Ranks of the Royal Air Force Air Cadets

  • Acting Pilot Officer

    (A/Plt Off)

    This is a training rank for use by newly-commissioned officers in the Royal Air Force Air Cadets.

  • Pilot Officer

    (Plt Off)

    Following the completion of mandatory training and courses, a newly-commissioned officer will become substantive in rank.

  • Flying Officer

    (Fg Off)

    This rank is used following 2 years of service in the rank of pilot officer and is held by an officer without appointment as a squadron commander, or other such appointment in the local wing.

  • Flight Lieutenant

    (Flt Lt)

    This rank is held by squadron commanders in the Air Training Corps, as well as a number of wing staff officer (WSO) roles in the local wing.

  • Squadron Leader

    (Sqn Ldr)

    This rank is held by select wing staff officers (WSOs) with significant responsibilities in the wider area, and by sector commanders. Occasionally, it is held by officers commanding particularly large squadrons..

  • Wing Commander

    (Wg Cdr)

    This rank is held by the officer responsible for the wing. In our local area, this is Wg Cdr David Waters, Officer Commanding Central & East Yorkshire Wing.

  • Acting Sergeant

    (A/Sgt)

    This is a training rank for use by newly-enlisted senior non-commissioned officers (SNCOs) in the Royal Air Force Air Cadets.

  • Sergeant

    (Sgt)

    Following the completion of mandatory training and courses, a newly-enlisted SNCO will become substantive in rank.

  • Flight Sergeant

    (FS)

    This rank is used following 4 years of service in the rank of sergeant.

  • Warrant Officer

    (WO)

    This rank is used following 4 years of service in the rank of flight sergeant. It is also used by those holding specific appointments, such as wing warrant officer.

  • Sergeant Aircrew

    (Sgt) Aircrew

    As above, but held by a SNCO whose primary role is on a volunteer gliding squadron (VGS).

  • Flight Sergeant Aircrew

    (FS) Aircrew

    As above, but held by a SNCO whose primary role is on a volunteer gliding squadron (VGS).

  • Warrant Officer Aircrew

    (WO) Aircrew

    As above, but held by a SNCO whose primary role is on a volunteer gliding squadron (VGS).

  • Cadet Corporal

    (Cdt Cpl)

    The first rank available to a cadet suitable for promotion.

    On 1324 Squadron, cadet corporals are responsible for a section of 4-6 cadets and take the lead on an activity.

  • Cadet Sergeant

    (Cdt Sgt)

    The second rank available to a cadet suitable for further promotion.

    On 1324 Squadron, cadet sergeants are responsible for a flight of 8-12 cadets and are responsible for their corporals, as well as leading the planning for our annual formal events.

  • Cadet Flight Sergeant

    (Cdt FS)

    The third rank available to a cadet suitable for further promotion.

    On 1324 Squadron, cadet flight sergeants are responsible for a specific staff function, such as outreach, training, or recruits. These roles serve as key development positions on the squadron.

  • Cadet Warrant Officer

    (CWO)

    The final rank available only to the most capable cadets, and is the gift of OC C&E Yorks Wg.

    On 1324 Squadron, CWOs act either as Squadron Warrant Officer (SWO) or adjutant (adjt), if longer serving. These roles provide essential staff support to the squadron commander.

  • Cadet

    (Cdt)

    Worn by a cadet of 18-20 years of age.

  • Cadet Corporal

    (Cdt Cpl)

    As above, but worn by a cadet of 18-20 years of age.

  • Cadet Sergeant

    (Cdt Sgt)

    As above, but worn by a cadet of 18-20 years of age.

  • Cadet Flight Sergeant

    (Cdt FS)

    As above, but worn by a cadet of 18-20 years of age.

  • Cadet Warrant Officer

    (CWO)

    As cadets (in the ATC) can only be promoted to the rank of CWO upon turning 18, you will only ever see this rank insignia accompanied by the words “staff cadet”.