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Foot drill is a part of the training regimen of organized military and paramilitary elements worldwide. It is also practiced by other public services such as police forces , fire and ambulance services . "Foot drill" or "Drill" stems from time since antiquity when soldiers would march into battle, be expected to gather in a formation, and react to words of command from their commanders once the battle commenced. Much of the drill done today is either ceremonial or implemented as a core part of training in the armed forces. Though its practical application on the battlefield has faded, modern militaries justify the use of drill with the claim that it enhances military discipline, as it requires instant obedience to commands and synchronized completion of said commands with the others in the unit.

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73-997: (Redirected from Air Cadets ) Air cadets may refer to: Members of the British Air Training Corps Members of the RAF section of the Combined Cadet Force Members of the Australian Air Force Cadets Members of the Belgian Air Cadets Members of the Royal Canadian Air Cadets Members of the New Zealand Air Training Corps , New Zealand Cadet Forces Cadets at

146-541: A Full-Time Reserve Group Captain in the RAF Reserves, and having a Regional Chairman and Regional Chaplain. Each region is sub-divided into many wings . There were historically six wings per region, however, as of 2013 there were 34 wings, most named after the one or two counties of the United Kingdom that they operate in. Wings are further sub-divided into sectors. Within the sectors lie squadrons, and it

219-627: A charity at squadron level, and this has been the route required for all squadrons in Scotland and Northern Ireland. Any civilian committee in England and Wales that has an annual income that exceeds £5,000 in any one year, may register their charity with the Charity Commission. The charity commissions of Scotland and Northern Ireland require committees located in those countries to register and have done so for several years. The aims of

292-788: A locally (i.e. wing- or squadron-) organised camp based around adventure training or fieldcraft , or as guests on a camp run by one of the other cadet forces such as the Army Cadet Force or the Sea Cadet Corps . There are also Music camps for band members. One large annual camp is the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) camp held annually in July for the major airshow at RAF Fairford . Each year, cadets aged above 16 years and their staff spend between one to three weeks, carrying out essential work in

365-399: A man from a civilian to a soldier, obedient to commands reflexively. This instituted both discipline and subordination. In a period when private soldiers were recruited from what was considered the basest social class, it was considered particularly important to "break the man" into service. For all this harshness, desertion remained commonplace. In battle, drill was a force multiplier . With

438-411: A rank of Cadet and can earn positions of increasing responsibility in a military rank structure, as well as having increasing skill and competence recognised in a classification scheme (joining as a Second Class cadet then First Class, Leading, Senior, Master). As a cadet becomes more experienced with camps and activities, the skills they will acquire will be rewarded with a corresponding badge according to

511-507: A review of the then current training syllabus, the new 'Progressive Training Syllabus' was introduced, which provided for four levels of each badge (blue, bronze, silver, and gold). In 2012, payouts made to victims of sexual abuse by the MOD, across all Cadet Forces, totalled £1,475,844. The payouts in 2013 totalled £64,782, and £544,213 in 2014. In 2017, a BBC Panorama episode entitled 'Cadet Abuse Cover-Up' highlighted sexual abuse cases in

584-645: A reward for hard-working and long-serving cadets. Since the end of the Cold War , and the closure of RAF stations in Germany , the number of overseas camp opportunities has decreased. As of 2007 the destinations for overseas camps are: Former RAF bases that hosted overseas camps included RAF Bruggen , RAF Laarbruch , RAF Gütersloh , and RAF Gatow . Foot drill Drill proved useful when marching formations of soldiers cross-country. For example, officers could form men from an eight-wide route march formation to

657-657: A specific trade, such as the RAF Regiment or RAF Police . However, in recent years, the opportunities for work experience placements have decreased. Cadets can, however, contact their local Armed Forces Careers Office (AFCO). For older and more experienced cadets who have achieved the Leading Cadet qualification and have attended at least one UK Annual Camp, the Air Training Corps also offers overseas camps. These are generally more relaxed, and seen as

