Rank: Cadet Corporal
Abbreviation: Cdt Cpl
Addressed as: Corporal

The first rank a cadet may achieve is Cadet Corporal, Cadet Corporals are known as Junior NCOs (JNCOs). Suitable candidates are selected by the Squadron Commander, who may set additional requirements. As a minimum a Cadet Corporal should be able to:

• Recognise the need for discipline and be able to apply it with fairness and common sense.
• Communicate clearly, orally and in writing.
• Plan and organise a given task.
• Command a drill squad.

Typically a Cadet Cpl will:

• Have passed the Leading Cadet examination
• Have an excellent attendance record
• Have attended a camp or residential course

Once a cadet reaches the age of 18, they become a "Staff Cadet".
This is signified by the addition of "Staff Cadet" on their rank slide.
Click on the rank image to see the difference

Rank: Cadet Sergeant
Abbreviation: Cdt Sgt
Addressed as: Sergeant
Cadets who excel in the role of Cadet Corporal may be selected for further promotion to Cadet Sergeant, this is the first Senior NCO (SNCO) rank. Suitable candidates are selected by the Squadron Commander who may set additional requirements. In addition to the requirements for Cadet Corporal, a Cadet Sergeant should be able to:

• Accept a greater amount of responsibility, show initiative and inspire confidence.
• Display a sound understanding of the role and organisation of the Corps.
• Take an active part in the organisation of squadron activities.

Typically a Cadet Sgt will:

• Have passed the Senior Cadet examination
• Have an excellent attendance record
• Have attended a Leadership Course

Once a cadet reaches the age of 18, they become a "Staff Cadet".
This is signified by the addition of "Staff Cadet" on their rank slide.
Click on the rank image to see the difference

Rank: Cadet Flight Sergeant
Abbreviation: Cdt FS
Addressed as: Flight Sergeant

A Cadet Flight Sergeant should possess all of the same qualities as a Cadet Sergeant but to a greater depth.
He or she should display a level of maturity above that of other cadets of the same age.
Suitable candidates are initially selected by the Squadron Commander, they are then interviewed by a Wing Staff Officer.
If the WSO feels that the candidate is suitable, they will be promoted to the rank of Cadet Flight Sergeant

Typically a Cadet Flight Sergeant will:

• Have passed the Master Air Cadet examination
• Have an excellent attendance record
• Have experienced a wide variety of Corps activities

Once a cadet reaches the age of 18, they become a "Staff Cadet".
This is signified by the addition of "Staff Cadet" on their rank slide.
Click on the rank image to see the difference

Rank: Cadet Warrant Officer
Abbreviation: CWO
Addressed as: Cadet Warrant Officer

The highest rank a cadet can achieve is Cadet Warrant Officer.
A CWO is a junior manager and should possess outstanding ability and personal qualities.
A CWO should have a wide experience of ATC activities, and have a thorough knowledge of the organisation of the Corps.
Service as a CWO gives excellent experience for possible subsequent adult uniformed service.

To be eligible for promotion to CWO a Cadet must be aged 18+ and have attained the Master Air Cadet Classification.
Suitable candidates are selected by the Squadron Commander, they must then pass a selection board interview at Wing Headquarters.
The selection board president is usually OC Wing, he is joined by two other members who can be either Wing Staff Officers or experienced Squadron Commanders.

As a Cadet Warrant Officer will be over the age of 18, their rank slide does not have a variant without "Staff Cadet" printed on it.