Air Training Corps
Corps badge
Active	1941 – present
Country	United Kingdom
Branch	Royal Air Force (sponsor)
Type	Volunteer youth organisation
Role	Youth development military aviation education and training
Size	952 squadrons 34,070 cadets 9,190 adult volunteers
Part of	Royal Air Force Air Cadets
Headquarters	RAF Cranwell
Nickname	ATC
Patron	The Princess of Wales[1]
Motto	Venture Adventure
March	The Air Cadets March
Anniversaries	ATC Sunday (First Sunday of February, celebrating the formation of the ATC)
Website	www.raf.mod.uk/aircadets
Commanders
Commandant Air Cadets	Air Commodore Al Lewis[2]
Warrant Officer	Warrant Officer Donna Hall
Honorary Ambassador	Wing Commander Emma Wolstenholme[3]
Air Commodore-in-Chief	The Princess of Wales
Insignia
Ensign
Aircraft flown
Trainer	Tutor T1 Viking T1

TheAir Training Corps (ATC) is a Britishvolunteer youth organisation; aligned to, and fostering the knowledge and learning of military values, primarily focusing onmilitary aviation. Part of theRoyal Air Force Air Cadets (RAFAC), the ATC is sponsored by theRoyal Air Force (RAF) and the widerMinistry of Defence (MoD). The majority of Air Training Corps staff are volunteers, though some staff are paid for full-time work;^[4] includingCommandant Air Cadets, who is aRoyal Air Force officer as part of aFull Term Reserve Service commitment.^[5]

Members of the Air Training Corps are known as Air Cadets, which is often interchanged with the term 'ATC cadets'. Although many ATC cadets subsequently go on to join the Royal Air Force, or the other branches of theBritish Armed Forces (or have the desire to do so), the ATC is not a recruiting organisation for its parent service (the Royal Air Force).^[6]

Activities undertaken by the Air Training Corps include sport,adventure training (such as walking and paddle-sports),ceremonial drill, rifle shooting, fieldcraft, air experience flights in both powered aircraft and sail-plane gliders, and other outdoor activities, as well as educational classification training. Week-long trips, or 'camps' toRAF stations, along with other camps offering adventure training or music, allow the opportunity for cadets to gain a taste of military life, and often some flying experience in RAF gliders and RAF training aircraft such as theGrob G 115,^[7] an aerobatic-capable elementary flying training aircraft, known in UK military service as the Tutor T1. The Viking T1 glider is used to train cadets on gliding the manufacturer name for the Viking T1 is the Grob G103a Twin II, manufactured by Grob.^[8]

As of 1 April 2023^[update], the ATC strength is 34,070 cadets (30% female) and 9,190 adult volunteers (30% female).^[9]

Air CommodoreSir John Chamier is affectionately known as the 'father of the air cadet movement'.^[10] He joined theRoyal Flying Corps (RFC), the forerunner of the Royal Air Force, where he served as a pilot inWorld War I. He transferred to theRoyal Air Force (RAF) upon its formation in 1918. After retiring from the service in 1929, Chamier becameSecretary-General of theAir League; an organisation made up of people who wanted to make the British public aware of the importance ofmilitary aviation.^[11]

The purpose of theAir Defence Cadet Corps (ADCC), set up in 1938 by Air Commodore Chamier, was to train young men in various aviation-related skills.^[12] The ADCC proved popular, with thousands joining up. In 1941, to provide the means of giving part-time air training to teenagers and young men who might later join the Royal Air Force, the ADCC was formally established as the Air Training Corps byRoyal Warrant.^[13]

On 5 February 1941; 84 years ago (1941-02-05), theAir Training Corps (ATC) was officially established, withKing George VI agreeing to be the Air Commodore-in-Chief, and issuing aRoyal Warrant setting out the Corps' aims.^[13] Within the first month of its existence, the size of the old ADCC, now the ATC, virtually doubled to more than 400squadrons, and continued to grow thereafter. A newbadge was designed for the ATC and, once approved by the King, was distributed in August 1941. The motto 'Venture Adventure', devised by Air Commodore Chamier, was adopted by the ATC and incorporated into the badge.^[14]