730-422: A two-wide formation for passing through gates and other narrow passages, without losing time or cohesion. Drill was used to efficiently maneuver formations around and through obstacles. Drill was often used as a forerunner to great battles; during them it justified itself. It was also used after battles, where quick restoration of the corporate unity of an element was required. Vegetius composed his treatise on

803-417: A well-defined scale of achievement that a cadet can work to build up; this includes the leadership qualities reflected in an NCO structure. The Air Training Corps runs numerous annual camps each year, run on RAF stations so that cadets may get a taste of Royal Air Force life. Annual camps are organised at Wing level, with place for all squadrons, so that every cadet who wishes to and who has achieved at least

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876-722: Is a Royal Air Force officer as part of a Full Term Reserve Service commitment. Members of the Air Training Corps are known as Air Cadets, which is often interchanged with the term 'ATC cadets'. Although many ATC cadets subsequently go on to join the Royal Air Force, or the other branches of the British Armed Forces (or have the desire to do so), the ATC is not a recruiting organisation for its parent service (the Royal Air Force). Activities undertaken by

949-592: Is a British volunteer youth organisation ; aligned to, and fostering the knowledge and learning of military values, primarily focusing on military aviation . Part of the Royal Air Force Air Cadets (RAFAC), the ATC is sponsored by the Royal Air Force (RAF) and the wider Ministry of Defence (MoD). The majority of Air Training Corps staff are volunteers, though some staff are paid for full-time work; including Commandant Air Cadets , who

1022-512: Is a component part of a nearby, larger squadron. As of April 2019 , there were over 912 ATC squadrons and 40 detached flights. An Officer Commanding (OC) a squadron is typically a flight lieutenant (RAFAC). If a squadron commanded by an SNCO , warrant officer , pilot officer , or flying officer , they are referred to as Officer in Charge (OIC) (unless they have completed their Squadron Commanders Course at RAF Cranwell , then they retain

1095-580: Is based at RAF Cranwell in Lincolnshire , England. There are subordinate headquarters at region and wing levels, staffed by RAF and RAFAC officers and civil servants. HQ RAFAC controls two National Air Cadet Adventure Training Centres (NACATC): at Fairbourne , Gwynedd, Wales; and Windermere , Cumbria, England. These NACATCs provide a range of adventure training courses and accommodation for squadron and wing expeditions. HQ RAFAC also controls (as of 2023 ) twelve Volunteer Gliding Squadrons (VGS) around

1168-483: Is hoisted for every parade in the summer, and hauled-down at dusk. It is treated with the same respect and dignity afforded to the Royal Air Force Ensign . In the event of poor weather conditions e.g., heavy rain or snowfall, the ensign would not be raised. If poor weather conditions are present whilst the ensign is raised, it would be hauled down at the soonest possible point. This is to avoid damage to

1241-584: Is no line of command or authority of anyone other than the trustees of the Civilian Committee. This includes any uniformed personnel up to, and including, the Commandant Air Cadets. A Civilian Committee is responsible for overseeing the initial unit formation and direction, and will monitor the welfare of cadets. Civilian committees often include parents of cadets and retired ATC staff. Many squadron charities decide to operate against

1314-546: Is the squadron that is the focal point for the majority of members of the Corps. As of 2019, there were 952 ATC squadrons and detached flights , each assigned to a wing. The Air Training Corps is the largest part of the Royal Air Force Air Cadets (RAFAC), along with the RAF sections of the Combined Cadet Force (CCF). Headquarters Royal Air Force Air Cadets (HQ RAFAC, formerly Headquarters Air Cadets or HQAC)

1387-612: The Air Cadet Organisation ( ACO ). This term was replaced by the Royal Air Force Air Cadets ( RAFAC ). The Air Training Corps includes three parts; the officer and staff cadre (which comprises uniformed and civilian instructors), the Civilian Committee, and the Chaplaincy. The United Kingdom is split into six regions (akin to the former geographic groups of the RAF ), each commanded by

