Junior Cadet Training
ATC - History
Origins of the Air Training Corps
In 1938, the Air Defence Cadet Corps(ADCC) was formed by a retired
RAF Officer
The aim of the ADCC was to provide training to young men interested in Aviation, and prepare them for service in the RAF or Fleet Air Arm.
Air Commodore JA Chamier“The Father of the ATC”
When war broke out in 1939, ADCC Cadets provided very valuable assistance to the RAF
Formation of the Air Training Corps
The RAF was so impressed by the contribution of the ADCC that it absorbed it and established
the Air Training Corps.
Air Commodore JA Chamier wasappointed as the first Commandant.
King George VI became Air Commodore In Chief and, on the 5th February 1941 issued a
Royal Warrant.
Aims of the ATC
a. To promote and encourage among young people a practical interest in aviation and the Royal Air Force.
b. To provide training which will be useful both in the Services and in civilian life.
c. To foster the spirit of adventure, and to develop the qualities of leadership and good citizenship.
The Royal Warrant sets out the Corps aims as:
The ATC motto
‘Venture Adventure’
Development of the ATC The first 50 Squadrons are known as “Founder” Squadrons,
and have an F after their Squadron number.
The ATC became part of Royal Air Force Reserve Commandwhen the Second World War ended in 1945
King George VI died in 1952, and in 1953 HRH Duke of Edinburgh took over as Air Commodore in Chief
The ATC Ensign
Gliding
Gliding training was first introducedduring the war years, using single
seat gliders.
Kirby Cadet Mk3
In 1950, 2 seater gliders were introduced.
T21B Sedburgh
Gliding Opportunities
Viking
Vigilant
The Air Cadet Gliding fleet wasupdated in the 1980s
1. Familiarisation (AEG)2. Initial Gliding Training (IGT)3. Basic Gliding Training (BGT)4. Advanced Gliding Training (AGT)5. Gliding Instructor
Opportunities
Air Experience Flying
In 1957, Air Experience Flights were set up to provide cadets with flying experience and
training.
So far 3 different aircraft types have been used.
Flying Opportunities
•1. AEF•2. Flying Scholarship•3. Pilot Navigation Scheme•4. Microlight Training
Opportunities
Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme (DofE)
In 1956, the ATC was asked to trial the new Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme. It is split into Key areas:
Skill, Service, Physical and Expedition
Cadets can take part in the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme at all three levels – Bronze, Silver and Gold
Girls joined
In 1980, membership was opened up to girls.
By March 1999, there had been 8682 female cadets enrolled into the ATC.
The ACO in 21st Century
We are now known as the ACO (Air Cadet Organisation), as it includes both the ATC and CCF (RAF).
There are over 43,000 cadets in the ACO.
Compare this to the less than 40,000 personnel currently serving in the RAF.
Any Questions?
Junior Cadet Training
ATC - Organisation
ATC Structure
Detached Flights
Squadrons
Wings
Regions
HQ Air Cadets RAFC Cranwell
Squadron Committee
Wing Committee
Regional Council
Air Cadet Council
Squadron Chaplain
Wing Chaplain
Regional Chaplain
Corp Chaplain
Commandant Air Cadets
Air Cadet Chaplains Committee
Air Force Board
Squadron
• The basic unit of the ATC• Average of 30 Cadets on Roll• Staff are volunteers• Normally Commanded by a Flight Lieutenant• Has a Civilian Committee and a Padre• ‘Open’ Squadrons are available to anyone over 13• ‘School’ Squadrons are restricted to that school’s
pupils only
Detached Flights
Squadrons
Typical Squadron Structure
Commanding Officer
Squadron Warrant Officer
Commissioned Officers *
Civilian Instructional
Staff
No 1 Flight No 2 Flight Recruits
Squadron NCOs (Adult &
Cadet)
Squadron Committee
Squadron Padre
* including
Squadron Adjutant
Training Officer
Supply Officer
Band Officer
Sports Officer
Wing Headquarters
• Full-time staff of 3• Volunteer staff Officers• Commanded by a volunteer Wing Commander• Has a Civilian Committee and a Padre
Detached Flights
Squadrons
Wings
What is the name of your Wing and Wing
Commander?
Wing Structure
Wing Commander
Specialisation Staff
(Sqn Ldr’s & Flt Lt’s)
Area Staff Officers
(Sqn Ldr’s)
Wing Headquarters Staff
Duke of Edinburgh’s
Public Relations
Ground Training
Adventure Training
Sports
Music
28 Squadrons & Detached Flights
Wing Executive Officer (Sqn Ldr)
Administration Officer
Administration Assistant
Region Headquarters
• Full-time staff of 4• Volunteer staff officers• Commanded by a RAFVR Group Captain• Has a Civilian Committee and a Padre
Detached Flights
Squadrons
Wings
Regions
What is the name of your Region and Regional
Commandant?
LONDONLONDON& SOUTH EAST& SOUTH EASTLONDONLONDON& SOUTH EAST& SOUTH EAST
CENTRAL & EASTCENTRAL & EASTCENTRAL & EASTCENTRAL & EASTWALESWALES
&&WESTWEST
WALESWALES&&
WESTWEST
NORTHNORTHNORTHNORTH
SCOTLAND &SCOTLAND &N IRELANDN IRELAND
SOUTH WESTSOUTH WESTSOUTH WESTSOUTH WEST
ATC Regions
HQ Air CadetsHQ Air CadetsRAFC CranwellRAFC CranwellHQ Air CadetsHQ Air CadetsRAFC CranwellRAFC Cranwell
Headquarters Air Cadets
• Based at RAF College Cranwell
• Large full-time staff
• Commanded by a regular RAF Air Commodore
• Currently, this is Air Commodore
• B Cooper. RAF.
Detached Flights
Squadrons
Wings
Regions
HQ Air Cadets
Air Commodore in Chief
• HRH Duke of Edinburgh• Mainly Ceremonial role
Any Questions?