The new ATC squadrons adopted training programmes to prepare young men for entry into the Royal Air Force. Squadrons arranged visits to RAF andFleet Air Arm stations as part of the cadets' training, where a flight might be a possibility. Such opportunities were not widely available, however, and many cadets were disappointed. One solution was to introduce opportunities forflying, as a way to allow a cadet to get the feel of an aircraft in flight and to handle an aircraft's controls whilst airborne. After the end of the Second World War, gliding lessons became available.^[15]

Before the 1980s, females were unable to join the ATC, although they were able to join an attached unit of theGirls Venture Corps (GVC) which had been formed in the early years of theSecond World War, if one was available at their location.^[16]

Before May 2008, cadets would spend a lot of time in the classroom before obtaining First Class classification, studying the following subjects: The Air Training Corps, The Royal Air Force, History of Flight, Initial Expedition Training, Basic Communications, and Airmanship I. After many lectures, and when the cadet felt ready, they would take a multiple-choice examination, either on paper or on a computer. Somewings ran courses that would involve the cadet spending a few days learning, and then awarded the appropriate classification if successful in their exams. In May 2008, Headquarters Air Cadets (HQAC) decided to change the training programme for junior and second class cadets, sensing that recruits were being deterred by exams. In March 2016, after a review of the then current training syllabus, the new 'Progressive Training Syllabus' was introduced, which provided for four levels of each badge (blue, bronze, silver, and gold).^[17][18]

In 2012, payouts made to victims ofsexual abuse by the MOD, across all Cadet Forces, totalled £1,475,844. The payouts in 2013 totalled £64,782, and £544,213 in 2014.^[19]

In 2017, aBBC Panorama episode entitled 'Cadet Abuse Cover-Up' highlighted sexual abuse cases in the British Cadet Forces.^[20] Through the years 2012 to 2017, there were 134 allegations of sexual abuse made against ATC volunteers, including historical allegations; 96 cases were referred to the Police for investigation, and 9 offenders were dismissed.^[20]

Until October 2017, advertising material such as leaflets and official websites branded the Air Training Corps andCombined Cadet Force collectively as theAir Cadet Organisation (ACO). This term was replaced by theRoyal Air Force Air Cadets (RAFAC).^[21]

The United Kingdom is split into six regions (akin to the former geographicgroups of the RAF), each commanded by a Full-Time ReserveGroup Captain^[22] in the RAF Reserves, and having a Regional Chairman and Regional Chaplain. Each region is sub-divided into manywings. There were historically six wings per region, however, as of 2013 there were 34 wings, most named after the one or twocounties of the United Kingdom that they operate in. Wings are further sub-divided into sectors. Within the sectors lie squadrons, and it is the squadron that is the focal point for the majority of members of the Corps. As of October 2025, there were over 1,000 ATC squadrons.^[23]

• Central & East Region^[24]
• London and South East Region (LaSER)^[25]
• North Region^[26]
• Scotland & Northern Ireland Region^[27]
• South West Region^[28]
• Wales & West Region^[29]

Air Training Corps, Rothes.

Albion Road, London N16 – Air Training Corps, Army Cadet Force. These premises have been used by the Air Training Corps (ATC) and Army Cadets for training since at least 1940.

The HQ of 1465 (Gwynedd) Air Training Corps in Dale Street.

ATC 300 (Axholme) Sqn. The ATC training centre is located in the grounds of Axholme school, on Wharf Road.

