Adult Uniformed Staff Ranks

Adult Warrant Officer is the highest Adult NCO rank in the ATC. This is normally gained through serving as a Flight Sergeant for at least four years but can be awarded within two years depending on previous military service. An AWO serving on a Squadron normally ensures the Drill, Dress & Discipline is maintained to a high standard.

Adult Sergeant is the first Adult NCO rank in the ATC. This is gained through successfully passing an Interview Board at Wing Level. A Sergeant is an essential 'cog' in the mechanics of the adult NCO team ensuring that the standards that have been set are maintained.

Adult Flight Sergeant is the second Adult NCO rank in the ATC. This is normally gained through serving as a Sergeant for at least four years but can be awarded within two years depending on previous military service. A Flight Sergeant is in liason with the AWO ensuring that the standards that have been set are maintained.

Pilot Officer is the first Commissioned Officer rank in the Royal Air Force (RAF) and is also considered the first junior Officer rank. An RAFVR (T) Officer will gain this rank after sucessfull interview boards at Wing and Region level. Depending on the size of a Squadron, Pilot Officers will normally hold executive positions of either 'Training Officer' or 'Squadron Adjutant'. In the absence of the Squadron Commander and/or a rank of Flying Officer, the Pilot Officer will hold the position of 'Acting Officer in Charge' (until return of the Squadron Commander and/or a Flying Officer if applicable) or be considered as the 'Officer Commanding' if there is no higher rank above him/her.

Flying Officer is the second Commissioned Officer rank in the Royal Air Force (RAF) and is considered as the second junior Officer rank. An RAFVR (T) Officer normally gains this rank after serving two years as a Pilot Officer. Depending on the size of a Squadron, Flying Officers will normally hold executive positions of either 'Training Officer' or 'Squadron Adjutant'. In the temporary absence of the Squadron Commander, a Flying Officer will hold the position of 'Acting Officer in Charge' (until return of the Squadron Commander) or be considered as the 'Officer Commanding' if there is no Flight Lieutenant in presence at the Squadron.

Flight Lieutenant is the third Commissioned Officer rank in the Royal Air Force (RAF) and is considered as the third junior Officer rank. An RAFVR (T) Officer normally gains this rank after serving eight years as a Flying Officer or is promoted to Commanding Officer of a Squadron within eight years. Flight Lieutenant is the normal rank of a Commanding Officer and he/she will work closely with the other uniformed and civilian staff to maintain Squadron standards, activities and policies. In the temporary absence of the Squadron Commander, a Flying Officer or Pliot Officer will hold the position of 'Acting Officer in Charge' (until return of the Squadron Commander).

Squadron Leader is the fourth Commissioned Officer rank in the Royal Air Force (RAF) and is considered as the first senior Officer rank. An RAFVR (T) Officer normally gains this rank after serving many years as a Flight Lieutenant employed as a Squadron Commander. A Squadron Leader is a Wing Staff Officer (WSO) and is the direct liaison from a Squadron to the Wing Commander. Formal Annual Inspections and frequent unofficial visits are made to Squadrons in his/her area collaborating on administration and policies.

Wing Commander is the fifth Commissioned Officer rank in the Royal Air Force (RAF) and is considered as the second senior Officer rank. An RAFVR (T) Officer normally gains this rank after serving many years as a Squadron Leader employed as a WSO. Wing Commander is the highest position in a Wing and the Air Training Corps. All subsequent ranks such as Group Captain or Air Commodore are positioned by regluar serving RAF Officers not RAF VR(T) Officers. Formal annual inspections are made to all Squadrons in his/her WIng to discuss administration and policies and to meet the staff and cadets of the Squadron.