Training To Be An Air Cadet

Welcome to the Training page. Here you will find an introduction to life in the ATC and a description of the different ranks and classifications attainable within the Air Cadets. There are also other qualifications that you can train for that are nationally recognised, such as the BTEC In Public Services. More information on these qualifications is avaliable when you join.

You can join the Air Cadets from your 13^th birthday. During your time with the Air Cadets, you will take part in many exciting activites, from range shooting to glider flying. You will also have the chance to be involved in a lot of other activities, such as the annual Witham Carnival and Rememberance Sunday Parade. Who else lets you do all of these activities for only £1.50 per week? You are provided with your uniform with a £5 deposit, which is returned to you when you leave, providing your uniform is in good enough condition.

The Classifications

Probationer

When you turn up for your first parade night, one of the members of staff will give you a form to fill in your address, phone numbers etc. When you return this form, you are then a Probationer.

First Class Cadet

To be eligible to sit the First Class Cadet examination cadets must be enrolled and must have completed the syllabus for the subjects. The syllabus for the First Class classification is as follows:

History of the ATC, History of the RAF, The Rifle, Initial Expedition Training, Communications, Map Reading, History Of Flight, Airmanship I, Basic Drill and First Aid (optional).

Leading Cadet

This is the next stage from First Class. To be eligible to sit the Leading Cadet examinations, a cadet must have been appointed as a First Class Cadet and have completed the appropriate syllabus training including at least 25 hours of project work. The subjects for the Leading Cadet exam are:

Basic Navigation, Principles Of Flight and Airmanship II.

Senior Cadet

To be eligible to sit the Senior Cadet examinations, a cadet must have been appointed as a Leading Cadet and have completed the appropriate syllabus training including a further 25 hours (or more) of project work. For the Senior Cadet exam, you must take two of the following subjects:

Air Navigation,Propulsion, Aircraft Handling or Advanced Radio & Radar. Preferably, these are in the same subject area as the subjects that you took for your Leading Cadet exams.

Staff Cadet

As a Senior Cadet you will undertake training towards becoming a "Staff" Cadet. This is the highest classification a Cadet can complete. The classification is divided into two parts, Staff Part 1 and Staff Part 2, and each has to be completed to pass out as a Staff Cadet. To be eligible to sit either Part 1 or Part 2 of the Staff Cadet examination, cadets must have:

Reached the age of at least 15 years 6 months.
Completed at least 2 years enrolled service.
Attended at least one Corps annual camp.
Completed the Staff Cadet syllabus including approved citizenship training and a further 25 hours (or more) of project training.
Completed the First Class Shot Test within the last 12 months.

The Ranks

	Corporal
	Seargent
	Flight Seargent
	Cadet Warrant Officer