hoisting and hauling down. In smaller squadrons, where the Officer-in-Charge is a Warrant Officer, they will take the salute, however other Warrant Officers do not salute.

Most Wings and Squadrons also have a banner, which is paraded on formal occasions. The ATC also has a Colour, which is afforded the same courtesies as any other colour.

History

"Father of the air cadet movement"

Main article: John Adrian Chamier

File:JA Chamier.jpg

JA Chamier during service with the RAF.

Air Commodore J A Chamier is affectionately known as the father of the air cadet movement. He was the son of a major general and joined the army himself as a regular officer. After service attached to the Indian Army, he joined the Royal Flying Corps (the forerunner of the Royal Air Force) where he served as a pilot in the World War I.

He transferred to the Royal Air Force in 1919 and eventually retired from service in 1929. His love of aviation and his tremendous capacity for hard work was such that, following his retirement, he became the Secretary-General of the Air League - an organization made up of people who could see a bright future for aviation and who wanted to make the British public aware of its potential.

Against a background of rising interest in aviation and with the clouds of war beginning to form over Europe, Air Commodore Chamier thought of the idea of starting an aviation cadet corps. He knew that in the 1914-1918 war, in desperate moments, hand picked young men with only a few hours of training were sent to do combat in the air - only to fall victim to well trained enemy aviators. He knew also that the winning of air power would need the services of many highly skilled and highly trained men using the best equipment and that the sooner such training could be started the better.

Air Defence Cadet Corps

Main article: Air Defence Cadet Corps

The Air Defence Cadet Corps (ADCC) was set up in 1938 by Air Commodore Chamier.

Its purpose was to train young men in various aviation related skills. These skills were eventually destined to be used by RAF and Fleet Air Arm.

The corps was extremely popular with thousands joining up all eager to help Britain prepare for World War II.

In 1941, in order to provide the means of giving part-time air training to young men destined for the Royal Air Force, the ADCC was formally established as the Air Training Corps by Royal Warrant. The ATC still continues today training young people in all types of life skills.

The Air Training Corps is Established

In 1941 the government realized the true value of the work done by the ADCC and agreed to take over its control. This meant a number of changes to the corps, and in fact brought about the birth of a completely new organization, called the Air Training Corps. So on the 5 February 1941 the Air Training Corps (ATC) was officially established, with King George VI very kindly agreeing to be the Air Commodore-in-Chief, and issuing a Royal Warrant setting out the Corps' aims.

The number of young men responding to this new ATC was spectacular. Within the first month the size of the old ADCC had virtually doubled to more than 400 squadrons and after 12 months it was about 8 times as big. The new ATC badge was designed and, once approved by the King, it was published in August 1941. The motto VENTURE ADVENTURE, devised by Air Commodore Chamier, was adopted by the ATC and incorporated into the badge.

The new ATC squadrons adapted their training programmes to prepare young men for entry to the RAF. Squadrons arranged visits to RAF and Fleet Air Arm stations as part of the cadets' training and to let them fly as much as possible. Everybody wanted to fly but, with so few flights available, many cadets were disappointed. One solution designed to get cadets airborne was to introduce them to gliding. This would give cadets a chance to get the feel of an aircraft in flight and allow them to handle the controls. This obviously could not happen overnight. It would be many years before this dream could be realized.

Organization

Within the Corps there are four levels of command. From top, down, they are: Corps, Region, Wing and Squadron. The Squadrons are the focal point for the majority of members of the Corps.

National level

The ATC is the largest part of the Air Cadet Organization (ACO), along with the RAF sections of the Combined Cadet Force. It is divided geographically into six regions (each commanded by an RAF Group Captain), each of which are sub-divided into wings. There are currently 36 wings, most named after the one or two counties that they operate in. Wings are divided into four areas and further sub-divided into squadrons.

Headquarters Air Cadets (HQAC), based at RAF Cranwell, controls the organization; and there are subordinate HQs at Region and Wing levels staffed by officers of the RAF Reserve and civil servants. A regular RAF Air Commodore serves as Commandant Air Cadets. The Current Commandant Air Cadets is Air Commodore Ian Stewart. The Chief of Staff is a retired Group Captain in the RAF Reserves. The current Chief of Staff is Group Captain Evans.

The ACO forms one of the seven functional areas of No 22 (Training) Group Royal Air Force, which is responsible for the recruitment and selection of all RAF personnel and for the policy and delivery of RAF non-operational training (including Flying Training). No 22 Group is led by the Air Officer Commanding No 22 Group RAF, currently Air Vice-Marshal R F Garwood.

Two Air Cadet National Adventure Training Centres are controlled by HQAC - at Llanbedr, Gwynedd, Wales and Windermere, Cumbria, England. These provide a range of adventure training courses and accommodation for squadron and wing expeditions. HQAC also controls 28 Volunteer Gliding Squadrons around the UK, through the Air Cadet Central Gliding School at RAF Syerston.

Local level

ATC Squadrons are established in most large towns in the UK and there are also units in Cyprus, Germany, Gibraltar and the Channel Islands. In recent years, there have always been 926 squadrons. The first 50 squadrons formed have their squadron numbers followed by an F to show they are "founder" squadrons. Only 30 are still in existence, as the other 20 have disbanded over time.

In towns not large enough to sustain a squadron of 30 cadets, or as a supplement to an existing squadron in a larger town or city, a Detached Flight (DF) may be formed. This operates much like any other unit, but is technically a component part of a nearby larger squadron. The establishment of Officers and cadet NCOs (Non-Commissioned Officers) is dependent on the size of the Squadron or DF. There are approximately 48 Detached Flights currently in being.

