59-751: The Royal Air Squadron Trophy Competition , also known as the National Ground Training Competition , was created as a way for Royal Air Force sections of the Combined Cadet Force to contest the Air Squadron Trophy. The trophy has been competed for since 1985, when it was awarded to the "year's outstanding CCF(RAF) Section". Starting in 1998, the winner of the National Ground Training Competition would be awarded
118-749: 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
177-541: 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
236-627: 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
295-656: A formal parade, where the Captains of the three teams receive the Geoffrey de Havilland Flying Foundation Medals for CCF Achievement along with the presentation of The Air Squadron Trophy to the first placed team. The Sir John Thomson Memorial Sword is also presented on the day to the best overall cadet in the CCF(RAF), along with Flying Foundation Medals to the six finalists of the interview process. Royal Air Force Air Cadets The Royal Air Force Air Cadets ( RAFAC )
354-788: 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
413-411: 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
472-507: 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
531-588: 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
590-417: 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
649-512: 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
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#1732786716307708-580: 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
767-483: 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
826-584: 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
885-690: Is the combined volunteer-military youth organisation sponsored by the Royal Air Force , which is formed by both the Air Training Corps and RAF Sections of the Combined Cadet Force . The organisation is headed by a former serving RAF officer, Commandant Air Cadets . The current commandant is Air Commodore Al Lewis. Prior to 1 October 2017, the RAFAC was called the Air Cadet Organisation ( ACO ). As of 1 April 2023,
944-603: 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)
1003-455: Is usually retired regular RAF. The Region is further staffed by a number of cadet forces adult volunteers (CFAV) who maintain the day-to-day operations of each of the regions. Examples of these CFAV posts include Region Staff Officer, Region Training Officer, and Region STEM Officer. Air Cadet sections within the Combined Cadet Force usually follow their own chain of command within their school's unit. Above their school unit, they diverge into
1062-538: 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
1121-603: 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 ) ,
1180-528: 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
1239-483: 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
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#17327867163071298-531: 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
1357-508: The "composition and conduct" of the six regional competitions to the local needs of their area, held in Autumn or Spring. The first, second, and third placed teams from each of the six regions qualify for the national finals, held at RAF Halton in Spring each year. The competition involves a round robin of activities that include: More than 230 cadets from 18 different CCF sections took part in
1416-451: The ACO had a strength of 42,190 cadets and 10,070 cadet force adult volunteers. Cadets are aged between 12 and 17 on entry to the organisation, and can remain until they are 18, or with special permission, until they are 20. The RAFAC's infrastructure consists of: The six regions consist of: Each Region is commanded by a "Regional Commandant" (RC), who holds the rank of group captain , and
1475-407: 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
1534-501: 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
1593-466: 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
1652-534: 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
1711-625: 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
1770-508: 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
1829-612: 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
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1888-502: 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,
1947-471: 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
2006-780: The Royal Air Squadron Day which is usually held in June or July each year at the Shuttleworth Collection , a working aviation, automotive, and agricultural collection at the Old Warden Aerodrome , Bedfordshire . During the day cadets are offered flights in aircraft belonging to the Royal Air Squadron members. Past aircraft have included Tiger Moths , Dragon Rapides , YAKs , Cessnas , and helicopters . The cadets also attend
2065-781: 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
2124-467: 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
2183-516: 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
2242-415: The competitive spirit, camaraderie, and experience the competition generates amongst cadets. Any CCF(RAF) section that can field a full team of 13 cadets, ideally drawn from a wide range of age groups, is able to take part in the competition. The Training, Evaluation & Support Teams (TEST) Officers & SNCOs, who act as a training and support liaison between CCF contingents and the wider RAF , tailor
2301-666: 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
2360-411: 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
2419-468: 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;
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2478-474: The following year. Each team has 13 cadets: one team captain at a rank of Cadet Corporal or above, and 12 other cadets. The team should represent a "wide cross-section" of age groups from their RAF Section. The Team Captain manages the team and delivers orders in the Drill competition. An RAFAC Officer should accompany the teams to the competition. The first, second and third place teams are invited to attend
2537-435: 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,
2596-715: 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
2655-420: 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 is a Royal Air Force officer as part of
2714-414: 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
2773-456: The national finals in 2016, after the number of teams qualifying for the national round was increased from two to three per region for the first time. Individual event winners at the national finals, such as in Drill or First aid, are usually invited and given direct entry to the national competition of that discipline within the Royal Air Force Air Cadets or the wider UK Military Cadet Forces in
2832-428: 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
2891-877: 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
2950-435: 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
3009-427: 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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#17327867163073068-435: 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
3127-513: 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
3186-412: The same chain of command as the Air Training Corps, which is usually their Wing , or Region. Air Cadet activities vary vastly, however some of the most common to take place include: There are also more rare, but enriching activities that take place also. Examples include: Air Training Corps The Air Training Corps ( ATC ) is a British volunteer youth organisation ; aligned to, and fostering
3245-477: 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
3304-591: 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
3363-651: 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
3422-561: The trophy, marking the beginning of the modern format of the competition. The trophy had originally been presented by the Royal Air Squadron as part of the British Aerobatic Association's annual competition, first contested in 1967. The names of some of the inaugural winners are still engraved on the trophy. RAF Air Command and the Royal Air Force Air Cadets have recognised the annual competition provides "substantial external profile and value", particularly for
3481-542: 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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