153 (Slough) Sqn ATC

Structure

There are two different structures in the ATC which directely affect a cadet, they are rank and classification.

A cadet gains ranks by promotion by their Commanding Officer. Classifications, in contrast, are gained via examinations. Indications of rank are worn on the shoulder, whilst indications of classification are worn on the brassard.

Ranks

Cadets in the ATC can be promoted to Non-commissioned Officer (NCO) ranks, this page details each of those ranks.

Corporal

Corporal is the first cadet NCO rank. The amount of time which it takes to gain the rank of Corporal varies depending on the cadet.
A Corporal should be able to:

Recognise the need for discipline and apply it with fairness and common sense
Communicate clearly, orally and in writing
Plan and organise a given task
Command a drill squad

Sergeant

Sergeant is the next rank, and the first Senior Non-Commissioned Officer (SNCO) rank. Sergeants and above are able to stay past their 18th birthday, until the age of twenty.
A Sergeant should be able to:

Accept a greater amount of responsibility, show initiative and inspire confidence
Display a sound understanding of the role and organisation of the corps
Take an active part in the organisation of squadron activities

Flight Sergeant

A Flight Sergeant should display all the qualities of the sergeant, but to a greater depth, s/he should also display more maturity than cadets of a similar age.

Cadet Warrant Officer

Cadet Warrant Officer (CWO) is the final cadet NCO rank, it is different from all other cadet ranks in that s/he is not appointed by the Commanding officer of a squadron, but by a wing board.

Classifications

The classification system is one of the two structures which a cadet falls under. Unlike the rank system the classification structure is exam based and is divided up as is shown below

Probationer cadet

This is what a cadet is when he or she initially arrives at a squadron, it does not carry a badge.

Second class cadet

In order to obtain this classification a cadet must pass three exams one on the History of flight; one on the ATC; and one on the RAF. This classification does not have a badge.

First class cadet

A first class cadet is able to take part in a wide range of activities including flying and gliding. This classification does carry a badge, as is shown on the left, which is sewn onto a cadet's brassard below the badges which identify a cadet as being a member of the ATC and specify their squadron number. In order to become a first class cadet 6 exams must be passed. They are in:

Map reading
Initial expedition training
Airmanship
Communications
Drill
The Rifle

Leading cadet

The classification of leading cadet also carries a badge (left), the first class badge is removed and the leading cadet badge sown on in its place. In order to obtain leading cadet status three exams must be passed, they are Airmanship 2, Basic Navigation and the Principals Of Flight. Leading cadets are able to participate in overseas camps.

Senior cadet

In order to gain the classification of senior cadet cadets must choose two subjects out of Air Navigation, Pilot Navigation, Propulsion, Airframes, Aircraft handling, Advanced radio and radar, and finally Satellite communications. the badge worn by a Senior cadet is shown on the left.

Staff cadet

The staff cadet classification is divided into two parts. The first part is a written exam on two of the senior cadet subjects (which were not studied previously), the second part is an interview with a Wing Staff Officer. A staff cadet is awarded a yellow lanyard, shown on the left.