Each squadron is usually commanded by a RAFVR(T) Officer (although this is not always possible; 213 (City of Rochester) is an example of a squadron run by a Warrant Officer). The Officer Commanding (or OC) has a good deal of autonomy in running the unit but also carries heavy responsibilities. Additionally where a unit has other members of staff the OC allocates their duties and also provides recommendation on appointment, retention and promotion of those staff.

Another member of the adult staff with much responsibility within a unit is the Squadron Warrant Officer (Sqn WO). This person will hold the rank of Warrant Officer and will typically have spent many years working within the squadron or at least within the ATC. In the case of no commissioned officers being present, the SWO will take charge of the unit. At all other times, the SWO will usually hold a closer relationship with the cadets than the OC will.

This basic structure has many permutations - varying numbers of cadets and staff, accommodation and facilities. A typical Detached Flight consists of the Officer Commanding and a minimum of fifteen cadets and is often housed in rented accommodation. At the other extreme a large Squadron can consist of 120 plus cadets, 4 commissioned officers, two non-commissioned officers and a half dozen Civilian Instructors.

Structure

The Air Training Corps is formed of six Regions across the United Kingdom and each of these Regions are made up of six Wings.

Regions

• Central & East Region
• London & South East Region
• North Region
• Scotland & Northern Ireland Region
• South West Region
• Wales & West Region

Wings

Central & East	London & South East	North	Scotland & Northern Ireland	South West	Wales & West
Bedfordshire & Cambridgeshire Wing	Essex Wing	Central & East Yorkshire Wing	Aberdeen & North East Scotland Wing	Bristol & Gloucestershire Wing	Merseyside Wing
Hertfordshire & Bucks Wing	Kent Wing	Cumbria & North Lancashire Wing	Dundee & Central Scotland Wing	Devon & Somerset Wing	No. 1 Welsh Wing
Norfolk & Suffolk Wing	London Wing	Durham & Northumberland Wing	Edinburgh & South Scotland Wing	Dorset & Wilts Wing	No. 2 Welsh Wing
South & East Midlands Wing	Middlesex Wing	East Cheshire & South Manchester Wing	Glasgow & West Scotland Wing	Hampshire & Isle Of Wight Wing	No. 3 Welsh Wing
Trent Wing	Surrey Wing	East Lancashire Wing	Highland Wing	Plymouth & Cornwall Wing	Staffordshire Wing
Warwickshire & Birmingham Wing	Sussex Wing	South & West Yorkshire Wing	Northern Ireland Wing	Thames Valley Wing	West Mercian Wing

Squadrons

See List of Air Training Corps squadrons

Membership

Junior Cadets

People aged 13 to 17 and three months, the official joining age, and those who are not yet enrolled, are given the title 'Junior Cadet' (formerly 'Probationer') as they can go along to most meetings to get a feel for the ATC, but cannot participate in most activities off squadron. They do not normally need to pay subscription fees, as they would not receive uniform. Junior Cadets can not go on camps or fly with the ATC.

Cadets

Young people can join the ATC at any time between the ages of 13 and 17. Cadets can stay in the corps up until age 20 and prior to mid May 2007 must have reached the rank of Cadet Sergeant by age 18 to be eligible to remain in the Corps after this age (the requirement to have reached a specific rank by age 18 was revoked in mid-late May 2007 after the policy had been in place for some 3 1/2 years). Those who stay on beyond 18 are termed Instructor Cadets. All cadets are issued with uniform and must each pay a small amount in subscriptions (or 'subs' as they are commonly known), usually around £50 per year. The subscription money covers parts of the activities undertaken by the Cadets for example Adventure training, local camps etc. Each squadron also has to pay a fixed amount to the wing to which it belongs for each cadet 'on its books'. Activities such as target shooting (both air rifles and live ammunition), flying and gliding are paid for by the Royal Air Force

Promotion

The cadets of a squadron all join as 'Junior Cadets', becoming second class cadets when they are enrolled. As they become more experienced, and if suitable they (cadets) can be promoted by their Squadron's Officer Commanding (OC) to the status of Cadet NCOs. Promotion to the ranks of Corporal, Sergeant And Flight Sergeant is at the discretion of the Officer Commanding. He/she (or a representative) will make a decision based on merit and leadership potential - many squadrons have formal selection procedures, whilst others select on by observing potential during normal training . Promotion to Cadet Warrant Officer is decided by a panel at Wing level. Prospective candidates will be a Flight Sergeant, preferably holding the Staff Cadet classification and will be required to attend an interview with the Wing Commander or their representative. Cadets who reached the rank of Cadet Warrant Officer were formerly allowed to remain an Air Cadet until they were 22 years old, however all cadet service now ends at age 20, regardless of rank.

Cadet ranks

The NCO ranks within the ATC mirror those of the RAF and are:

• Cadet Corporal (Cdt Cpl),
• Cadet Sergeant (Cdt Sgt),
• Cadet Flight Sergeant (Cdt FS) and
• Cadet Warrant Officer (CWO).

It is common within the ATC to abbreviate these ranks by dropping the prefix "Cadet".

Cadet Warrant Officer addressed as "Warrant Officer", "Warrant", "CWO" or "Cadet Warrant Officer" (Warrant Officer is the correct form of address,[4] but curiously is rarely used), and not as "Sir/Ma'am". It should be noted that there aren't actually any Cadet Warrant Officers in the ATC, as over 18 year old cadets are classified as Instructor Cadets (see below), and an ATC cadet must be over 18 to be appointed as a CWO, therefore the correct rank is actually Instructor Cadet Warrant Officer (ICWO). However, the three letter abbreviation is by far the most commonly used.

