OPS 1.7 Ranks of the ATC

Objective

Name and identify the ranks within the Air Training Corps.

Need

You need to know this so you can correctly identify personnel within the Air Training Corps and to show respect and Discipline within the ATC.

Scope

Cadet Ranks
Junior NCO Ranks
Senior NCO Ranks
Junior Commissioned Officer Ranks
Senior Commissioned Officer Ranks

References

Cadet Force Orders Vol 0 and Vol 1

Air training corps

The uniform worn by ATC members is the same as that of the Royal New Zealand Air Force, except that for all ranks, the lettering on the bottom of the rank insignia shoulder boards reads CADET FORCES rather than NEW ZEALAND to differentiate ATC personnel from RNZAF personnel. Officer Service Dress Uniforms have a shoulder flash reading NEW ZEALAND CADET FORCES, rather than ROYAL NEW ZEALAND AIR FORCE for the same reason.

Promotion for each cadet/officer is considered based on some set requirements, plus recommendations from staff and/or NCOs.

Cadet Ranks

Cadets can join between the ages of 13 and 15 and can stay on without promotion to the end of their 4 years of training.

Cadets make up the majority of the unit and are the lowest cadet ranks. Through hard work and dedication, they may be promoted to a Junior NCO rank.

Cadet ranks are NOT SALUTED.

Cadet

CDT

Lowest rank in the ATC. All recruits are designated as a Cadet after completing Basic Boot Camp. Blank rank slide with "CADET FORCES" at the bottom.

Addressed as "Cadet".

Leading Air Cadet

LACDT

In 2007, the Chief of Air Staff accepted the introduction of the LAC rank. Single propeller above "CADET FORCES".

Promotion requirements:

Completed Basic 2 training
No disciplinary or performance issues
Approved by Unit Commander

Addressed as "LAC".

Junior NCO (JNCO) Ranks

Junior Non-Commissioned Officers (JNCOs) are the backbone of cadet leadership. They act as the first point of contact for cadets and are able to lead cadets in a number of situations.

Junior NCOs will have completed the Junior NCO course held during each term break. They may start taking drill lessons and simple theory lessons, and may lead a squad in leadership situations or on a parade ground.

Junior NCO ranks are NOT SALUTED.

Cadet Corporal

CDTCPL

The lowest NCO rank. May hold the position of Squad Leader. Two chevrons above "CADET FORCES".

Promotion requirements:

Completed Proficiency Training
Qualified on NZCF JNCO Course
No disciplinary or performance issues
Approved by Unit Commander

Addressed as "Corporal".

Senior NCO (SNCO) Ranks

Senior Non-Commissioned Officers have extensive cadet experience and are able to lead entire flights and junior NCOs.

Senior NCOs will have completed the Senior NCO course held during each term break. They have the ability to take almost all drill and theory type lessons, and may lead flights in leadership situations. They may act as the Flight Sergeant (position) on parade and may take on the role of NCO-in-Charge (NCOIC) of a flight, or even the Flight Commander.

The Warrant Officer is the highest Cadet Rank in a unit. They have demonstrated exceptional performance throughout their NCZF service and are in charge of all the cadets and NCOs in their unit. They report directly to the Unit Commander. Parades are led by the Unit Warrant Officer. There is only one serving Warrant Officer in each unit.

Senior NCOs are NOT SALUTED.

Cadet Sergeant

CDTSGT

The lowest SNCO rank. May hold the position of NCO2IC (2nd-in-Charge). Three chevrons above "CADET FORCES".

Promotion requirements:

Completed Advanced Training
Qualified on the NZCF SNCO Course
No disciplinary or performance issues
Approved by Unit Commander

Addressed as "Sergeant".

Cadet Flight Sergeant

CDTF/S

May hold the position of NCOIC, or Flight Commander in some situations. Crown and three chevrons above "CADET FORCES".

Promotion requirements:

Completed a minimum of six months in the rank of Sergeant
No disciplinary or performance issues
Approved by Unit Commander

Addressed as "Flight" or "Flight Sergeant".

Cadet Warrant Officer

CDTW/O

Highest SNCO rank. There is only one serving Warrant Officer in a unit. Serves as the leader of all cadets in their unit. Coat of arms with lion and unicorn above "CADET FORCES".

Promotion requirements:

Completed a minimum of six months in the rank of Flight Sergeant
No disciplinary or performance issues
Demonstrates exceptional leadership and service
Approved by Unit Commander

Addressed as "Sir/Ma'am" (used by all cadets) or "Warrant Officer" (only officers would normally address the W/O as "Warrant Officer").

NZCF Officer Ranks

In the NZCF, Commissioned Officers are adult volunteers who run the unit. They commit their time and effort to create a training programme that is exciting and engaging for cadets, including weekly training during parade nights and weekend activities. They have a Duty of Care for personnel under their command and control, and must be able to look after the welfare and wellbeing of cadets and staff.

NZCF Officers are granted an NZCF commission by the Commandant of the NZCF on behalf of the Minister of Defence.

Commissioned Officers are TO BE SALUTED. However, Officer Cadets are not commissioned, and therefore should NOT be saluted.

Officer Cadet, NZCF

OFFCDT, NZCF

The lowest Officer rank. Officer Cadets have submitted an application to enlist as an NZCF officer. They do not hold a commission and are not to be saluted. Light blue officer rank slide with wide, white tape (known as "nappies") with "CADET FORCES" underneath.

Depending on their level of experience, Officer Cadets may serve as a Flight Commander, or as an assistant to the Training, Admin, or Stores Officers or Adjutant.

Addressed as "Sir/Ma'am".

Pilot Officer, NZCF

PLTOFF, NZCF

Lowest Commissioned Officer rank. May hold a number of positions in the unit such as Flight Commander, Stores Officer, Training Officer, Adjutant, etc.

Light blue officer rank slide with a single thin braid above "CADET FORCES".

Pilot Officers have attended the Officers Commissioning Course.