Headquarters Royal Air Force Air Cadets (HQ RAFAC, formerly Headquarters Air Cadets or HQAC) is based atRAF Cranwell inLincolnshire, England. There are subordinate headquarters at region and wing levels, staffed by RAF and RAFAC officers^{[note 1]} and civil servants. HQ RAFAC controls two National Air Cadet Adventure Training Centres (NACATC): atFairbourne, Gwynedd, Wales (currently closed); andWindermere, Cumbria, England.^[30] These NACATCs provide a range ofadventure training courses and accommodation for squadron and wing expeditions. HQ RAFAC also controls (as of 2023^[update]) twelveVolunteer Gliding Squadrons (VGS) around the UK, through the Air Cadet Central Gliding School atRAF Syerston.^[31]

ATC squadrons are established in most large towns in the United Kingdom. There are also ATC units in Cyprus, Germany,Gibraltar, theChannel Islands, and theIsle of Man. In towns not large enough to sustain a squadron of 30 cadets, or as a supplement to an existing squadron in a larger town or city, a Detached Flight (DF) may be formed. A detachedflight operates much like any other unit, but is a component part of a nearby, larger squadron. As of October 2025^[update], there were over 1,000 ATC squadrons.^[23]

AnOfficer Commanding (OC) a squadron is typically aflight lieutenant (RAFAC). If a squadron commanded by anSNCO,warrant officer,pilot officer, orflying officer, they are referred to as Officer in Charge (OIC) (unless they have completed their Squadron Commanders Course atRAF Cranwell, then they retain the title of Officer Commanding). Officers were previously appointed in theRoyal Air Force Volunteer Reserve (Training Branch) RAFVR(T), but now receive a Cadet Forces Commission, introduced in 2017.^[32]

A Civilian Committee (or 'CivCom') underpins all local funding that the RAF centrally cannot provide beyond core services for an individual squadron.^[33] The RAFAC (ATC) is itself not acharitable organisation, and is not itself alegal entity, and so has no official legal status. That defers to the MOD. For this and other reasons, the trustees within each Civilian Committee are required to be responsible for, and accountable for, the charitable fundraising of the squadron. As with any charity, three officers (chairperson, Secretary and Treasurer) are elected at anannual general meeting (AGM), possibly with the addition of a deputy chairperson, and then exist as an independent group to raise and manage funds in a lawful manner in accordance with the Charities Act.^[34]

A Civilian Committee is responsible for overseeing the initial unit formation and direction, and will monitor the welfare of cadets. Civilian committees often include parents of cadets and retired ATC staff. Many squadron charities decide to operate against the RAFAC document known as ACP-11,^[35] which has been the traditional constitution. However, there is no requirement to do so, as long as the civilian committee establishes a constitution with acceptable charitable object statements; these may be similar to those in ACP-11. The Charity Commission has produced a model constitutions for this purpose.^[36]

The aims of the Air Training Corps, as set out in theRoyal Warrant and approved byKing George VI in 1947, are:^[37]

• To promote and encourage among young men a practical interest in aviation and to fit them to serve their country in Our Air Force, its reserves and auxiliaries, and also in the Air Branch of Our Navy or in Our Army;
• To provide training which will be useful both in the Air Service and in civil life;
• To foster the spirit of adventure, to promote sports and pastimes in healthy rivalry and to develop the qualities of mind and body which go to the making of a leader and a good citizen.

The corps'motto is 'Venture, Adventure'.^[10]

Upon enrolment into the Air Training Corps, every cadet has to make the following promise, usually at a ceremony presided over by the unit'spadre or commanding officer:

"I, *Full Name*, 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 King, my Country and my Flag."^[38]

The Air Training Corps Ensign is a flag, bearing the yellow falcon of the Air Training Corps with the motto below, which was authorised in June 1941.^[39]

All cadets are issued with a uniform that is derived fromthat worn by RAF personnel, and are regulated by dress regulations known as ACP 1358. Cadets primarily wear one of three uniforms:^[40]

• No. 2A (Full) Service Dress -AKA 'Best Blues'— consisting of a light blue (Wedgewood) shirt and black tie, a blue V-neck wool jumper, abrassard, blue-grey trousers or skirt / slacks, and an RAF blue beret with an Air Training Corps cap badge. The jumper is removed in variationNo. 2A (Long Sleeved) Service Dress.
• No. 2C Service Dress — AKA 'Working/Dark Blues'- as above, but replacing the light blue shirt and tie with a dark blue shirt, worn with the top button undone. May be worn with or without the jumper.
• No. 3 Service Dress - Field Clothing — AKA 'Greens/Combats'- consisting of eitherCS95 orPCS-MTP field clothing.