Instructor Cadets

All cadets who are over the age of 18 have the prefix "Instructor Cadet" before their rank. These Cadets now wear a rank slide with the words 'INSTRUCTOR CADET' embroidered below their rank insignia (provided they are the rank of cadet sergeant or above; corporal insignia is produced by some companies, however it is difficult to obtain), although corporals, cadets and some SNCOs still wear the old insignia - a white band attached to the rank slide. An instructor cadet has extra responsibilities over under-18 year olds which include a duty of care to the younger Cadets and NCOs. Instructor Cadets are required to attend training to aid them in their transition from 'child' to 'adult'.

Nevertheless, instructor cadets have no authority over cadets below the age of 18 holding the same or a more senior rank. This has been the source of much debate within the ATC.

Cadet classifications

Not all cadets who join the ATC can expect to receive promotion. However, all cadets can progress through the training system and, by passing exams, achieve different classifications. The classification levels are Second Class Cadet (this is automatically achieved on enrollment), First Class Cadet, Leading Cadet, Senior Cadet and Staff Cadet. For each of these qualifications cadets study a variety of subjects. An overview of the required standards is shown below, some units may also add further criteria such as first aid qualifications before allowing a cadet to complete all of the exams.

These subjects are studied using tuition from the instructors, and/or self-study from Air Cadet Publications or ('ACPs'). Each successive qualification generally allows a cadet greater participation. For example, cadets must be First Class before they can take part in some activities such as UK annual camps, while Leading Cadets can participate in overseas activities. Cadets who have achieved the Staff Cadet classification have completed their academic training and can attain a BTEC Award in Aviation Studies. Staff cadets wear a yellow lanyard over the left shoulder, and are allowed to teach other cadets.

First Class

First Class is also commonly referred to as 'Basic Training'. Before May 2008, the cadets would spend a lot of time in the classroom studying the following subjects: The Air Training Corps, The Royal Air Force, History of Flight, Initial Expedition Training, Basic Communications and Airmanship I. After a number of lectures and when the cadet felt ready, they would take a multiple choice examination either on paper or on a computer software program. In May 2008, HQAC decided to change the first class training program. A variety of methods are now used to test a cadet's understanding of the subject, including practical tests and exercises to test ability, and interviews/quizes to test knowledge. All junior cadets also have to pass a practical Drill Test to become first class. The drill test is a sequence of simple drill manouevers essential for forming squads and a good foundation to build on for the more advanced drill manouevers.

Leading

For a cadet to become a leading cadet, they must have already gained first class status. They will then have to complete 3 examinations which are: Airmanship II, Basic Navigaion and Principles of Flight. All exams are multiple choice and consists of 25 questions. The pass mark is 13 on each exam.

Senior

For a cadet to become a senior cadet, they must have already gained leading cadet status. They will then have to take 2 exams from a choice of 8 subjects, examined in the same way as for the Leading cadet syllabus. The 8 subjects are: Air Navigation, Pilot Navigation, Satellite Communications, Propulsion, Airframes, Advanced Radio and RADAR, Aircraft Handling and Operaional Flying.

Staff

Staff Cadet training is split up into 2 parts. Part 1 consists of further academic training, in the form of another 2 exams from the 8 subjects listed under Senior. Part 2 is a to test the candidate's instructional ability and general service knowledge, generally taking the form of an interview and assesed presentation/lesson, assesed by a member of the Wing Staff. For a cadet to become a Staff cadet, they must have already gained senior cadet status, be at least 16 years of age and attended an Annual Camp (see below).

Adult staff

The staff who run the ATC at unit level come in 3 types: commissioned officers, adult senior NCOs and civilian instructors. All uniformed staff must attend training courses run by the RAF at RAF Cranwell, usually within a year of appointment, with further courses as they progress up the rank structure.

Adult Staff Ranks
Commissioned Officers	Non-commissioned Officers	Civilian Staff
Officer Cadet (OCdt)	Sergeant (Sgt (ATC))	Civilian Instructor (CI)
Pilot Officer (Plt Off)	Flight Sergeant (FS (ATC))
Flying Officer (Fg Off)	Warrant Officer (WO (ATC))
Flight Lieutenant (Flt Lt)
Squadron Leader (Sqn Ldr)
Wing Commander (Wg Cdr)

Officers

Officers are commissioned into the Training Branch of the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve - the RAFVR(T). Unless an officer has previous service, he or she is commissioned as a substantive Pilot Officer, but holding the lower Officer Cadet Rank until completion of the Officers Initial Course at RAF Cranwell. This 'Commissioned' Officer Cadet rank is a transitional appointment before the RAFVR(T) get 'real' Officer Cadets (as in not yet holding a commission - in the same way as Officer Cadets at RAFC or in the UAS) in the coming years. Promotion to Flying Officer normally occurs after two years. Former regular commissioned officers usually start at Flying Officer, subject to certain conditions. After 9 years commissioned service, or upon becoming Officer Commanding of a squadron and completing a Officers' Senior Course (OSC), the rank of Flight Lieutenant (acting paid) is bestowed - Squadron Commanders who have yet to complete OSC may hold the rank of Flight Lieutenant (acting unpaid). Squadrons are usually commanded by Flight Lieutenants, who are also found as Wing and Regional staff officers along with Squadron Leaders and Wing Commanders. Particularly large squadrons are sometimes commanded by Squadron Leaders.

