Squadron Structure

The squadron is formed from three groups of people - the cadets, the staff and the civilian committee, who all have very different roles to perform.

Cadets
The ATC exists for the cadets, so this is the largest group of people, and at 1461 squadron we currently have around 50 cadets. So that the squadron can be managed and run efficiently, a number of cadets are promoted to Cadet Non Commissioned Officers (Cadet NCOs) based upon merit and leadership potential. There are no exams to be taken, as promotion to the ranks of Corporal to Flight Sergeant is determined by the Commanding Officer of the Squadron. Promotion to

Cadet Warrant Officer is determined by interview with a panel of Wing Staff.

While every cadet can work their way through the various stages of training, only a limited number of cadets will be awarded a promotion and rank should not be confused with classification. Classification is based on training and skill, whereas rank is based on merit and leadership potential signifying structure and authority, although those who are promoted will nearly always have gone some way toward working through the classification structure.

A cadet over the age of 18 and has the words, "Instructor Cadet" underneath their rank.

Cadet NCOs wear a rank slide on the epaulette of their shirt, jumper and jacket.

Cadet Rank Structure
Rank	Abbreviation	Rank Slide	Notes
Cadet Warrant Officer	CWO		This is the most senior cadet NCO rank and candidates are appointed after interview at wing level and on the recommendation of the CO.
Flight Sergeant	Flt Sgt		This is the highest rank that a CO can promote an NCO to without higher approval.
Sergeant	Sgt
Corporal	Cpl		This is the most junior NCO rank and is perhaps the most significant as it marks the transition from being an ordinary cadet to an NCO, indicating the individual has demonstrated the potential for leadership.
Cadet	Cdt	(no rank slide)	All members of the ATC start off as Cadets.

Staff
All of the staff at the squadron are volunteers, who give up their own time to run squadron parade nights, events and other activities. There are two types of staff - those that wear a uniform, and those that don't!

Those staff that wear a uniform are split into two categories - Commissioned Officers and Non Commissioned Officers, while those that don't wear a uniform are called Civilian Instructors.

Staff Rank Structure
Rank	Abbreviation	Rank Slide	Notes
Commissioned Officer Ranks
There are a number of ranks above Wing Commander, but cadets will not usually come into contact with them.
Wing Commander	Wg Cdr		This is the most senior person in a Wing
Squadron Leader	Sqn Ldr		The Squadron Commander of a very large squadron will be a Squadron Leader. There are a small number of Squadron Leaders who are not attached to a squadron to support the Wing Commander and are termed 'Wing Staff'
Flight Lieutenant	Flt Lt		The Squadron Commander will normally hold this rank
Flying Officer	Fg Off
Pilot Officer	Plt Off		The most junior commissioned rank
Air Training Corps officers are commissioned into the training branch of the volunteer reserve of the Royal Air Force. ATC officers can be distinguished by the gilt VRT badge worn on their rank slide.
Non-Commissioned Officer (ATC) Ranks
Warrant Officer ATC	AWO		The most senior non-commissioned rank. Usually, a Warrant Officer would be responsible for discipline, drill and dress on a squadron. Always worn with "ATC" initials.
Flight Sergeant ATC	A/Flt Sgt		Always worn with initials "ATC"
Sergeant ATC	A/Sgt		Always worn with initials "ATC"
Civilians
Civilian Instructor	CI		CIs do not wear a uniform and as such have no 'rank insignia'. However on certain formal occassions, CIs may opt to wear the armband or a guilt gold badge

Civilian Committee
The Civilian Committee exists to help run the squadron, although it doesn't take any part in the day to day running of parade nights or activities. It is made up of a group of local people who meet regularly and take responsibility for a number of things including:

• Raising funds for squadron activities
• Controlling the squadron finances
• Obtaining and administering the squadron accommodation
• Helping with cadet welfare problems