1460-603: The Air Defence Cadet Corps ( ADCC ), set up in 1938 by Air Commodore Chamier, was to train young men in various aviation-related skills. The ADCC proved popular, with thousands joining up. In 1941, to provide the means of giving part-time air training to teenagers and young men who might later join the Royal Air Force, the ADCC was formally established as the Air Training Corps by Royal Warrant . On 5 February 1941 ; 83 years ago  ( 1941-02-05 ) ,

1533-528: The Air League ; an organisation made up of people who wanted to make the British public aware of the importance of military aviation . With the clouds of war beginning to form over Europe, and the personal memory of how young men with only a few hours of training had been sent into air combat only to fall victim to well-trained enemy aviators, he conceived the idea of an aviation cadet corps. The purpose of

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1606-551: The Air Training Corps ( ATC ) was officially established, with King George VI agreeing to be the Air Commodore-in-Chief, and issuing a Royal Warrant setting out the Corps' aims. Within the first month of its existence, the size of the old ADCC, now the ATC, virtually doubled to more than 400 squadrons , and continued to grow thereafter. A new badge was designed for the ATC and, once approved by

1679-531: The Charities Act 2011 , but are excepted from sending in annual reports to the Charity Commission . The squadron commander and chaplain are ex-officio members of their civilian committee, and have no voting rights; however, common sense determines they may advise in squadron-related matters. While co-operation between the squadron and the civilian committee is desirable at all times, there

1752-495: The Swiss mercenaries but standardisation was still lacking. The mass use of firearms in the later 16th Century led to the resurgence of what was considered at the time "Roman-Style Drill". This movement was pioneered by Maurice of Nassau . Intended to enable his soldiers to efficiently handle their firearms, it describes forty-two movements from taking up the weapon to firing. As armies became full-time and more professionalised over

1825-957: The United States Air Force Academy or in Air Force Reserve Officers Training Corps Cadet Members of the Civil Air Patrol , the US Air Force Auxiliary Members of the Hong Kong Air Cadet Corps See also [ edit ] Air Cadet (film) , a 1951 film directed by Joseph Pevney Air Cadets (film) , a 1944 Canadian propaganda film [REDACTED] Topics referred to by the same term This disambiguation page lists articles about military units and formations which are associated with

1898-407: The Air Training Corps include sport, adventure training (such as walking and paddle-sports), ceremonial drill , rifle shooting, fieldcraft, air experience flights in both powered aircraft and sail-plane gliders, and other outdoor activities, as well as educational classification training. Week-long trips, or 'camps' to RAF stations , along with other camps offering adventure training or music, allow

1971-501: The Air Training Corps, as set out in the Royal Warrant and approved by Elizabeth II , are: The corps' motto is 'Venture, Adventure'. In December 2015, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh resigned from his role as honorary Air Commodore-in-Chief , having served in this role since 1953. On 16 December 2015, Prince Philip was succeeded as honorary Air Commodore-in-Chief by the then Duchess of Cambridge . Upon enrolment into

2044-466: The Air Training Corps, every cadet has to make the following promise, usually at a ceremony presided over by the unit's padre or commanding officer: The promise has recently been rewritten to accommodate everyone, whether or not they are religious, by allowing the option to drop the 'God and' from the oath. The promise was formally recorded by the cadet's signature in the cadet's Cadet Record of Service Book (RAF Form 3822). The Air Training Corps Ensign

2117-534: The British Cadet Forces. Through the years 2012 to 2017, there were 134 allegations of sexual abuse made against ATC volunteers, including historical allegations; 96 cases were referred to the Police for investigation, and 9 offenders were dismissed. Until October 2017, advertising material such as leaflets and official websites branded the Air Training Corps and Combined Cadet Force collectively as

2190-625: The British Government's Community Cadet Forces . Air Commodore Sir John Chamier is affectionately known as the 'father of the air cadet movement'. He joined the Royal Flying Corps (RFC), the forerunner of the Royal Air Force, where he served as a pilot in World War I . He transferred to the Royal Air Force (RAF) upon its formation in 1918. After retiring from the service in 1929, Chamier became Secretary-General of