NCOs

Adults may also be appointed as senior NCOs, these being ranks within the ATC so unlike the officers they are not directly part of the RAF. Adult NCOs are uniformed in the same way as their RAF counterparts with two exceptions: a small gilt ATC badge is worn on the rank badge and Warrant Officers (unless they have previous regular warranted service) wear a different rank badge. The ranks of Adult SNCO's are written as Sgt (ATC), FS (ATC) and WO (ATC). In conversation Adult NCO's are usually referred to as Adult Sergeant X, Adult Warrant Officer Y and in less formal paperwork called ASGT, AFS or AWO. This reletavely new ranking system (from 2003) has disturbed the continuation of rank that the ACO had before eg. Cadet, Cadet Corporal, Cadet Sergeant, Cadet Flight sergeant, Cadet Warrant Officer (WO2), Adult Warrant Officer (WO1) - then Commissioned Officers. There are now two more adult ranks instered between Cadet Warrant Officer and Adult Warrant Officer thus disturbing the continuation of rank (Cadet Warrant Officer then Adult Sergeant). But having more available Adult ranks does aid with retention of staff as it gives them an aiming point and makes the rank of AWO more prestigious.

Civilian Instructors

Civilian Instructors, known as CIs, play an important role in training cadets and, in many ways, are the 'backbone' of the Squadron. Unlike Adult NCOs and Officers, CIs do not wear uniform and do not form part of the chain of command in the squadron. However, out of respect, they are still referred to as Sir or Ma'am by cadets. Some units mandate the wearing of arm bands or lapel pins to identify CIs, particularly when on RAF Stations.

Civilian committee

For each level of command there is an associated Civilian Committee. There is a minimum of 5 members to any "Civ Com", and there must be a chairman, treasurer and secretary as well as the OC (an ex-officio member) and someone to take minutes. The Civ Com is responsible for overseeing the initial unit formation and direction. The committees, consisting of respected members of the community often including parents of cadets and retired staff, also manage finances (in particular fund raising) but do not have any executive authority.

The ATC is a charitable organisation. The Royal Air Force provides funds for a few of the key activities such as flying training. These finances are known as 'public funds'. The great range of other activities offered by the ATC however are financed from 'non-public fund'. Here the Civilian Committees come into their own in their tireless effort to seek the necessary financial assistance, by way of fund-raising, which allows these other activities to take place.

Events organised by Civilian Committees to raise money can be:

• Cadets packing bags for money at the local supermarket
• General 'spare change' collections at local events

Squadrons are "charities excepted from registration". This means they enjoy all of the legal benefits of a registered charity without the burden of registration.

Activities

Within the framework of the training programme ATC cadets have the opportunity of taking part in many activities. On most Squadrons the only compulsory activities in the ATC year are attendance at various church parades, usually ATC Sunday (to celebrate the founding of the Air Training Corps on 5 February 1941, see below) and Remembrance Sunday. Many wings also insist that attending Wing Parade is compulsory.

Parade nights

Squadrons usually meet or parade during the evening, twice a week. Parade nights always begin and end with a parade. First parade is usually used as an opportunity for uniform inspection and to instruct cadets on the evening's activities, while final parade is usually used as an opportunity to inform cadets of upcoming events that they may wish (or may be required) to take part in. On some squadrons subsidiaries 'subs' are paid on a per-parade night basis. On other squadrons, subs are paid monthly either in person or by automated standing order. Subs vary from squadron to squadron and are set by the civilian committee in consultation with the Squadron's Officer Commanding and other staff. Each night's activities, between first and final parade, are normally structured into two sessions with a break in between. The activities are normally pre-planned and range from lessons to drill including aviation type activities including aero-modelling, radios and map reading - some squadrons have physical training. Some nights are used for Fieldcraft training or exercises - sometimes colloquially referred to as 'greens nights'.

One of the Grob Tutor aircraft used by Air Experience Flights.

Flying

Cadets from both the Air Training Corps and CCF are offered opportunities to fly in light aircraft, gliders as well as other RAF and civil aircraft. Cadets can take part in regular flights in the Grob Tutor at one of 12 Air Experience Flights (AEFs) around the UK. These flights typically last 30 minutes; as part of a structured syllabus of training it is usual for the cadet to be offered the chance of flying the aircraft or of experiencing aerobatics. The staff are all qualified service pilots, usually serving or retired RAF officers. Prior to the introduction of the Tutor, AEFs were equipped with Bulldogs as a temporary measure following the retirement of the Chipmunk in 1996. The Chipmunk was introduced in 1957 and during its service flew many thousands of cadets. Prior to the Chipmunk and established AEFs, cadet flying was a more ad-hoc affair, although during the 1940s and 1950s, Airspeed Oxfords and Avro Ansons were used specifically to fly cadets. Cadets were most often used to manually pump the landing gear up or down when flying in the Ansons. Some Cadets who stand out from the rest may also get the opportunity to fly on a civil airliner or go on an overseas flight in an RAF Tri-Star, VC10 or Hercules. A few cadets have also had the opportunity to fly in a variety of other aircraft including fast jets and the Red Arrows. In general, every cadet will be given opportunities to fly during their time as an active member of an ATC or CCF squadron.

Gliding

Cadets can also undertake elementary flying training at a Volunteer Gliding Squadron (VGS) in Air Cadet Gliders. The staff are all qualified service gliding instructors, usually made up of a mixture of regulars, reservists and Civilian Instructors.

Gliding initially consists of three one day Gliding Induction Courses, GIC 1,2 & 3. Each GIC consists of learning about controlling the aircraft in one of the three axes of flight. GIC 1 is pitch, GIC 2 is roll and GIC 3 is yaw and a demonstration of stalled flight. A VGS will either fly the winch-launched Viking T Mk1 glider or the Vigilant T Mk1 self-launched motorglider.

