RANK

In the Air Training Corps, every cadet has a rank. This is totally separate from classification.Classification is awarded by academic achievement in RAF related subjects, while rank is given purely by merit.The Air Training Corps has five Cadet Ranks; Cadet (Cdt), Corporal (Cpl), Sergeant (Sgt), Flight Sergeant (Flt/Sgt) and Cadet Warrant Officer (CWO). The badge of rank is worn on a cadet's brassard, a cloth band on the right arm. The brassard also carries the ATC distinguishing badge and the Squadron identification badge.

Squadron Identification ::Corporal :: Sergeant :: Flight Sergeant :: Cadet Warrant Officer :: Adult Officer Ranks

Squadron Identification
	Squadron Identification Badge Distinguishing Badge

	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 NCOs (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 Flt/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

Promotion to CWO can only be made by the Commanding Officer of a Wing. There are a set number of CWOs each wing can have - one per squadron plus two thirds. The emblem of a Cadet Warrant Officer is a crown surrounded by laurel branches. To be a CWO you must be over 18. CWOs usually take over all charge of all flight in a Squadron. If a cadet gets to the rank of Cadet Warrant Officer, he or she can stay in the ATC until the age of 22, rather than 20 for any other rank.

Adult Officer Ranks
	Sergeant

Warrant Officer Every Squadron has an Adult Warrant Officers (or WOs) who is in charge of discipline and uniform etc. As an WO does not hold a commission, so they are not saluted, but watch out if you don't call them Sir or Ma’am!

Pilot Officer Pilot Officer (Plt/Off) is the rank that a newly commissioned officer will hold after a sucessfull interview with Wing Staff. This is the rank that is usually held by the second in command (2IC) of a squadron.

Flying Officer Promotion to Flying Officer (Flg/Off) is usually made after about two years service as a Pilot Officer. Officers of this rank may be a Squadron Commanding Officer (CO).

Flight Lieutenant After another two years, a Flying Officer will be promoted to a Flight Lieutenant (Flt/Lt). Most Squadrons will have a Flight Lieutenant as their CO.

Squadron Leader A Squadron Leader (Sqn/Ldr) is not usually a Squadron CO, but plays a part at Wing level.

Wing Commander Wing Commander (Wg/Cdr) is the higest rank in the Air Training Corps and is generally in command of a whole Wing. All subsequent ranks are taken by normal RAF Officers.