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.

Rank: Cadet Corporal
Abbreviation: Cdt Cpl
Addressed As: "Corporal"

Rank: Cadet Sergeant
Abbreviation: Cdt Sgt
Addressed As: "Sergeant"

Rank: Cadet Flight Sergeant
Abbreviation: Cdt FS
Addressed As: "Flight Sergeant"

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).

Rank: Acting Sergeant
Abbreviation: A/Sgt
Addressed As: "Sergeant"

Rank: Sergeant
Abbreviation: Sgt
Addressed As: "Sergeant"

Rank: Flight Sergeant
Abbreviation: FS
Addressed As: "Flight Sergeant"

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.