At age 16 onwards, cadets can apply for gliding scholarships through their squadron staff. If selected, the cadet will receive up to 40 instructional launches on the Viking conventional glider (although if the student is close to solo standard it is not unusual for this limit to be exceeded), or up to 8 hours of tuition on the Vigilant motor glider. Cadets who successfully complete either of these programmes will be awarded blue wings. Cadets who show the required aptitude and ability may go on to perform a solo flight and be awarded silver wings. Further training is available to a select few cadets who show potential to progress onto Advanced Gliding Training (AGT) where on completion they are awarded gold wings. Usually these cadets will be enrolled as Flight Staff Cadets (FSCs) and further training to instructor categories is possible.

One of the Viking T Mk1 used by the VGS Squadrons.

A FSC can achieve a Grade 2 award, which recognises them as a competent solo pilot, a Grade 1 award, allowing them to carry passengers in the air and perform the basic teaching tasks involved in the GIC courses, a C category instructors rating which is a probationary instructor who is qualified to teach the Gliding Scholarship course, and possibly a B category instructors rating which allows them to perform the duties of a 'B cat' explained below, with the exception that they cannot perform the role of duty instructor (DI) who is in control of the days flying and decisions for the time that they are in that role.

Once a cadet reaches 20 years of age, he can no longer be a FSC and must become a Civilian (Gliding) Instructor, CGI, (although a FSC has this option at age 18) or a commissioned officer. Once either of these adult statuses has been gained, 'B cat' and 'A cat' is possible. B cats can carry out AGT flying training. An A cat is able to send first solos, whereas a B cat can only send subsequent solos. Both can perform SCT (Staff Continuation Training) to keep other members of staff well trained and current in their flying categories.

Marksmanship

Cadets at all levels of the Air Training Corps have the opportunity to participate in the sport of rifle shooting. Since the ATC was originally a recruiting organisation for the Royal Air Force it made good sense for marksmanship to be on the training syllabus. Shooting remains one of the most popular cadet activities. Cadets have the opportunity of firing a variety of rifles on firing ranges. Cadets first train with and fire either the Lee-Enfield No.8 .22 rifle or .177 air rifles. They can then progress to the L98A1 CGP, a manually operated variant of the 5.56 mm L85A1. The 7.62 mm Parker Hale L81A2 Cadet Target Rifle is also used at long ranges for competition shooting. Although safety has always been the main concern when shooting, with everything done by the book, recent years have seen the introduction of a wider range of training courses for staff involved in shooting to improve quality and safety even further. There are many competitions, from postal smallbore competitions to the yearly Inter-Service Cadet Rifle Meet at Bisley, the home of UK shooting. There are currently four types of marksman award that a cadet can achieve, ranging from "Squadron Marksman" - which although is the lowest marksman is not necessarily the easiest to obtain as 4 groupings are required, through "Wing Marksman" and "Region Marksman", to "Corps Marksman". To achieve these awards the cadet needs to undergo a special shooting "marksman" practice and then achieve a high enough qualifying score depending on the award specified. The Top 100 Cadets in the Bisley competition are awarded with the prestigious "Cadet 100" marksman award.

Drill

File:Rememberance Day Ripon.JPG

ATC and ACF cadets at a Remembrance Sunday parade.

The Air Cadets, as a uniformed youth organization, sets itself and its members very high standards, including dress and behaviour. Drill (marching) is a vital part of encouraging teamwork. When a group of twenty cadets walk on to a drill square they are all individuals, but as soon as a session of drill begins the cadets become a team following the orders given by one person. Instead of twenty individual feet hitting the ground, there is only one bang this is result of practise and teamwork. All ATC squadrons practise drill as a means of instilling discipline and teamwork, it is also used in formal parades, for moving around military bases and moving cadets in a smart and orderly fashion. There are also drill competitions comprising of: inter-Sqn, Inter-wing and inter Region competitions. Air cadet drill is taken from Air Cadet Publication 19 (ACP19) which is based on the RAF drill manual (AP818). The task of instructing drill is usually delegated to a SNCO (ATC), however more often than not, Cadet NCOs will assume this responsibility.

Cadets participate in various forms of drill, some of which include:-

Static Drill

Basic Drill - Quick & Slow Time

Banner Drill

Ceremonial Parades

Band Drill Drill & discipline is the responsibility of the AWO or NCOs on a squadron. Once a cadet has gained a few years experience and has attained NCO rank, the cadet will pass on his knowledge and experience to other cadets such as instructing cadets how to participate in a drill squad, taking charge of a drill squad or flight or even taking a major part in ceremonial drill such as a Standard Bearer at Remembrance Day Parades.

Adventure Training

Adventure Training forms an essential part of the Air Cadet's training syllabus. As well as helping cadets forge new friendships, adventure training enables all cadets to show off their leadership qualities. Within the ATC there are many opportunities to take part in adventure training, such as hill walking, canoeing/kayaking, walking/camping and camouflage & concealment expeditions. All activities of this kind are supervised by appropriately qualified staff (Mountain Leader for Hill walking, British Canoe Union (BCU) instructors for canoeing and kayaking). There are also nationally run courses such as Parachuting, Basic Winter Training and Nordic Skiing to name a few. Adventure training can take place as part of regular squadron parade nights, weekend and week-long centers. There are also two national ATC adventure training camps. NACATC (National Air Cadet Adventure Training Center) Llanbedr in Snowdonia and NACATC Windemere in the Lake District. Here cadets stay for a week participating in various activities in adventure training. There is a wide ranging Adventure Training syllabus in the ACO - depending on the squadron you attend, you could try your hand at watersports, skiing.

