WHAT IS THE ATC?

The Air Training Corps (ATC) is a national, uniformed youth organisation, open to young people aged 13 to 20.  It is supported by the Royal Air Force.

The Corps has its headquarters at RAF College Cranwell and is split nationally into 6 geographically based Regions, which are divided into a total of 36 Wings. Wings are comprised of Squadrons and Detached Flights.

¤     1582 Squadron is part of Essex Wing, based at Carver Barracks, near Saffron Walden

¤     1582 Squadron is one of 26 squadrons and 2 detached flights in Essex Wing

¤     Essex Wing is part of London and South-East Region, based at RAF Northolt

The Aims of the Air Training Corps as laid down in our Royal Warrant, are in essence :

Ø      To promote an interest in aviation

Ø      Provide training useful in civilian and service life

Ø      Foster the spirit of adventure, encourage leadership and good citizenship

These aims are provided for by providing progressive training in aviation related subjects, encouraging participation in variety of activities including adventure training, flying, gliding and citizenship activities, and developing personal qualities such as self-discipline, initiative, resourcefulness and the ability to work as a member of a team

CLASSIFICATIONS

A newly joined cadet will receive instruction in :

v      The Air Training Corps and Royal Air Force (history and organisation)

v      Airmanship

v      History of flight

v      Weapon training

v      Adventure training

v      Map reading

v      Foot-drill

The training culminates in a multi-choice exam and practical tests.

The training programme then moves to progressive instruction under the broad subject headings of : 

Ø      Navigation

Ø      Aircraft Operation

Ø      Flight

Ø      Communications

These subject headings form the basis of the Corps’ classification system of Leading, Senior and Staff Cadet.  Apart from passing nationally set multiple choice examinations at each level, cadets must (in order to successfully complete each classification stage) show achievement in project work and have taken part in citizenship training. 

“Formal” Qualifications

On passing part one of the Staff Cadet examination cadets are awarded a BTEC in Aviation Studies.  This is equivalent to a grade C science GCSE.

Once a cadet has passed the highest classification stage (Staff Cadet), they assist with the instruction and training of younger cadets, and, or, assigned to a member of staff to assist them in their duties, or given other responsibilities on the squadron.

There is the opportunity from the age of 16 to gain a BTEC First Diploma in Public Services, which leads to a 4 GCSE equivalent.  This essentially builds on the experience gained and activities undertaken as a cadet.  It comprises of several parts including a written project, interview and writing a CV, among others.

Therefore as an Air Cadet you can gain up to 5 GCSE equivalents, essentially just by being a member of the Corps.  These would provide an interesting talking point among the usual qualifications on a CV.

RANK STRUCTURE

Separate from the classification structure, the Corps has a cadet rank structure, Corporal, Sergeant, Flight Sergeant and Cadet Warrant Officer.  Promotion through the ranks is based on a combination of ability, knowledge and commitment.  NCO’s regardless of rank will also be expected to carry out duties and take on responsibilities, in line with their rank and experience.

Beyond the age of 18 a cadet must be a Sergeant, attended a minimum of a Junior NCO course and a course set by the Corps which gives advice and information on the responsibilities of an adult in the Corps.  Cadets over 18 are called “Instructor Cadets” and wear a white tape with their rank slides.  These cadets can stay in the Corps until they are 20; all others have to leave at 18.  Instructor Cadets can undertake many of the courses open to adult staff, some of which lead to nationally recognised qualifications, which means as cadets they are able to run some activities on the squadron.

THE AIR CADETS ~ WHAT CAN YOU DO?  

Cadets are given the opportunity to participate in many activities :-

Almost all activities, with the exception of camps and adventure training activities, cost nothing.  Uniform is also provided free of charge.  The only regular cost are weekly subscriptions.

Powered Flying : This involves flights in dual-control aircraft (Grob Tutor), with progressive handling of the controls.  There is an opportunity for advanced training and solo flying if a cadet is awarded a course under the Flying Scholarship scheme.  Cadets are also given the opportunity to fly in a range of military and civilian aircraft. 

Gliding : Gliding starts with a Gliding Induction Course leading to, from 16 years of age (subject to passing a medical) the opportunity to undertake a Gliding Scholarship (GS).  Completing a GS requires successfully flying a glider solo.  Advanced Gliding Training is available in which training in advanced gliding techniques is given.  Cadets can advance to gliding instructor level. The ATC operates the largest fleet of gliders in the world.

Duke Of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme (DEA) :  The ATC is the largest single participating organisation in the country.  ATC achievements and activities count towards the skills, service, expedition and residential requirements of the scheme.  The ATC is the largest operating DEA authority in the country.

Adventurous Training Activities :  Including - hill-walking, camping, canoeing, abseiling, rock climbing, parachuting, skiing among others.

Sports : The Corps holds sporting competitions in football & rugby (boys), netball & hockey (girls), swimming, cross-country running and athletics (both sexes).  Sport representation is at Squadron, Wing, Region and Corps levels in different age groups.

Shooting : Weapon training forms part of the syllabus and successful completion of the training leads to target shooting, for which marksmanship badges are awarded.  Cadets who have excellent marksmanship skills can be selected to shoot at Bisley.

Residential Camps : At RAF stations in the UK and abroad, which are used to consolidate squadron training.  Although not strictly camps there is the opportunity to take part in the International Air Cadet Exchange (IACE), where Air Cadets from all over the world visit their compatriots in other countries.

Residential Courses : There are also opportunities to attend courses in leadership, interpersonal skills, sports and adventure training activities.

A lot of activities take place at the weekend; also there are camps of a week’s duration at RAF stations and adventure training activities during school holidays.  Cadets are encouraged to be involved in the local community, fund raising activities and supervised collections for the Royal British Legion Poppy and Royal Air Force Association Wings Appeals.

The Corps encourages the development of personal qualities such as : self-confidence, self-discipline, self-motivation, leadership skills, use of initiative, public speaking and team-working, some or all of which are becoming more common as an informal requirement in the workplace.

A cadet’s activities and achievements can be summarised on a National Record of Achievement insert, prepared by Headquarters Air Cadets.  This is provided on request, and completed in consultation with a member of staff.  This is in addition to the cadet’s Record of Service book, which gives greater details of achievements and activities.

Although the ATC has a connection to its parent service, the RAF, cadets are under no obligation, or pressure to join the armed services.  Those that express a desire to join the armed services are given guidance and encouragement.