The Air Training Corps has five Cadet Ranks; Cadet (Cdt), Corporal (Cpl), Sergeant (Sgt), Flight Sergeant (F/Sgt) and Cadet Warrant Officer (CWO).

Corporal

Corporal is the first NCO rank that a cadet can obtain. The average time taken for a cadet to be promoted is two years, but it can be much more or less. A Corporal is referred to as a Junior NCO (JNCO) and acts as a liaison between cadets and Senior NCO's (SNCO). The promotion to Corporal is made by Commanding Officer (CO) of the cadet’s Squadron, in consultation with the Squadron’s other adult staff. Selection is purely on merit and not on classification. The emblem of the rank of Corporal is two silver downward pointing chevrons and is worn on the epaulettes.

Sergeant

A Sergeant is a SNCO and a cadet is promoted to this position after he or she has reached the rank of Corporal. Appointment is made by Squadron CO and staff. In a large Squadron, a Sergeant will be second in charge (2IC) of a flight, or in charge (IC) of a flight if the Squadron is not quite so big. The rank’s emblem is as that of Corporal, but with an additional chevron.

 

Flight Sergeant

This is the highest a Squadron CO can send a cadet. If a squadron is split up into flights then a F/Sgt will be the non-commissioned officer in command (NCOIC) of a flight. The emblem is the same as Sergeant but with a silver crown above it.

 

Cadet Warrant Officer

CWO is the highest rank a cadet can achieve. This appointment is usually made after an interview at Wing HQ. You must be 18 years or over for promotion to CWO and will usually be a Staff Cadet.