THE AIR TRAINING CORPS Ranks and Uniform

Classification & Rank When you first join your squadron you will start as a Second Class Cadet and you will follow the Basic Training syllabus. When you complete the Basic Training Syllabus you will become a First Class Cadet and receive the first class badge to sew onto your brassard. The Basic Training Syllabus is designed to give you the initial skills and knowledge you will need before attending RAF Stations and joining in the other activities of your Squadron.

Classification Badges First Class Badge Leading Cadet Badge Senior Cadet Badge Staff Cadet Lanyard

Cadet Ranks Every Cadet in the Corps is expected to: Bear an appropriate share of the responsibility for the morale, discipline and control of all cadets junior to them. Show pride in the Corps and take an active interest in its good name and efficiency. Be smart in appearance and set a high standard of personal behaviour at all times.

CPL – CORPORAL. JNCO – Junior Non-commissioned Officer SGT – SERGEANT. SNCO – Senior Non-commissioned Officer FLT SGT - FLIGHT SERGEANT. SNCO – Senior Non-commissioned Officer CWO – CADET WARRANT OFFICER. SNCO – Senior Non-commissioned Officer Instructor Cadets will have a normal rank slide with Instructor Cadet written below it. This applies to NCO/CWO aged Cadet Rank Badges

Adult Staff NCO Ranks Adult Sergeant - SGT (ATC) SNCO Adult Flight Sergeant - FLT SGT (ATC) SNCO RAF Cap Badge Worn (Metal) Warrant Officer - WO (ATC) SNCO Warrant Officer - WO (ATC) SNCO Ex. Service Equivalent Only RAF WO Cap Badge Worn (Metal)

Officer Ranks ATC Officers can be easily identified by the VRT badge worn on the rank slides: Pilot Officer Flying Officer Flight Lieutenant Squadron Leader Wing Commander RAF Officers Cap Badge

Higher RAF Ranks Group Captain Air Vice Marshall Air Chief Marshall Air Commodore Air Marshall Marshall of the Royal Air Force

Compliments Ensure that you: Call an Officer Sir or Ma’am (pronounced Like ‘Jam’) Call WO ATC & CI’s Sir or Ma’am. Call Flt Sgt ATC & Sgt ATC Flight Sergeant or Sergeant. Call Cadet NCO’s by their appropriate titles e.g. Corporal, Sergeant etc. Also note that you should always stand to Attention whilst speaking to a superior rank & salute Officers when you are wearing your Beret.

Dress & Discipline The Royal Air Force is justly proud of its achievements and traditions. Its members reflect that pride in their behavior, appearance and dress - above all, a willingness to obey orders instantly and without question. These qualities are necessary in any civilised community, providing a code of behavior for all to follow. They are particularly necessary in a military service where efficiency and swift reactions are vital. Discipline has loosely been described as “organized good manners”, and although this is by no means a complete definition, it certainly covers a large part of the subject. In a highly technical service like the Royal Air Force, a high degree of self- discipline is required, and it is this which is fostered in the Air Training Corps. Self discipline is the ability to display responsible and sensible behavior without supervision or the fear of punishment. The Royal Air Force, the parent Service of the ATC, looks at each cadet to uphold its good name.

What is Our Uniform? Our uniform is the clothing you are issued with and is the way we dress within the ATC, decided by those in authority and approved by HM The Queen. Because it is “uniform” -the same for all -deviations from or additions to, the approved uniform pattern are forbidden. Any ornament, emblem or badge is not to be worn unless officially authorised. Ornamental chains, tie pins and trinkets, if worn, are not to be visible.

Members of the Air Training Corps are usually required to wear their uniform while on duty. In the main, this means when: Attending, or traveling to or from, an authorised meeting or parade. Sometimes exceptions to this rule will have to be made according to the type of activity, security considerations, or local circumstances. Do not worry if this sounds confusing – the adult staff will always give you clear guidance.

Air Cadets in uniform are seen much more often in public than regular members of the Royal Air Force. Therefore, it is essential that they behave well, wear the uniform exactly in accordance with the regulations and uphold the good name of the ATC and the Royal Air Force. At all times your uniform is to be: Clean. Complete and Properly ironed.

Saluting The manner in which Salutes are given and returned has long been recognised as a reliable indication of the Morale & loyalty of a unit. Cadets should understand that in saluting an officer they: Are recognising a person in authority who holds the Queens Commission. Are giving an outward sign of their loyalty to the Queen. Should expect a Salute in return as acknowledgement of the compliment paid to Her Majesty. Cadets should acknowledge an officer: By saluting when you are in uniform and wearing Head dress (Beret/Peak cap). When an Officer enters the room – stand to Attention. Salute when you enter an Officers room. If in a group, the most Senior cadet will salute only If you are not in Head dress – stand to attention and give the Officer Eyes Right/Left. If a vehicle has a flag on it with Stars, Senior Officer cars on RAF Stations, do not salute it if it is empty. REMEMBER ALWAYS PAY COMPLIMENTS! If your hands are full, stand to attention and give eyes right/left.