Find out about
CADET CLASSIFICATIONS
in the Air Training Corps
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There are four different cadet classification (or grade) badges that show what stage of training a cadet has completed. The training is progressive and designed to give you the necessary skills and knowledge to be able to more fully take part in the other activities available to you. Training will vary between formal lessons, hands-on projects and plenty of outdoors activities.

The technical training is based around providing ground training in preparation and support of your flying and gliding activities. it will help your piloting skills immensely if you know why aeroplanes can stay up in the sky and how the engine or radio works. Many cadets find that the ground training syllabus is one of the more interesting and useful aspects of their training.

Want some help on the training for each classification?  Go to the Resources page for the various manuals and past exam papers.

BTEC in Aviation Studies

We now offer a BTEC in Aviation Studies to cadets who successfully complete the training syllabus. This nationally recognised qualification (can be used as a science requirement for RAF entry) will be a great addition to your CV upon leaving school/college, whatever career you wish to pursue. What is more, you will have loads of fun whilst completing it with your ATC mates on the Squadron.

The classification badge is worn on the uniform brassard (armband), apart from the yellow lanyard, which is worn on the left shoulder. These are shown at right:

Diploma in Public Services

This BTEC is available to any cadet between the ages of 16 and 19 years of age. The cadet may take up to two years from registration to complete the award and qualifying activity prior to registration can be considered. The minimum requirements to gain a pass grade (equivalent to 4 GCSE at C Grade) are: Bronze DEA, Leading Cadet, pass an NCO course, attend a blue or green residential camp, plus two adventurous activities, deliver a short presentation or talk, and finally complete a project work book on the Services. During the course cadets: prepare CV's; learn about fitness and food; how to apply for jobs and gain interview skills - all valuable life skills.

First Class Cadet

Until you are a First Class Cadet, you will be known as a Basic Cadet. Basic training is designed to give you the skills and knowledge you will need before attending RAF Stations and joining in the full activities of the Squadron. The exam is multiple choice and you will be given a lot of help from the staff. You will study the following subjects:

• History of the ATC
• History of the RAF
• Airmanship I
• History of Flight
• The Rifle
• Map Reading
• Communications
• Initial Expedition Training
• First Aid
• Drill

Leading Cadet

First Class Cadets undertake training towards becoming a Leading Cadet. During this training, you will be learning the principles of navigating using a map and compass. You will also be learning how aircraft fly and what makes helicopters stay in the air. The subjects involved are:

• Basic Navigation
• Principles of Flight
• Airmanship II