In No. 3 Service Dress staff and cadets wearTactical Recognition Flashes (TRF) on the right arm, formerly Officers wore theRAF tactical recognition flash, Adult Warrant Officers and Senior Non-Commissioned Officers wore the RAFAC Staff formation flash, and cadets wore RAFAC Cadet formation flash consisting of the former Air Cadets logo above the RAF logo in subdued colours on a green background.^[41] In 2024 the RAF Air Cadets adopted a new Tactical Recognition Flash (TRF) which features an eagle and the lettering "RAF" above the eagle, and "AIR CADETS" below the eagle all in gold, against the RAF TRF background. This new TRF is worn by all members of the organisation, staff and cadets.^[42]

The first fifty Air Training Corps squadrons that were formed retain an 'F' to show they are 'founder' squadrons, e.g., 10F (Luton) Squadron, 48F (Hampstead) Squadron, or 1F (City of Leicester) Squadron.^[43]

ATC activities which include annual camps, in the UK and overseas, are intended to help develop teamwork as well as leadership skills.^[44]

One large annual camp is theRoyal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) camp held annually in July for the majorairshow atRAF Fairford. Each year, cadets aged above 16 years and their staff spend between one and three weeks, carrying out essential work in the preparation, and the subsequent taking-down of the infrastructure for RIAT.^[45]

Air Training Corps squadrons each have a chance annually to win the two most prized trophies in the corps. The SirAlan Lees trophy is awarded by the commandant Air Training Corps to the squadron with the best statistics and overall impression when inspected. The Morris Trophy is awarded to one of the six regional candidates upon inspection by the commandant.^[46]

The Foster Trophy is awarded to the cadet who has achieved the highest academic results in the entire corps over their time in the Air Training Corps, after finishing the cadet syllabus that leads to a BTEC Level 2 Certificate in Aviation Studies. In addition, there are also trophies presented annually by theRoyal Air Forces Association (RAFA). These trophies include the 'Sir Douglas Bader Wings Appeal Trophy' for the ATC squadron collecting the most money on a per capita basis, the squadron achieving second place is awarded the 'Sir Augustus Walker Trophy'. The 'Sir Robert Saundby Trophy' is awarded for collecting the highest net Wings Appeal amount.^[57]

The Quinton Memorial Trophy is a national award presented annually to the adultnon-commissioned officer (NCO) who has gained the top academic results in thesenior non-commissioned officer (SNCO) initial courses held at the Air Cadet Adult Training Facility,Royal Air Force College Cranwell (RAFC). This trophy is named in honour of Flight LieutenantJohn Quinton.^{[note 2][58]}

Young people who have begun their 2nd year of Secondary School (Year 8), and are under 16 3/4 years old can join the Air Training Corps (ATC). They are initially given the title 'Junior Cadet', and can go along to most squadron (or flight) meetings to get a feel for the ATC. Enrolment confers the status of Second Class Cadet, and upon completion of the First Class syllabus, they become First Class Cadets and receive their First Class badge to be worn on theirbrassard. As cadets become more experienced within the Air Training Corps (ATC), and if suitable, they can bepromoted by their squadron's commanding officer (CO) to the status of cadetnon-commissioned officers (NCOs). These ranks includeCorporal,Sergeant,Flight Sergeant and CadetWarrant Officer.^[59]

The Cadet NCO ranks within the ATC mirror those of the RAF's non-technical / non-flying trades, and are, in descending order of seniority:^[59]

Air Training Corps v t e											No insignia
		Cadet Warrant Officer			Cadet Flight Sergeant	Cadet Sergeant	Cadet Corporal				Cadet
		CWO			Cdt FS	Cdt Sgt	Cdt Cpl				Cdt