2263-508: The First Class qualification may take part. Cadets usually stay in RAF barrack blocks , and eat in the station's mess facilities. The itinerary includes typical ATC activities, such as drill , air experience flying, shooting, and adventure training. Cadets also have the opportunity to visit various sections of the station, and meet the people who work there. Cadets may also have the opportunity to attend other sorts of annual camp, such as

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2336-655: The Indian Sepoys of the British Empire. As weapons gained in range and accuracy, foot drill became less and less important in battle. Advances as formed lines and columns were still attempted - they worked during the Crimean War but were becoming dangerously obsolete by the time of the Franco-Prussian War . The last widespread use of formed infantry in the attack, particularly in columns,

2409-612: The King, was distributed in August 1941. The motto 'Venture Adventure', devised by Air Commodore Chamier, was adopted by the ATC and incorporated into the badge. The new ATC squadrons adopted training programmes to prepare young men for entry into the Royal Air Force. Squadrons arranged visits to RAF and Fleet Air Arm stations as part of the cadets' training, where a flight might be a possibility. Such opportunities were not widely available, however, and many cadets were disappointed. One solution

2482-657: The Order and Discipline of the Troops of the United States" , which has come to be more commonly known as the "Blue Book". The methods of drill that von Steuben initiated remained largely unchanged between their inception and the time of the American Civil War . One major change to come about since that time is that troops now march at a cadence of 120 steps per minute, instead of the original 76 steps per minute at

2555-502: The RAF centrally cannot provide beyond core services for an individual squadron. Each is an independent charity, and operates to meet the funding needs of the local squadron. Since the Cadet Forces Adult Volunteers (CFAV) and civilian instructors (CI) in the ATC have no financial responsibilities, but still need money to manage and support cadet activities such as annual and overseas camps and adventure training,

2628-523: The RAFAC document known as ACP-11, which has been the traditional constitution. However, there is no requirement to do so, as long as the civilian committee establishes a constitution with acceptable charitable object statements; these may be similar to those in ACP-11. The Charity Commission produced model constitutions of which the 'Model Constitution for a Small Charity' is used for the purpose of registering

2701-554: The Roman Empire's military, De Re Militari , at some point between 378 and 390 CE during the reign of Valentinian II in the Western Roman Empire . This work consists of three separate, yet related books, the first establishing methods of training and selecting new recruits, the second and third books a continuation of the first, describing in detail training and discipline matters as they pertained not only to

2774-781: The UK, through the Air Cadet Central Gliding School at RAF Syerston . ATC squadrons are established in most large towns in the United Kingdom. There are also ATC units in Cyprus, Germany, Gibraltar , the Channel Islands , and the Isle of Man . In towns not large enough to sustain a squadron of 30 cadets, or as a supplement to an existing squadron in a larger town or city, a Detached Flight (DF) may be formed. A detached flight operates much like any other unit, but

2847-467: The cadet felt ready, they would take a multiple-choice examination, either on paper or on a computer. Some wings ran courses that would involve the cadet spending a few days learning, and then awarded the appropriate classification if successful in their exams. In May 2008, HQ Royal Air Force Air Cadets (RAFAC) decided to change the training programme for junior and second class cadets, sensing that recruits were being deterred by exams. In March 2016, after

2920-516: The charitable fundraising of the squadron. As with any charity, three officers (Chairperson, Secretary and Treasurer) are elected at an annual general meeting (AGM), possibly with the addition of a deputy chairperson, and then exist as an independent group to raise and manage funds in a lawful manner in accordance with the Charities Act. They do this under the status of an 'excepted charity', which requires that they conduct themselves wholly to

2993-465: The course of the 17th Century it became a natural progression for drill to expand its remit from weapons handling to the manoeuvre and forming of bodies of troops. The most notable figure of the early 17th Century was Gustavus Adolphus , who fielded one of the largest standing armies of the Thirty Years' War before his death in battle. What would today be known strictly as foot drill emerged over

