Cadets
Cadet: A gentleman who carries arms in a regiment, as a volunteer, with a view of acquiring military skill and obtaining a commission.
Perhaps that definition is a bit old fashioned but its got some points. A cadet is the ATC is a young person who voluntarily learns military skills such as shooting, flying, gliding, fieldcraft etc. The opportunities really are endless!
Boys and girls can start to attend from the age of 13 and are eligible to be enrolled from 13 and 3 months. During these 3 'probationary' months, they will be taught the basic principles of foot drill, the history of the ATC and RAF, information about their Squadron, Wing and Region, and how to safely fire a .22 rifle, whilst being monitored by SNCOs and Staff.
After completion of those, the Commanding Officer will enrole the 'probationer' and they will become a fully-fledged Cadet. From there, they can undertake in 9 out of 10 of the activities offered by the ATC.
"I, Forenames & Surname do hereby solemnly promise on my honour to serve my Unit loyally and to be faithful to my obligations as a member of the Air Training Corps. I further promise to be a good citizen and to do my duty to God and the Queen, my Country and my Flag." (Note that while the oath suggests that the ATC is a Christian organisation, it is in fact multicultural and is governed by the same strict rules dealing with racism as the RAF) Cadet Rank Structure The cadet rank structure is almost the same as the RAF rank structure. When you join the ATC and have been officially enrolled, you will become a Cadet. From this, you have the opportunity to be promoted to a JNCO (Junior Non-Commissioned Officer) rank, and then possibly into or SNCO (Senior Non-Commissioned Officer) rank. 
Upon enrolment to the ATC, each and every cadet has to make the cadet promise shown below.This will usually be whilst on parade, and in the presence of the squadron Commanding Officer. They will also be required to sign the promise in their Cadet Record of Service Book (3822 or Blue Book):
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Cadet
Cadet is the first rank given to someone having officially enrolled.
For more information about Uniform Maintenance, Drill and more, go to our Cadet Help page . . .
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JNCO - Corporal
Click here to see the JNCOs at our Squadron
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SNCO - Sergeant, Flight Sergeant, Cadet Warrant Officer
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Junior Non-Commissioned Officers in Cadet terms, is the Rank of Corporal (CPL). As a Cadet Corporal, you will be expected to have passed the Leading classification, have a good understanding of drill, have good leadership skills plus many other skills.
SNCOs, or Senior Non-Commissioned Officers are Cadets with the rank of Sergeant, Flight Sergeant or Cadet Warrant Officer. As a SNCO, you will be expected to have a wide knowledge of all aspects of Cadet life and help with the running of the Squadron. You will also be expected to have obtained the Senior or Staff classification.
Classifications
During your time as a Cadet, you will also have to take a few exams so that you can gain classifications which will go towards a recognised qualification (BTEC in Aviation Studies) after completing Staff.
Click here to go to our Classifications page.