It is common within the ATC to abbreviate these ranks by dropping the prefix 'cadet'. Cadet Warrant Officers are not addressed as 'Sir' or 'Ma'am', but as 'Cadet Warrant Officer' or informally as 'CWO' (pronounced 'si', 'wəʊ', or alternatively as an acronym), the former being preferred by cadets and staff, in order to reduce ambiguity with the adult substantive rank ofWarrant Officer. This is the only rank in the Corps to accommodate the 'Cadet' prefix upon being referred to by members of the Corps.^[60]

Whilst not all cadets who join the Air Training Corps (ATC) will be eligible forpromotion, all cadets can progress through the (ATC) training system and, by passing exams, achieve different classifications. The classification levels areJunior Cadet,Second Class Cadet (this is automatically achieved on enrolment),First Class Cadet,Leading Cadet,Senior Cadet, andMaster Air Cadet.^{[59][note 3]}

The Method of Instruction course is not a classification as such, but rather a qualification. This allows them to teach other cadets a variety of subjects. Although this is not compulsory, ATC Wings ordinarily feed this hand-in-hand with the Staff Cadet Course (see below). Upon successful completion of this course, the cadet will be awarded a yellowlanyard to distinguish them. Leading Cadet, Senior Cadet, and Master Air Cadet exams consist of multiple assessment criteria each containing two questions. A cadet must achieve either 1 or 2 marks (50% or 100%) for each module in order to pass. All exams are taken online on a system called Bader Learn.^{[61][better source needed]}

In September 2010, a new classification structure, syllabus and examination process came into force. The Senior Cadet badge shows a four-bladed propeller with a small four pointed star in the centre in an X orientation. The Master Air Cadet badge for the brassard shows an ATC Falcon surrounded by laurel leaves. For each badge, cadets must pass three of the following subjects, for Master Air Cadet they may not use the same three subjects they used on Senior Cadet:^[62][63]

• Aircraft handling and flying techniques
• Air Power
• Piston engine propulsion
• Jet engine propulsion
• Rocketry
• Airframes
• Avionics and aircraft electrical systems
• Basic air navigation
• Basic principals of pilot navigation
• Advanced radio and radar
• Data communications

Alongside Instructor Cadet there is another lanyard that can be awarded to cadets who are interested in specialising in teaching aerospace subjects. These qualified cadets are known as Qualified Aerospace Instructors (QAIs), and wear a light blue lanyard over their left shoulder. The Qualified Aerospace Instructors Course (QAIC) has been available since September 2008. The course is held atRAF Linton-on-Ouse, and as of 2011, also atMOD Boscombe Down (as of RAF Linton-on-Ouse's closure in December 2020, the North centre was moved toInskip Cadet Centre as of QAIC 14). The course is held from early September to Easter of the following year, beginning with a selection weekend in early September, and seven total weekends (as of QAIC 8, prior to this there were only six training weekends) from late September until early March.^[64] The course culminates in a 'Graduation Week' which is organised to coincide with the Easter holidays to avoid clashing with school programmes. After completing training in various modules, they carry out examinations in all modules (air traffic control,air power,flight simulators,aerodynamics, and Instructional Teaching and Presentation Skills (ITPS)); satisfactory performance in all exams results in the cadet being awarded the pale blue QAIC lanyard and flight suit badge. Upon completion of the course, graduating students are offered affiliated membership to theRoyal Aeronautical Society.^[65]

For those interested in fieldcraft teaching and leadership, there is the Junior Leaders Course. Successful completion of the course awards the participant a maroon lanyard to be worn over their left shoulder and a junior leaders badge to sew on to the left sleeve of their No.3 Service Dress (field uniform) to show they are a qualified Junior Leader. The course used to run from September to Easter, involving six weekend training camps and an assessment week. The course is aimed at more senior cadets, and as such, an age restriction of 17 years applies. Not only this, but the course also requires the participant to hold the rank of Cadet Sergeant or higher. The course culminates in the award of a Level 3 Certificate in Leadership & Management from theInstitute of Leadership and Management.^[66][67] The course is also open toSea Cadets andArmy Cadets.^[68]

