The Structure of the Organisation

Headquarters Air Cadets (HQAC)

This formation is located at Royal Air force Cranwell in Lincolnshire, and is commanded by a regular Royal Air Force Officer who holds the rank of Air Vice Marshal (AVM). The Air Officer Commanding (AOC), Commandant Air Cadets (CmdtAC) is a regular Royal Air Force officer who holds the rank of Air Commodore (Air Cdre). The Air Commodore commands a staff consisting of a mix of serving RAF officers, RAF airmen, RAF reserve officers (RAFR), plus full time civilian clerical staff. The AOC is followed by the Chief of Staff Air Cadets, who holds the rank of Group Captain.

The departmental structure of this formation controls all aspects of the ACO such as: Personnel, finance, Physical Education, training, Engineering and supply, chaplaincy services and Public Relations.

Regions

The UK is divided into six areas known as regions, each region is controlled by a retired RAF officer who holds the rank of Group Captain. The Group Captain is usually referred to as the Regional Commandant. He is assisted by a team of regional staff officers and civilian staff.

Wings

Each region is then divided into a number of Wings, each wing is controlled by an officer who holds the rank of Wing Commander.  He is assisted by a team of Wing Staff officers and civilian staff. Each wing is responsible for the control of the squadrons and detached flight within that area.

With Thanks to www.aircadets.org/acointro.html for the above information.

 

Structure of the ATC

Commandant Air Cadets - Air Commodore J P CHITTY OBE MA BSc(Eng) CEng FRAeS ACG1 RAF

Chief of Staff Air Cadets - Group Captain W M N Cross OBE RAFR

  • Wing Commander
  • Squadron Leader
  • Flight Lieutenant
  • Flight Sergeant
  • Sergeant
  • Civilian Administrative Staff

    Some of the above posts are filled by MOD officials of equivalent status.
    Most posts are assigned to RAF and RAFR although there are some RAFVR(T) Officers.

    Civilian Structure
     
  • Air Cadet Council
  • Chaplains Committee

 

Regional Headquarters
 

 

  • Group Captain

A retired RAF Air Commodore or Group Captain (Gp Capt) takes the role of Regional Commandant for each Region. They are supported by an Administrative Officer (RAFRO Sqn Ldr) and civilian clerical staff.

 
  • Squadron Leader - (Regional Administrative Officer)
  • Regional Staff Officers
  • Civilian Administrative Staff

    Civilian Structure
     
  • Regional Council
  • Chaplains Committee

Wing Headquarters

  • Wing Commander (Wg Cdr)

    An RAFVR(T) Officer takes the role of Wing Commanding Officer
     
  • Squadron Leader (Sqn Ldr RAFR) (Wing Administrative Officer)
  • Wing Staff Officers
  • Civilian Administrative Staff

    Civilian Structure
     
  • Wing Civilian Committee
  • Chaplains Committee

Squadrons

  • Squadron Leader (Sqn Ldr)
  • Flight Lieutenant (Flt Lt)

The Officer Commanding (OC) a Squadron is usually a Flight Lieutenant or, if the Squadron is very large, a Squadron Leader.

  • Flying Officer (Fg Off)
  • Pilot Officer (Plt Off)

    ATC Positions
     
  • Adult Warrant Officer (AWO)
  • Civilian Instructor (CI)

    Cadet Positions
     
  • Cadet Warrant Officer (CWO)
  • Flight Sergeant (F/Sgt)
  • Sergeant (Sgt)
  • Corporal (Cpl)
  • Cadets
  • Probationers

    Civilian Structure
     
  • Civilian Committee
  • Parents & Friends (Some Sqns)
  • Sqn Chaplain

SGT D Chapman