614 (LYDNEY) SQUADRON ATC
Ranks and Classifications
Ranks and Classifications are completely different from each other.
RANK
The NCO ranks are Corporal, Sergeant, Flight Sergeant and Cadet Warrent Officer. (NCO stands for Non-Commisioned Officer). Cadets are appointed and promoted to these ranks by the Commanding Officer of the squadron and are based on merit and leadership potential. Normally the C/O will announce that there is a vacancy and ask for applications. Applicants are then interviewed and given the chance to "shine". There are no exams involved.
614 (Lydney) Squadron normally has four Corporals, two Sergeants, and a Flight Sergeant and a Cadet Warrent Officer. Our last CWO recently left to join the RAF. NCO's need to be mature, show good leadership, and set a good example in terms of their own smartness, discipline and keenness. This helps create a high standard of efficiency and a happy spirit of comradeship within the squadron. (It is not just about shouting!). A prospective candidate for Cadet Warrant Officer would be a Flight Sergeant, aged between 18 and 20 years old, and must have passed the Senior Cadet Examination (and preferably the Staff Cadet classification). The C/O would put that person forward to Wing, who then may call that person for a panel interview at Wing HQ. Cadet Warrant Officers are allowed to remain an Air Cadet until they are 22 years old. |
 | Corporal |
 | Sergeant |
 | Flight Sergeant |
 | Cadet Warrant Officer |
CLASSIFICATIONS
Classifications are the qualifications cadets can attain while attending the squadron and they are very important. The ATC requires you to have attained a certain classification before you are permitted to take part in certain activities. Cadets study subjects such as map-reading, aircraft handling and pilot navigation and take an examination to pass each level.
The Classifications are 1st Class, Leading, Senior and Staff. To take 1st Class you must be 13 years 3 months and be enrolled. To take Leading, you must have passed 1st Class Cadet. To take Senior, you must have passed Leading Cadet. To take Staff Cadet, you must have passed Senior Cadet, be 15½ years old, completed 2 years enrolled service, attended a camp and annual shooting.
 | 1st Class Cadet |
 | Leading Cadet |
 | Senior Cadet |
 | Staff Cadet |
OFFICER RANKS RAF VR(T)
You should make yourself familiar with the officer ranks of the Royal Air Force and the ATC. (You never know who may visit your squadron!) From the top, these are Marshal of the Royal Air Force, Air Chief Marshal, Air Marshal, Air Vice Marshal, Air Commodore, Group Captain, Wing Commander, Squadron Leader, Flight Lieutenant, Flying Officer and Pilot Officer.
The officer ranks of the Air Training Corps are Wing Commander, Squadron Leader, Flight Lieutenant, Flying Officer and Pilot Officer. ATC Oficers are members of the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve (Training) and are shown below. Another adult rank is Adult Warrant Officer (AWO). (AWO's are not actually officers; this is a senior Non-Commissioned Officer, or NCO rank). The final rank is in the ATC is Civilian Instructor (CI). All these ranks and positions should command your utmost respect!
 | Wing Commander |
 | Squadron Leader |
 | Flight Lieutenant |
 | Flying Officer |
 | Pilot Officer |
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