Climbing

Climbing is a highly rewarding sport which exercise all parts of your body, by developing upper body strength through gripping, and encouraging muscular development in the legs through balancing. It also helps boost self confidence and trust amongst a team within a fun environment. Many squadrons go on climbing trips regularly - a few even have their own climbing walls. All climbing is supervised by professionally qualified instructors (either staff members or employed from the outside.)

Fieldcraft

Fieldcraft is an exciting part of any squadron's training programme, and the promise of a good exercise is always guaranteed to get good attendance. Fieldcraft is, to put it simply, the art of living and moving in the field. Although the ACO is generally focused on different activities, fieldcraft does play a part in most Squadron's training programmes.

Fieldcraft is taught from a single manual, common to all squadrons, so the basic lessons are very similar across the ATC, however 'Consolidated Practical Training' (CPT) and full exercises differ greatly depending on local resources, staffing and skill levels. Exercises and CPT place emphasis on different aspects of fieldcraft - some might need you and your team to move slowly and quietly, sneaking upon an 'enemy' installation, whilst others need speed as well as stealth, and will require a decision on how much of one to trade off against another.

A generally acknowledged advantage of fieldcraft exercises is that it forces people to use their initiative much more often. A relatively junior member of the Squadron could find themselves in a decision-making position. Fieldcraft is often used by squadrons as a method of assessing cadets' leadership qualities, as it forces cadets to make quick decisions and to effectively lead a team, even if they're unsure of exactly what is going on or what they're supposed to be doing. For this reason, fieldcraft, and leadership during such activities, forms the core of the ATC's Junior Leaders course.

Sport

Sport plays a key part in the activities of every squadron. Seven sports are played competitively between squadrons. Cadets who show talent can be selected to represent their Wing, Region or the Corps in competitive matches; these cadets are awarded wing, regional or corps 'Blues'. The main sports played are:

• Rugby Union
• Hockey
• Netball
• Association Football
• Swimming
• Athletics
• Cross-country running
• Orienteering

Other sports are also played, sometimes in matches between squadrons, including volleyball, five-a-side football, table tennis, etc. Cadets also use various sports to take part in the physical recreation section of the Duke of Edinburgh's Award. Orienteering in the ATC only came about in 2006 where cadets from the different wings go to the cadet orienteering championships.

Leadership Training

Leadership training is an important part of many Squadrons' training programme, with training available at higher levels too. Most wings run NCO courses, designed to help newly promoted NCOs to perform thier duties well, or to train those eligible for promotion. There are also a number of courses run centrally by the ATC, including the Air Cadet Leadership Course and the Junior Leaders course.

Junior Leaders

Cadets over the age of 17 and of the rank of at least Cadet Sergeant can complete a leadership course called Junior Leaders, renowned for being the toughest course in the ACO. Upon completion, the cadet is awarded a maroon lanyard which swaps with the yellow Staff Cadet lanyard (if achieved) as well as green and white DZ Flash for wearing on the DPM. uniform.

Duke of Edinburgh's Award

The Air Training Corps is the single largest operating authority of the Duke of Edinburgh's Award system and celebrated its 50th year of providing this opportunity to its cadets in 2006. The Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme is a voluntary, non-competitive programme of practical, cultural and adventurous activities for young people aged 14-25. The Award programme consists of three levels, Bronze, Silver and Gold. Each have differing criteria for entry and the level of achievement necessary to complete each award. Air Cadets who meet the age criteria can join the award scheme.

Each award is broken down into 4 areas (5 for gold) 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 almost any hobby, skill or interest

Physical Recreation
Sport, dance and fitness.

Residential Project (Gold Award only)
A purposeful enterprise with young people not previously known to the participant.

Cadets are often encouraged to achieve the Bronze, Silver and Gold awards as they progress through their cadet careers. Some cadets aged 16 or over used to be able to participate in the Duke of Edinburgh's Millennium Volunteers Award, this has now been overtaken by another authority and it is currently being reviewed on whether or not cadets will be able to undertake it as it has a new structure.

The Award is widely recognised by employers as it helps demonstrate that award holders are keen to take on new challenges, have a higher level of self confidence than their counterparts, have leadership qualities with the added experience of teamwork.

Communications

An extensive range of communication training is offered where appropriately skilled instructors and equipment are available. This can range from hand-held radio operating procedures to networked digital communication, and even encompasses publishing online (such as this Wiki).

The Provisional Radio Operator Certificate is the first step and has been part of the curriculum since 2000. Cadets are then encouraged to pursue this training across a range of mediums and technology. Once a sufficiently broad spectrum of skills have been mastered and validated by the Wing Communications Officer the cadet is awarded the Communicator Badge to be worn on the brassard. Communication training provides valuable practical lessons in information handling and management, develops interpersonal skills and meets one of the Corps' prime objectives: 'providing training useful in both civilian and military life'.

Community volunteering

Cadets often volunteer to help at various national and local events. For their services a small payment is usually offered to their squadron's funds. Typical examples of such work includes car parking duties at events and delivering copies of Gateway Magazine to RAF married quarters.

The largest example of cadets involved in volunteer work is at the Royal International Air Tattoo, an annual air display held at RAF Fairford. Each year several hundred air cadets volunteer to stay on the base in temporary accommodation. During the course of the event they help with duties such as selling programmes, crowd control and clearing litter.

Band

Members of squadron bands are entitled to wear specific badges:

A drummer's badge is a drum in white metal, displayed in the middle of the brassard.

An ATC Band

• A piper's badge depicts a set of pipes in white metal, again displayed in the middle of the brassard.