Three categories of supervisory staff run the Air Training Corps (ATC) at the unit level:commissioned officers, senior NCOs, and civilian instructors (CIs). All uniformed staff must attend training courses run by the Royal Air Force at theRoyal Air Force Air Cadets (RAFAC) Adult Training Facility (ATF), located atRAF College Cranwell (RAFC), usually within a year of appointment, with further courses as they progress up the rank structure.^[69]

Since December 2017, all RAFAC officers in the Air Training Corps arecommissioned with aCadet Forces Commission (CFC) and ranks framework, with previous RAFVR(T)officers having their commissions transferred to CFC commissions.^[70][71][72]

Squadrons are usually commanded by CFCFlight Lieutenants (Flt Lt) andFlying Officers (Fg Off), who are also found as Wing and Regionalstaff officers, along withSquadron Leaders (Sqn Ldr) andWing Commanders (Wg Cdr). Particularly large squadrons are sometimes commanded by Squadron Leaders (typically when the squadron has 100 or more cadets). The most senior rank in the Cadet Forces Commission is that of Wing Commander, with the exception of the ambassador to the Air Cadets, and the single Senior RAFAC Volunteer, who both hold the honorary rank ofGroup Captain (Grp Capt) RAFAC, under a CFC. The current ambassador is Emma Wolstenholme.^[3]

Air Training Corps adult officer ranks – post-December 2017^[59][73][74]

insignia
rank	Air Commodore	Group Captain (R) / Group Captain (RAFAC)[note 4]	Wing Commander (RAFAC)	Squadron Leader (RAFAC)	Flight Lieutenant (RAFAC)	Flying Officer (RAFAC)	Pilot Officer (RAFAC)	Acting Pilot Officer (RAFAC)
abbr	Air Cdre	Gp Capt	Wg Cdr	Sqn Ldr	Flt Lt	Fg Off	Plt Off	A/Plt Off

In April 2013,Sir Chris Hoy was appointed the first Ambassador to theRoyal Air Force Air Cadets (RAFAC), and assumed the rank of HonoraryGroup CaptainRAFVR(T).^[75]

In November 2014,Carol Vorderman accepted the appointment of Ambassador to the Royal Air Force Air Cadets, saying: "I am truly honoured to be appointed as an ambassador for the RAF Air Cadets. I can't wait to meet the cadets, and the adult volunteer staff who give so much of their time to support them. The cadets themselves are a shining example of the best of British youngsters, standing with them on a parade square will be a great privilege."^[76] Vorderman assumed the rank of Honorary Group Captain RAFVR(T) (changed toGroup Captain RAFAC from December 2017) for the duration of her appointment. She is the first female to be appointed Ambassador.^[76]

In November 2021, rower Emma Wolstenholme was appointed Wing Commander (RAFAC) and Honorary Ambassador to the Air Cadets. She is a former servingRoyal Air Force officer, and planned to row solo across theAtlantic Ocean in early 2022. However, this attempt and later ones were postponed due to sub-optimal weather conditions. A successful attempt was made on Sunday 4 June 2023, rowing 2,000 miles around Great Britain.^[3][77]

King George VI was the first person to hold the position ofAir Commodore-in-Chief of the Air Training Corps, which he held from 1941 to 1952.^[78][79] UponElizabeth II's accession to the throne in 1952,Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh was appointed Air Commodore-in-Chief of the Air Training Corps.^[80] On 16 December 2015, Prince Philip stepped down from the role and was succeeded by the thenDuchess of Cambridge as honorary Air Commodore-in-Chief.^[81]

Adults may also be appointed assenior non-commissioned officers (SNCO), these being ranks within the Air Training Corps. Adult SNCOs and warrant officers (WO) are uniformed in the same way as their RAF counterparts, except that the embroidered text of 'RAF AIR CADETS' appears below their rank insignia. Since December 2017, Air Training Corps SNCOs and WOs had their ranks transferred to the new RAFAC commissions and ranks framework. A gilt RAFAC badge is worn on the lapels when in No.1 dress uniform, to denote membership within the cadet forces.^[70][71]

