AIR CADET BADGES OF RANK & DISTINGUISHING BADGES

OFFICER AND SENIOR NON COMMISIONED OFFICER (SNCO) RANKS  

Everyone in the Air Cadets (and the RAF) can be identified by the badges of rank that they wear. Here are the common ranks found in the ATC.

CADET AND STAFF CADET NCO RANKS

Cadets have the ability to earn ranks as they progress through the training syllabus. Below are the Cadet NCO ranks and classification/ proficiency badges that cadets can earn.

CIVILIAN BADGES AND DISTINGUISHING BADGES

Civilian Instructors, known as CIs, play an important role in training cadets. Unlike adult NCOs and Officers, CIs do not wear a uniform. However recently greens (MTP camouflage uniform) were accepted for fieldcraft and shooting activities. Flying suits are still worn by those serving on AEF's or VGS', for safety reasons, which override other dress regulations. Civilian Instructors do not officially form part of the chain of command in the squadron, but they may hold what might be called ‘Command posts’.

All new cadets undertake training within the First Class Cadet Syllabus, this allows blue level awards and badges to be achieved in a variety of subjects including; Basic Radio Operator and Cyber Awareness, Heartstart First Aid, Foundation Level Leadership and a pre-Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.

The Progressive Training Syllabus features blue, bronze, silver and gold levels which allows regular opportunities to enhance skills to achieve nationally recognised qualifications and awards. This helps cadet build confidence and develop teamwork and leadership qualities. The highest awards at gold level recognise significant levels of achievement with some being linked to instructor qualifications or nationally recognised awards.

As a cadet becomes more experienced by attending camps and taking part in activities, the skills they will acquire will be rewarded with a corresponding badge according to the skill achieved and how advanced the cadet is at that particular skill (eg. music, shooting, leadership, first aid). 

BRASSARDS 

The brassard is a cloth band which is fitted over the right sleeve of the jumper or shirt. This is positioned over the elbow an attached using either epaulettes or buttons. The brassard holds all the badges that an air cadet has earnt in their career and is worn primarily with the ‘blues’. Below is an example of how a brassard looks.