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?