About the Air Training Corps

The Organisation | The Squadron | Squadron History | Staffing

What is the ATC?

The Air Training Corps is a youth organization, open to young men and women between the ages of 13 and 20, aimed to promote and encourage a practical interest in flying and the Royal Air Force and provide training useful in the armed forces and civilian life. The Air Cadet organisation promotes leadership and discipline and allows young men and women to experience activities which would otherwise be out of reach. These include flying, gliding, adventure training, field craft, camps, team activities, shooting and sports.

The ATC crest:

The falcon represents qualities of remarkable vision, enormous strength and incredible courage, which the ATC hopes to provide cadets with.

The motto VENTURE ADVENTURE is adopted by the Air Training Corps to reflect the way Air Cadet activities are carried out

The Wellingborough Squadron of the Air Training Corps, is based in Spring Gardens and has about 40 cadets and is part of the South and East Midlands Wing, which consists of 29 squadrons stretching from Northamptonshire as far north as Nottinghamshire. There are approximately 900 squadrons within the UK that are split into 6 regions and in our region there are 6 wings. Wing activities are held between squadrons and the winners then go on to compete at Region level followed by Corps level.

Cadets are provided with full uniform. The uniform identifies cadets as part of the Air Training Corps which has strong links to the Royal Air Force. The Air Cadet Organisation receives funding from the RAF which enables cadets to take part in activities such as going to RAF bases to go flying or gliding.

Cadet Training

When a Cadet joins the squadron they aim to gain their first class badge, this includes subjects such as Air Training Corps history, Royal Air Force history and airmanship. Once this is completed the cadet is entitled to take part in activities such as flying, gliding and adventure training. The cadet will then start working towards higher classifications by doing more advanced subjects within aviation, navigation and communications. The table below shows a complete subject list for each level.

Badge	Subjects
First Class	History of the ATC, History of the RAF, The Rifle, Initial Expedition Training, First Aid, Map Reading, History Of Flight, Airmanship pt.1 and Basic Radio.
Leading	Basic Navigation, Principles Of Flight, Airmanship pt.2
Senior	Air Navigation, Aircraft Handling, Propulsion, Advanced Radio and Radar
Staff Part 1 [No Badge]	Pilot Navigation, Operational Flying, Airframes, Satellite Navigation
Staff Part 2	The cadet must learn about the running of the squadron and the organization, a verbal exam is then taken

For Senior and Staff, cadets must choose 2 subjects out of 4

As part of the cadets training they have to do a certain amount of project work, which enables the cadet to do something for themselves such as model making or other practical work. Click here to see past projects.

Ranking

To help with the running of the squadron and to teach cadets discipline, a ranking structure between the cadets is used. A cadet will be promoted through the ranking structure if they show the leadership qualities needed by an NCO (Non Commissioned officer). The ranks are as follows with Cadet Warrant Officer being the highest rank.

Badge	Ranks
	Cadet Corporal (CPL)
	Cadet Sergeant (SGT)
	Cadet Flight Sergeant (F/S)
	Cadet Warrant Officer (CWO)

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