• A trumpeter's badge depicts two crossed trumpets in white metal, displayed in the middle of the brassard.

• An instrumentalist's badge, is a bell lyre in white metal, displayed in the middle of the brassard. An instrumentalist could play one or more of many instruments.

• A drum/pipe major's badge, composed of four downward pointing chevrons, surmounted by either a drum or pipes respectively.

For Regional and National Bands only, the optional dress for formal band duties is No 1 HD.

The picture shows 110 (City of York) ATC Squadron's band celebrating the 66th anniversary of the formation of the Air Training Corps. They led a parade around York Minster, then were present in a church service celebrating the formation.

First Aid

It has recently become compulsory that all cadets must undertake undertake the St John Ambulance Young First Aider course before they can achieve the Leading Cadet classification. This can be provided by individual squadron units, or by the wings and regions. The course can be completed over a weekend, or over a series of parade nights. Either way, the course is assessed by a practical exam, where cadets have to deal with three situations: a conscious, breathing casualty; an unconscious, breathing casualty; and an unconscious non-breathing casualty, involving CPR on a Resusci Anne manakin.

A series of first aid topics are covered during the course such as fainting, bleeding, head injuries and bites and stings. These are taught by qualified staff, often qualified to the level of First Aid at Work. Upon completion, cadets receive a red Young Lifesaver Plus badge for sewing onto the brassard as well as a certificate.

In addition to the Young Lifesavers Plus Course, some cadets have the opportunity to undertake the St John Ambulance Activity First Aid Course, a much more concise course for more senior cadets over the age of sixteen. Upon completing this course cadets will receive a green Activity First Aid badge for sewing onto the brassard. In the case a cadet already wears a Young Lifesaver Plus badge, the Activity First Aid badge should be sewn in its place. Completion of the Activity First Aid Course trains cadets to the level of first aid required for many adult 'outdoor' qualifications such as the Mountain Leader Award. The qualification also makes it possible for cadets to teach the Young Lifesaver Plus Course to less experienced cadets.

Other awards

Cadets can also qualify for various other BTEC awards through the training that is carried out at their squadrons. There are many additional courses and awards that can be gained such as the Nijmegen Vierdaagse Marches Medal. The recongnised qualifications are:

• BTEC Award in Aviation Studies - equivalent to 1 GCSE A-C grade (administered by HQAC).
• BTEC First Diploma in Public Services - equivalent to 4 GCSEs A-C grades (administered by CVQO).
• BTEC First Diploma in Music - equivalent to 4 GCSEs A-C grades (administered by CVQO).
• BTEC Certificate in Aviation Studies - equivalent to 2 GCSEs A-C grades (administered by HQAC)
• ILM Certificate in Team Leading - Level 2 (administered by CVQO)

Annual Camps

The ATC runs numerous Annual camps each year, run on RAF Stations so that cadets may get a taste of service life. Annual camps are organised at Wing level with place for all squadrons, so that every cadet who wishes to take part and who has achieved at least the First Class qualification may attend. Cadets usually stay in RAF barrack blocks and eat in the station's mess facilities. The itinerary is always packed with typical ATC activities such as air experience flying, shooting, adventure training and, of course, drill. Cadets will also have the opportunity to visit various sections of the station and meet the people who work there.

Overseas Camps

For older and more experienced cadets who have achieved the Leading Cadet qualification and attended a UK Annual Camp, the corps also offers overseas camps. These are more expensive than UK camps, as the cost of flights has to be paid for, and are generally more relaxed and seen as a reward for hard working and long serving cadets. Since the end of the Cold War, and the closure of RAF stations in Germany, the number of overseas camp opportunities has decreased. As of 2007 the destinations for overseas camps are:

• Akrotiri on Cyprus. A two week camp over the Easter school holiday period and at select other times of the year.
• RAF Gibraltar in Gibraltar.
• JHQ Rheindahlen in Germany
• USAF Ramstein in Germany

Work Experience Camps

Another - newly introduced - option for more senior cadets are Work Experience Camps - whilst annual camps aim to give cadets a general taste of service life, the Work Experience Camps cater to cadets who are interested in a specific trade, such as the RAF Regiment or RAF Police.

Band Camps

There are also band camps, which is where a cadet of musical proficiency applies to go on this camp and are selected depending on the musical skill (grades) and their other qualities. The Band Camps are held at RAF College Cranwell, HQ of the ATC. Upon attending a band camp, cadet are rewarded by receiving a gold coloured band badge, to replace the silver coloured badges worn by ATC band members.

Other Camps

Cadets may also have the opportunity to attend other sorts of annual camp, such as a locally (i.e. wing or squadron) organised camp - often based around Adventure Training or Fieldcraft, or as guests on a camp run by one of the other cadet forces such as the ACF or SCC.

Uniform

Cadets and staff of the ATC wear uniform similar to that worn by regular members of the Royal Air Force. This is issued free of charge by the supply squadron at a local RAF station, which in the case of cadets comes via their squadron's stores. Cadets and SNCOs/WOs (ATC) are then entitled to free replacements as needed. A similar uniform is worn by cadets of the CCF (RAF) sections, with a few minor changes - including the replacement of the ATC cap badge with an RAF one.

Staff

Uniformed staff wear the appropriate uniform for their rank in the regular RAF (and are subject to RAF Dress Regs, AP1358), with the rank insignia appropriate to their RAF rank, with the exception of Warrant Officers (who wear a crown as their rank insignia). They are distinguished by gilt pins on their rank slides (No 2 or 3 dress) or lapels (Nos 1, 4 and 5 dress), with the designation "ATC" for NCOs and "VRT" for commissioned officers.

