Rank Structure

This page lists all of the ranks within the Air Training Corps. For each rank, a picture of their rank insignia, abbreviation and what to address them as is listed below.

Air Cadet Ranks

Cadets who excel in activities and show signs of leadership potential have the opportunity to progress through Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) ranks.

Note: Cadets without rank (Cdt) do not wear any insignia and are often referred to by their Surname. All cadets above the age of 18 have will include the prefix "Staff" to his/her Rank, and also wear rank slides on their epadlettes with "Staff Cadet" embroidered below the insignia.

Cadet Corporal
Rank
Cadet Corporal
Abbreviation
Cdt Cpl
Addressed As
"Corporal"
Cadet Sergeant
Rank
Cadet Sergeant
Abbreviation
Cdt Sgt
Addressed As
"Sergeant"
Cadet Flight Sergeant
Rank
Cadet Flight Sergeant
Abbreviation
Cdt FS
Addressed As
"Flight Sergeant"
Cadet Warrant Officer
Rank
Cadet Warrant Officer
Abbreviation
CWO
Addressed As
"Warrant Officer"

Adult Volunteer Ranks

All staff start off as a Civilian Instructor (CI). It is a non-uniformed role and CIs will normally help with instructional duties and/or administration on units. They are addressed by cadets as either Sir/Ma'am.

Those staff who are able to commit to a consistent level of attendance and therefore greater responsibility can progress into uniform as either a Senior Non-Commissioned Officer (SNCO) or a Commissioned Officer.

Senior Non-Commissioned Officers

SNCOs are involved in instructional duties and are responsible for monitoring standards around drill, dress and discipline. Flight Sergeants and Warrant Officers may also take on additional responsibilities within the local sector (area) or wider wing (county level).

Acting Sergeant
Rank
Acting Sergeant
Abbreviation
A/Sgt
Addressed As
"Sergeant"
Sergeant
Rank
Sergeant
Abbreviation
Sgt
Addressed As
"Sergeant"
Flight Sergeant
Rank
Flight Sergeant
Abbreviation
FS
Addressed As
"Flight Sergeant"
Warrant Officer
Rank
Warrant Officer
Abbreviation
WO
Addressed As
"Sir/Ma'am"

Commissioned Officers

RAF Air Cadets Officers hold a Cadet Forces' Commission (CFC) and typically hold command positions within the organisation.

It is common to find Junior Officers (Pilot Officer, Flying Officer and Flight Lieutenant) based at Squadron or Detached Flight level whereas Senior Officers (Squadron Leader, Wing Commander and Group Captain) will be placed at Wing, Region or Corps level.

Above the extent of RAF Air Cadets ranks is the rank of Air Commodore, held by Commandant RAF Air Cadets.

Acting Pilot Officer
Rank
Acting Pilot Officer
Abbreviation
APO
Addressed As
"Sir/Ma'am"
Pilot Officer
Rank
Pilot Officer
Abbreviation
Plt Off
Addressed As
"Sir/Ma'am"
Flying Officer
Rank
Flying Officer
Abbreviation
Fg Off
Addressed As
"Sir/Ma'am"
Flight Lieutenant
Rank
Flight Lieutenant
Abbreviation
Flt Lt
Addressed As
"Sir/Ma'am"
Squadron Leader
Rank
Squadron Leader
Abbreviation
Sqn Ldr
Addressed As
"Sir/Ma'am"
Wing Commander
Rank
Wing Commander
Abbreviation
Wg Cdr
Addressed As
"Sir/Ma'am"
Group Captain
Rank
Group Captain
Abbreviation
Gp Capt
Addressed As
"Sir/Ma'am"
Air Commodore
Rank
Air Commodore
Abbreviation
Air Cdre
Addressed As
"Sir/Ma'am"

Page last updated 2 January 2022.

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