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3066-457: The course of the 17th Century. This period is known as the Pike and Shot period, where muskets and arquebus without bayonets were defended from infantry and cavalry by blocks of pikemen. The requirement for quick and accurate movement of these large bodies of troops in order to outmanoeuvre their opponents on the tactical level led to the introduction of standardised movements and commands. These were

3139-416: The creativity of generals. Troops who are new to drill are unconfident and tend to panic or become confused when new commands are introduced. Troops who do many drills can more easily be taught new formations, building off the base of experience previously garnered. In a period when all war was foot drill, this could obviously prove an advantage. As an example, the British used an unorthodox two rank line during

3212-666: The early years of the Second World War , if one was available at their location. As of 2013, the GVCAC still exists, although in greatly reduced numbers due to competition from the ATC, and the two organisations no longer share a site. Before May 2008, cadets would spend a lot of time in the classroom before obtaining First Class classification, studying the following subjects: The Air Training Corps, The Royal Air Force, History of Flight, Initial Expedition Training, Basic Communications, and Airmanship I. After many lectures, and when

3285-552: The enemy that bit longer than their foes. As such, the better the drill, the better – in theory – the soldiers. These elements were found to be particularly powerful in colonial theatres by most European states, where massed drill and the discipline that imbued allowed small expeditionary forces to repeatedly defeat larger indigenous forces. Additionally, greater drill equated to greater manoeuvrability. When troops were thoroughly drilled they could move confidently at speed without their formations – carefully proscribed in order to maximise

3358-411: The ensign and also as a mark of respect and discipline. The ATC ensign is raised and lowered by a nominated member of the squadron, sometimes a cadet non-commissioned officer (NCO), member of staff, or simply a cadet who has been chosen, with the salute being taken by any commissioned officer , normally the squadron's Officer Commanding . All officers within view or earshot of the ensign salute during

3431-468: The expense of the Ministry of Defence (MoD). No.3 uniform 'Greens' are not funded by the MOD for air cadets and must be purchased privately. The first fifty Air Training Corps squadrons that were formed retain an 'F' to show they are 'founder' squadrons, e.g., 10F (Luton) Squadron, 48F (Hampstead) Squadron, or 1F (City of Leicester) Squadron. Only thirty of the original F squadrons are still in existence;

3504-579: The fall of the Western Roman Empire and the resultant disappearance of professional armies from Western Europe. In the Middle Ages the individualist nature of Knightly combat, focusing on individual skills and heroism, coupled with the ad-hoc nature of the supporting levies meant that there was no place for mass subordination of troops through Drill. The rise of the mercenary during the renaissance led to some level of military professionalisation: this led to co-ordinated and practiced military units such as

3577-492: The first versions of foot drill, intended to allow a group of disparate individuals to form one organised body of men, moving singlemindedly with united purpose. Additionally, in the confusion of battle it was found that the clear and concise nature of drill commands allowed the individual soldier to cope with the psychological stresses of battle. The apogee of this style of warfare is arguably the English Civil War, as

3650-435: The funding responsibilities lie with the Civilian Committee. Serving as trustees, they are volunteers who support the cadet activities financially. The RAFAC (ATC) is itself not a charitable organisation , and is not itself a legal entity , and so has no official legal status. That defers to the MOD. For this and other reasons, the trustees within each Civilian Committee are required to be responsible for, and accountable for,

3723-715: The hoisting and hauling down. Most ATC wings and squadrons also have a banner, in addition to an ensign, which is paraded on formal occasions. The ATC also has a Corps Banner, which is afforded the same courtesies as an RAF Squadron Standard or the RAF King's Colour, although its status is different. All cadets are issued with a uniform that is derived from that worn by RAF personnel , and are regulated by dress regulations known as ACP 1358. Cadets primarily wear one of three uniforms: Other cadet uniforms do exist, such as mess dress and warm-weather service dress for overseas squadrons, however these are not issued to cadets unless

