Ranks & Roles

Cadets under the age of eighteen can progress through the ranks up to Cadet Flight Sergeant, taking on more responsibilities and leadership roles on the squadron. They will assist in the day-to-day organisation of the unit and younger cadets will look up to them for help and advice.

Cadets who reach their eighteenth birthday are re-classified as "staff cadets" in light of their legal responsibilities as an adult. They undergo additional training on safeguarding and duty of care, and will have to complete a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check if they wish to continue their service in the organisation. Staff Cadets are also expected to set a higher example to other cadets and will assist in the day-to-day running of the squadron.

Staff Cadet Flight Sergeants also become eligible for promotion to the highest rank of Cadet Warrant Officer (CWO) which is only awarded following a rigorous application process involving an interview with the Wing Commander. CWOs will assist the squadron staff in the running of the squadron.

There are over 10,000 adult volunteers in the Air Cadets, some of whom wear a uniform whilst others do not. The uniformed staff can be separated into two main branches - commissioned officers and non-commissioned officers. Non-uniformed staff are otherwise known as "Civilian Instructors".

Commissioned officers tend to take responsibility for the administration and management of the organisation, working to ensure that activities and events are properly planned and organised.

In order to be commissioned into the Royal Air Force Air Cadets, applicants will need to pass two formal interview panels before being appointed an Acting Pilot Officer. On completion of a week-long training course at RAF Cranwell they will then receive their formal commission as a Pilot Officer. Promotion to Flying Officer will usually follow after two years.

Further promotion is dependant on position held. For instance, squadron commanders will usually hold the rank of Flight Lieutenant whilst wing and regional staff officers tend to be Squadron Leaders and wing Commanders are in charge of wings.

Air Cadet officers can be identified by the wording "RAF Air Cadets" on their rank insignia. 

Non-commissioned officers (NCOs) are more "hands-on" delivering training to the cadets and ensuring that uniform and discipline standards are upheld.

In order to become a non-commissioned officer in the Air Cadets, prospective applicants will need to pass an interview panel in order to become an Acting Sergeant. They will then undertake a week-long training course at RAF Cranwell after which they will be formally appointed as a Sergeant. 

Promotion to the rank of Flight Sergeant will usually follow after four years and after a further four years, individuals will become eligible for promotion to the highest rank of Warrant Officer.

Non-commissioned officers in the Air Cadets can be identified by the wording "RAF Air Cadets" on their rank insignia.

Unlike commissioned officers and non-commissioned officers, Civilian Instructors (CIs) do not wear a uniform nor do they carry a rank. Nevertheless, CIs are an important part of the organisation, delivering activities to the cadets and assisting in the administration of their unit.