Cadet NCOs
Every cadet will work their way through the various stages of classification training and, hopefully, all cadets will eventually reach the level of Master Air Cadet. However, it is not the same with the Cadet rank structure. Promotion to a Cadet Non-Commissioned Officer (Cdt NCO) role is only awarded as a result of selection by the Squadron Commander and the number of cadets that can be promoted is limited. For example, a typical Squadron of 30-40 Cadets has established posts for just 10 NCOs. It is therefore considered a great privilege to be selected for promotion, and competition can be intense.
In general, every Cadet Warrant Officer (CWO) and Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) in the Corps is expected to:
In general, every Cadet Warrant Officer (CWO) and Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) in the Corps is expected to:
- Bear an appropriate share of responsibility for the morale, discipline and control of all cadets junior to them.
- Show pride in the Corps and take an active interest in its good name and efficiency.
- Be smart in appearance and set a high standard of personal behaviour.
Cadet Corporal
The first rank a cadet may achieve is Cadet Corporal. Cadet Corporals are known as Junior NCOs (JNCOs). Suitable candidates are selected by the Squadron Commander (who may set additional requirements) and must successfully complete a potential NCO course. As a minimum, a Cadet Corporal should be able to:
Typically a Cadet Corporal will:
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Cadet Sergeant
Cadets who excel in the role of Cadet Corporal may be selected for further promotion to Cadet Sergeant .This is the first Senior NCO (SNCO) rank. Suitable candidates are selected by the Squadron Commander (who may set additional requirements). In addition to the requirements for Cadet Corporal, a Cadet Sergeant should be able to:
Typically a Cadet Sergeant will:
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Cadet Flight Sergeant
A Cadet Flight Sergeant should possess all of the same qualities as a Cadet Sergeant but to a greater extent and should display a level of maturity above that of other cadets of the same age. Suitable candidates are initially selected by the Squadron Commander and are then interviewed by a Wing Staff Officer (WSO). If the WSO feels that the candidate is suitable, they will be promoted to the rank of Cadet Flight Sergeant.
Typically a Cadet Flight Sergeant will:
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Cadet Warrant Officer
The highest rank a cadet can achieve is Cadet Warrant Officer. A CWO is a junior manager and should possess outstanding ability and personal qualities. A CWO should also have a wide experience of RAFAC activities and have a thorough knowledge of the organisation of the Corps. Service as a CWO gives excellent experience for possible subsequent adult uniformed service.
To be eligible for promotion to CWO, a Cadet must be aged 18+ and have attained the Master Air Cadet Classification. Suitable candidates are selected by the Squadron Commander and must then pass a selection board interview at Wing Headquarters. The selection board president is usually the Wing Commandant and they are joined by two other members who can be either WSOs or experienced Squadron Commanders. |
Staff Cadet
Cadets who reach the age of 18 are legally adults and as such have a duty of care over younger cadets. They are expected to intervene as an adult, regardless of rank, should the situation warrant it.
To aid them in the transition from child to adult, they must complete the RAFAC Adult Volunteer Induction Package (AVIP) which outlines their role and legal responsibilities and undergo a disclosure check through the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme. All cadets aged 18+ wear rank slides embroidered with the title 'STAFF CADET' in addition to their rank. This makes their adult status immediately visible to both cadets and staff. |