About us
Manningtree ATC or Air Cadets is a uniformed youth organisation under the guidance of the Royal Air Force.
There are four aims of the ATC
• To promote and encourage an active interest in the RAF and aviation
• To foster the spirit of Adventure
• To provide training that will be useful both in service and civilian life
• To develop the qualities of good citizenship
Manningtree Squadron is part of the Norfolk & Suffolk Wing (despite being in Essex!!), which along with five other wings makes up the Central & East region. You can join the ATC at the age of 13, and stay until you’re 20 (if you reach the rank of Sergeant before you are 18)
TRAINING
We have two Flights (squadron sub-units) named “A” and “B” Flight. New cadets (called probationers) are allocated into flights and are taught the 1st Class Cadet training syllabus, which enables them to take part in specialist ATC activities, for example:
1st Class Cadets are taught-
• Basic Airmanship, which lets them attend Air Experience Flights and Gliding Induction Courses
• Rifle Drill, which allows them to fire the .22 No. 8 Rifle
• Communications, which lets cadets use our two-way radio equipment
• Standard Drill Manoeuvres, which enables cadets to participate in larger parades
This takes about one year. When they pass 1st Class, cadets continue their training with the Leading Cadet syllabus, which lasts approximately nine months and will then be entitled to participate in more specialist activities such as overseas camps and to apply for a Gliding Scholarship (age restrictions apply).
The next levels are Senior and Staff Cadet, when cadets reach Staff Cadet they can assist as a member of the staff within the Squadron activities and training. As well as a two-part exam, there is an interview with the Squadron Leader, who is responsible for all southern squadrons in the Wing. Senior training lasts approximately nine months, and Staff training usually takes one year.
RANK STRUCTURE
Running independent from the Training Structure is the system of command within the Squadron. As well as members of staff being assigned with rank, cadets have the opportunity to earn rank too.
These cadets are called a 'Non-Commissioned Officer' (NCO) Their ranks are:
Junior NCO: CORPORAL
Senior NCO’s: SERGEANT, FLIGHT SERGEANT, CADET WARRANT OFFICER (CWO) (Cadets must be over 18 to assume the rank of CWO)
ACTIVITIES
Ultimately the training given to allows Cadets to participate in all the activities the ATC has to offer. Our Squadron-based activities include; First Aid, Orienteering, Canoeing, Campcraft, Rifle Shooting, Citizenship training, Radio Communications and the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme, as well as preparing you for Flying and Gliding lessons. We have a marching band, various field exercises, regular sports events and enjoy social activities like disco’s, fund raising and outings. In the ATC as a whole, opportunities exist for Mountain Training, Outward Bound Centres, Parachuting, Overseas Flights and Camps at RAF stations at home and abroad.