No 1 uniform

No 1 uniform is usually worn at formal events, such as parades. Commissioned Officers are issued No 1 SD after their Initial Officers' Course at RAFC Cranwell, NCOs and WOs are not issued No 1, but may acquire it privately. The uniform consists of jacket and trousers (worn with a standard No 2 shirt) with the appropriate No 1 SD hat, black shoes (DMS or Oxfords) and gloves (for officers and WOs, optional for NCOs).

Regular RAF Air Officer in No 2b Uniform

No 2 Uniform

Uniformed staff wear No 2/2a (long sleve, with tie) or No 2b (short sleve, without tie) uniform for normal duties, with or without a jumper and/or GP Jacket. They do not wear a brassard. Male and Female Officers wear their No 1 SD Cap (issued) or a Forage Cap (purchased privately), Male and Female NCOs and WOs wear a beret (issued) or a Forage Cap (purchased privately). The shoes are either DMS for all ranks, or optional Oxford pattern for commissioned officers.

The RAF Force Identification Patch

No 3 Uniform

No 3 (DPM) uniform may be acquired by staff for certain duties, such as shooting and fieldcraft. It is worn with the issued beret. Officers may opt to wear the Royal Air Force patch and Tactical Recognition Flash, NCOs and WOs may opt to wear the Air Cadets patch and ATC SNCO Tactical Recognition Flash. See cadets, No 3 uniform for details.

No 4 Uniform

No 4 Uniform is an interim mess dress, for those who do not have No 5s. The No 4 uniform consists of the jacket and trousers of the No 1 uniform, worn with a white Marcella shirt and black bow tie, with appropriate No 1 SD hat and black shoes.

No 5B Uniform

No 5B uniform (mess dress) may be acquired privately by staff for functions. Those who do not have No 5B will wear No 4 dress.

Cadets

No 1 uniform

Cadet Warrant Officers, Lord Lieutenant's Cadets and members of ATC bands may wear RAF Other Ranks No 1 SD uniform on certain occasions - see staff uniform for details.

No 2 uniform

No 2a

Cadets wear No 2 (with jumper) or No 2a (without jumper) uniform for formal occasions. This is sometimes incorrectly known as No 1 uniform, as it is generally worn at occasions when regular RAF personnel (and ATC staff) would normally be wearing No 1 uniform.

• RAF wedgewood blue shirt with tie
• RAF No 2 Dress trousers (male cadets), RAF No 2 dress skirts or slacks (female cadets);
• RAF Blue-grey belt with a polished brass/staybrite buckle (male cadets), optional (if not on formal parade) RAF Purse Belt (female cadets) or RAF Stable belt (both genders)
• RAF jumper (No 2 dress), onto which is sewn the highest Duke of Edinburgh's Award badge achieved (right shoulder patch) and flying and gliding "wings" (left shoulder patch)
• RAF Beret with ATC cap badge (a white metal badge comprising a falcon surrounded by the words "Air Training Corps")
• A brassard, which is worn by all cadets on the right arm, and includes the Air Training Corps distinguishing badge, squadron number, classification badge and most other proficiency badges
• Black leather shoes (ideally RAF pattern or similar) are required but not issued
• Cadets also wear a lanyard if qualified to do so
• Cadet NCOs wear the appropriate rank slides on the epaulets of their jumper
• Lord Lieutenant's cadets wear a separate brassard with distinguishing badge and sqn number on the left arm during time in office

No 2c

For normal duties, cadets wear a version of the RAF No 2c uniform (as worn by RAF Airmen in technical trades). Cadets never wear the RAF No 2b uniform (short sleeve wedgewood shirt and no tie). Cadets' version of the RAF No 2c uniform, known as "working blues" or "Number twos", is the same as the No 2a uniform but worn with a dark blue open-necked shirt and no tie. The stable belt may not be worn.

At any time during the year (but most commonly done in the summer for comfort), the officer commanding a unit may authorise "shirt-sleeve order", in which the jumper is removed and sleeves are smartly rolled up to just above the elbow. Brassards, lanyards and rank slides are transferred to the shirt, but Duke of Edinburgh's Award and flying badges are not worn.

No 3 uniform

For field training, shooting, and other appropriate activities, cadets wear a version of the RAF No 3 uniform, otherwise known as Operational Clothing or Combat Soldier 95 (CS 95), and colloquially known as DPM, Greens or Cabbage Kit. Cadets' version of the No 3 uniform consists of:

• DPM Shirt.
• DPM Jacket.
• DPM trousers.
• Issued Beret with ATC cap badge.
• Black leather combat boots.
• 2.5 inch Belt ( Olive green belt for field exercises - RAF Stable belt is authorised for Barrack Wear only)

As DPM uniform has only recently started to be issued to cadets, and privately sourced uniform is still being worn by most, the wearing of DPM uniform across the ATC is far from standardised. Recent guidelines encourage the wearing of the union flag (previously forbidden), "Air Cadets" patch and RAF pattern stable belt by Cadets and Staff.

See also

• RAFVR(T) Royal Air Force VR(T) Officers
• Royal Air Force
• Royal Canadian Air Cadets
• Australian Air Force Cadets
• New Zealand Air Training Corps
• Combined Cadet Force

• Army Cadet Force

External links

• Online community for the atc! A online community for the air cadets and the rest!
• The Air Cadet Organisation The official ATC website - includes links to many Region, Wing and Squadron websites.
• Australian Air Force Cadets (formerly the AIRTC)
• New Zealand Air Training Corps
• Royal Canadian Air Cadets
• ATC Squadron Finder A searchable list of all ATC Squadrons and their contact details