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3796-470: The last major war using these methods before the introduction of the bayonet created "The Queen of Battles": the Line Infantry . Line infantry won or lost on the rigidity of their foot drill. In the later 17th century that drill evolved into a tool for the complete subordination of the individual. The Prussians demanded automatonic levels of drill competence. Constant and heavy drilling would change

3869-612: The later 18th and early-to-mid 19th Centuries as a force multiplier. In the Peninsular Campaign they were able to adapt this formation from strictly linear to a shallow crescent. Coordinating even a minor formation change for roughly 200 men was considered an impressive feat. Drill was exported to the rest of the world on the back of Colonial victories, with most Imperial nations training local armed forces in European-style drill. One famous example of this trend were

3942-414: The letters DF, to show that it is a detached flight, e.g., No 1408DF for No 1408 (Cranleigh) Detached Flight, raised by No 1408 (Dorking) Squadron. There are also opportunities for band music , and many camps offer teenagers the chance to spend a week away from parents, practising fieldcraft or receiving instruction in gliding and other outdoor pursuits. Many of these activities, including gliding, have

4015-483: The line than that they should keep their ranks with the greatest exactness. For troops who march in an irregular and disorderly manner are always in great danger of being defeated. They should march with the common military step twenty miles in five summer-hours, and with the full step, which is quicker, twenty-four miles in the same number of hours. If they exceed this pace, they no longer march but run, and no certain rate can be assigned." Drill became less common after

4088-499: The military, as well as between the military forces of various countries, the methods of drill will vary. In the United States Armed Forces , the basis of drill procedures can be traced to von Steuben's "Blue Book". Drill today is used as a teaching tool for instilling discipline into new recruits in armies the world over, although style and diligence varies from nation to nation. Some of the most famous drill in

4161-439: The muskets of the era having short ranges owing to the nature of their ammunition and the reluctance of men to kill one another at short range, it was necessary for battalions to form up as broad lines 2 to 4 ranks deep at distances averaging 25 yards (approx 20 m). In such conditions, particularly when one considers the nightmarish nature of the ubiquitous cannonade and the buildup of smoke from musket discharge, drill allowed

4234-428: The need arises. Some squadrons differentiate themselves from each other at a local level. One such example would be different coloured pieces of cloth behind the cap badges on the beret, allowing cadet NCOs and CFAVs to distinguish between cadets of differing flights. However, this is an unofficial practice, and not permitted on official parades. All No.2 uniform, except black parade shoes and combat boots are provided at

4307-877: The opportunity for cadets to gain a taste of military life, and often some flying experience in RAF gliders and RAF training aircraft such as the Grob G 115 , an aerobatic-capable elementary flying training aircraft, known in UK military service as the Tutor T1. The Viking T1 glider is used to train cadets on gliding the manufacturer name for the Viking T1 is the Grob G103a Twin II, manufactured by Grob. Cadet membership can begin when cadets are 12 years old and in school Year 8 (England and Wales), or equivalent in Scotland and Northern Ireland. New members will join with

4380-435: The other twenty have disbanded over time. Some founder squadrons have reformed under Roman numerals , having been refused permission to re-assume their F; the first squadron to do so was XIX (19 Crawley) Squadron, Sussex Wing. Although Brooklands Squadron was the first actual squadron to be established, it was given the squadron number of 11F due to a clerical error. A Detached Flight uses its parent squadron number followed by

4453-427: The preparation, and the subsequent taking-down of the infrastructure for RIAT. On air display days, cadets have jobs to do, and after the show weekend they are able to meet the crews and see the aeroplanes at close range. Another option for more senior cadets are work experience camps. Whilst annual camps aim to give cadets a general taste of service life, the work experience camps cater for cadets who are interested in

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4526-435: The rank of cadet flight sergeant (Cdt FS) without any external approval. Further cadet promotion to the rank of cadet warrant officer (CWO) requires recommendation being sent to their squadron's wing HQ. The squadron warrant officer (Sqn WO) commonly holds the rank of warrant officer, or may be a senior non-commissioned officer (SNCO) if no warrant officer is available, and will typically have spent many years working within

