Air Training Corps

Air Training Corps. The Air Training Corps (ATC) is a British youth organisation sponsored by the Ministry of Defence (United Kingdom) and administered by the Royal Air Force. Founded in 1941 during the Second World War, its stated aim is to "promote and encourage among young people a practical interest in aviation and the Royal Air Force, to provide training which will be useful in the Services and civilian life, and to foster the spirit of adventure and develop qualities of leadership and good citizenship." The organisation is part of the larger RAF Air Cadets, which also includes the Combined Cadet Force (RAF Section).

History

The formation was officially established by Royal Warrant on 5 February 1941, with King George VI as the Air Commodore-in-Chief, building upon earlier pre-war organisations like the Air Defence Cadet Corps. Its creation was championed by aviation figures and politicians, including Winston Churchill's wartime government, to bolster home defence and prepare youth for potential service in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. During the war, cadets were involved in vital national efforts such as the Air Raid Precautions service, aircraft spotting for the Royal Observer Corps, and collecting materials for salvage drives. In the post-war era, the focus shifted from direct military preparation to broader youth development, with an increasing emphasis on aviation, adventure training, and the development of life skills, while maintaining its formal affiliation with the Ministry of Defence.

Organisation and structure

The national headquarters is located at RAF Cranwell in Lincolnshire, the site of the Royal Air Force College. The corps is organised into six regions, aligned with the Royal Air Force's regional command structure, such as No. 1 Group RAF and No. 2 Group RAF. Each region contains several Wings, typically corresponding to county boundaries, which are further subdivided into local Squadrons, often based in towns and cities. The overall commandant is a serving Royal Air Force officer of Air Commodore rank, while day-to-day administration of squadrons is managed by uniformed adult volunteers, including officers of the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve (Training Branch) and civilian instructors. The Air Cadet Organisation provides central policy and support.

Activities and training

Cadets undertake a progressive training syllabus leading to the First Class, Leading, Senior, and Master Air Cadet classifications. Core activities include instruction in Principles of Flight, Airmanship, and Navigation. Practical aviation experiences are central, with opportunities for flying in Grob Tutor aircraft from Volunteer Gliding Squadrons and air experience flights in aircraft like the Grob Prefect from Royal Air Force stations. Adventure training encompasses Duke of Edinburgh's Award expeditions, Fieldcraft, and shooting on L98A2 cadet rifle ranges. Many squadrons also offer specialist training in areas such as military music, with bands participating in events like the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, and courses at the Air Cadet Central Gliding School and the Air Cadet Adventure Training Centre.

Uniforms and insignia

Cadets wear a uniform derived from the Royal Air Force, typically a light blue shirt and blue-grey trousers or skirt, with a distinctive blue Beret featuring the corps' cap badge, which incorporates the RAF Eagle and the motto "Venture Adventure". Rank insignia for cadet Non-Commissioned Officers, such as Cadet Corporal and Cadet Sergeant, are worn on the sleeve. Adult staff wear standard Royal Air Force uniform with specific VR(T) rank insignia and branch badges. Proficiency badges, worn on the sleeve or chest, denote qualifications in subjects like First Aid, Radio Communication, and Marksmanship, with special wings awarded for completing gliding or flying scholarships.

Notable former cadets

Many former members have achieved prominence in aviation, military, and public life. Renowned aviators include Brian Trubshaw, test pilot of the Concorde, and John Surtees, the only world champion on both two and four wheels. In the arts and media, notable alumni are actor John Barrowman, television presenter Jeremy Clarkson, and musician Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull (band). Senior military figures who were cadets comprise former Chief of the Air Staff Sir Michael Graydon and Chief of the Defence Staff Lord Stirrup. Other distinguished former cadets include polar explorer David Hempleman-Adams and astronaut Michael Foale.

Category:Youth organisations based in the United Kingdom Category:Royal Air Force Category:1941 establishments in the United Kingdom