RANK STRUCTURE

RANK STRUCTURE

The Rank Structure

Cadet Ranks

During the course of a cadets career they may have the opportunity to be promoted. Promotion to the ranks of Corporal to Flight Sergeant are based on merit and leadership potential. There are no exams to be taken as promotion to these ranks is determined by the Officer Commanding (OC) of the squadron.


Promotion to Cadet Warrant Officer (CWO) is decided by a panel at Wing level. Prospective candidates will be a Flight Sergeant, preferably holding the Instructor Cadet classification and will be required to attend an interview at Wing HQ if recommended by their Squadron OC.

Cadet Corporal - Cdt Cpl
Cadet Corporal - Cdt Cpl
Cadet Sergeant - Cdt Sgt
Cadet Sergeant - Cdt Sgt
Cadet Flight Sergeant - Cdt FS
Cadet Flight Sergeant - Cdt FS
Cadet Warrant Officer - CWO
Cadet Warrant Officer - CWO

Staff Ranks

Uniformed staff of the RAF Air Cadets can take two distinct paths. These are Senior Non Commissioned Officers (SNCOs) or Commissioned Officers. Each path has a different selection process with SNCOs attending an Interview at Wing level and Officers holding a Queens Commission after successful completion of a Filter interview at Wing and attendance at the Officer & Aircrew Selection Center (OASC) at RAF Cranwell.

Non Commissioned Officers

Acting Sergeant - A/Sgt
Acting Sergeant - A/Sgt
Sergeant - Sgt
Sergeant - Sgt
Flight Sergeant - FS
Flight Sergeant - FS
Warrant Officer - WO
Warrant Officer - WO

Commissioned Officers

Acting Pilot Officer - APO
Acting Pilot Officer - APO
Pilot Officer - Plt Off
Pilot Officer - Plt Off
Flying Officer - Fg Off
Flying Officer - Fg Off
 Flight Lieutenant - Flt Lt
Flight Lieutenant - Flt Lt
Squadron Leader - Sqn Ldr
Squadron Leader - Sqn Ldr
Wing Commander - Wg Cdr
Wing Commander - Wg Cdr