4599-513: The same Squadron must spend a minimum six months secondment period at a different Squadron. As of 1 April 2023 , the ATC strength is 34,070 cadets (30% female) and 9,190 adult volunteers (30% female). Together, the RAF contingent (or RAF section) of the Combined Cadet Force (CCF) and the Air Training Corps comprise the Royal Air Force Air Cadets (RAFAC), previously known as the Air Cadet Organisation (ACO), part of

4672-544: The same title. If an internal link referred you to this page, you may wish to change the link to point directly to the intended article. [REDACTED] Retrieved from " https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Air_cadets&oldid=964159868 " Category : Military units and formations disambiguation pages Hidden categories: Short description is different from Wikidata All article disambiguation pages All disambiguation pages Air Training Corps The Air Training Corps ( ATC )

4745-477: The skill achieved and how advanced the cadet is at that particular skill (e.g. drumming, shooting, leadership, first aid). Service as a cadet in the Air Training Corps ends at the age of 18, although a cadet over the age of 18 can continue service until the age of 20 if appointed as a Staff Cadet . As of 2nd September 2024 Cadets reaching the age of 18 can also transition to become a Cadet Forces Adult Volunteer (Adult staff member). However, cadets wishing to serve on

4818-402: The soldier to withdraw into himself and react to commands. There are anecdotal reports of soldiers in this almost trance-like state reaching out to try and catch cannonballs at the end of their arcs, with unpleasant results. The psychological boost which being part of an effectively faceless mass and surrendering one's fate to that of the corporate group provided enabled men to stand in the face of

4891-591: The squadron or the ATC. The establishment of officers , WOs, senior NCOs, and Cadet NCOs, is dependent on the size of the squadron or detached flight, and this basic structure has many permutations; varying with the number of cadets and staff, accommodation and facilities. A typical small detached flight may consist only of the Officer Commanding and fifteen cadets, while a large squadron can consist of upwards of 120 cadets and numerous staff. A Civilian Committee (or 'CivCom') underpins all local funding that

4964-471: The time of the American Revolution . The stated aim of drill is to "enable a commander or noncommissioned officer to move his unit from one place to another in an orderly manner; to aid in disciplinary training by instilling habits of precision and response to the leader’s orders; and to provide for the development of all soldiers in the practice of commanding troops." Between branches of

5037-515: The title of Officer Commanding). Officers were previously appointed in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve (Training Branch) RAFVR(T), but now receive a Cadet Forces Commission, introduced in 2017. The OC has a good deal of autonomy in running their ATC unit, albeit with the responsibility that goes with it. Where a unit has other members of staff, the OC usually allocates duties and provides recommendations on appointments, retentions, and promotions . The OC of an ATC squadron can appoint cadets up to

5110-407: The troops, but also to the leadership in times of training and battle, as well as positing an argument for reforms in the army. Within these books can be found a detailed guide for drill of the army. Among these drills, the military step describes how initial training should consist of "constant practice of marching quick and together. Nor is anything of more consequence either on the march or in

5183-468: The use of their weapons – breaking up, particularly over rough ground. When formations broke up precious time would have to be spent reforming them in the face of the enemy: additionally, loose formations breed confusion. The difference between a body of troops and a disorganised crowd is a narrow one. As such, when faced with musketry, cavalry or cannonade a loose formation would be more prone to succumbing to panic and rout. Proficiency in drill further enabled

5256-756: Was in the first few weeks of the First World War . United States military drill originated in 1778, as part of a training program implemented by Baron Friedrich von Steuben to improve the discipline and organisation of soldiers serving in the Continental Army . The following year Baron von Steuben, by then a Major General and the Inspector General of the Continental Army, wrote the Army's first field manual, "The Regulations for

5329-542: Was to introduce opportunities for flying , as a way to allow a cadet to get the feel of an aircraft in flight and to handle an aircraft's controls whilst airborne. After the end of the Second World War, gliding lessons became available. Before the 1980s, females were unable to join the ATC, although they were able to join an attached unit of the Girls Venture Corps (GVC) which had been formed in

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