In 2020, all RAFAC Warrant Officers and Warrant Officers (Aircrew) in the Air Training Corps were granted use of theRoyal Arms insignia, to bring the RAFAC other ranks insignia into alignment with those of theirRoyal Air Force counterparts.^[82]

Air Training Corpswarrant officers (WO) andsenior non-commissioned officers (SNCO)

groundcrew insignia
aircrew insignia
title [note 5]	Warrant Officer / Master Aircrew	Warrant Officer (until 2020)[note 6]	Flight Sergeant	Sergeant	Sergeant (pre-CIC)[note 7]
abbr	WO / MAcr	WO	FS	Sgt	Act/Sgt

Air Training Corps officers were previously commissioned into theRoyal Air Force Volunteer Reserve (Training Branch), RAFVR(T), a specific training branch of theRoyal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, the RAFVR (military reservists). They previously wore a gilt 'VRT' pin badge upon their rank braid, while warrant officers and SNCOs wore a gilt 'ATC' pin badge. The Air Training Corps ranks of adult SNCOs and WOs were Sergeant (ATC), Flight Sergeant (ATC), and Warrant Officer (ATC).^{[note 8]}

Air Training Corps adult staff ranks (former), pre-Dec 2017

insignia	description
	The 'ATC' pin badge was formerly worn on the lower edge of shoulder rank slides or lapels of those that were an ATC NCO.
	Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve (Training Branch) officers in the ATC, abbreviated RAFVR(T), were identified by the 'VRT' pin badge, as formerly worn on the lower-edge of shoulder rank slides and lapels.

Air Training Corpschaplains are usually civilian members of the localclergy (althoughuniformed forces chaplains may join as Service Instructors). The role of the chaplain in the ATC is to 'provide appropriatepastoral care for all personnel within the Air Cadet Organisation, irrespective of religious belief or status'.^[83] A chaplain's role in the local squadron is to offer guidance and leadership to cadets and members of staff on moral andspiritual matters. The commitment expected of a chaplain is a monthly visit to lead what is termed 'the Padre's hour', and to conduct the formal Enrolment Service when new cadets join. ATC chaplains are supported by theRoyal Air Force Chaplains Branch.^[83] ATC chaplains do not wear uniform, but are recognised by a chaplain's badge on their lapel, and a larger version on theirtippet (preaching scarf),vestments, or otherclerical clothing.^[83] Even if it is not their custom to do so, ATC chaplains are expected to wear aclerical collar ('dog collar') when on an RAF station.^[84] The equivalent No.2 working dress for a chaplain is a dark sweater with chaplain's badge and a clerical collar.^[84]

Royal Air Force Air Cadets

• Air Experience Flight
• Volunteer Gliding Squadron

Other UK military branch supported cadets

• Sea Cadet Corps
  • Royal Marines Cadets
• Army Cadet Force

Other MoD sponsored or recognised cadet forces

• Volunteer Cadet Corps
• Combined Cadet Force

Related articles

• Cadets (youth program)
• The Duke of Edinburgh's Award
• Reserve Forces and Cadets Association
• Cadet Vocational Qualification Organisation (CVQO)
• Girls Venture Corps Air Cadets
• National Association of Training Corps for Girls

International Air Cadet organisations

• Australian Air Force Cadets
• Royal Canadian Air Cadets
• Civil Air Patrol
• Hong Kong Air Cadet Corps
• New Zealand Air Training Corps

Wikimedia Commons has media related toAir Training Corps.

• The Royal Air Force Air Cadets — official RAFAC website, includes links to many Region, Wing and Squadron websites
• Find your local Squadron — searchable list of all active ATC Squadrons and their contact details
• Air Cadets Squadron Finder — details of all squadrons, including address & location map, contacts details, parade times, and squadron website

• Air Training Corps
• Royal Air Force
• Air Cadet organisations
• British Cadet organisations
• Youth organisations based in the United Kingdom
• Organisations based in Lincolnshire
• Youth organizations established in 1941
• 1941 establishments in the United Kingdom

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