Everyone in the Air Cadets (and the RAF) can be identified by the badges of rank that they wear. This list of basic adult and cadet ranks will help you identify them. The list starts with adults (instructors and senior staff) followed by cadet ranks, with the most senior in each group at the top.
Officers are the RAF Air Cadets’s equivalent of a management role. Having spent time as a civilian instructor (CI) or non-commissioned officer (NCO), Officers will have a senior leadership responsibility, and could be responsible for running a unit or even supporting one of our regional headquarters with specialist knowledge.
Wing Commander
Squadron Leader
Flight Lieutenant
Flying Officer
Pilot Officer
Acting Pilot Officer
Warrant Officer
Flight Sergeant
Sergeant
As a cadet, there are opportunities to earn a promotion through demonstration of good leadership. You might take charge or lead a small group of cadets during an activity, through to supporting volunteers with delivering an event or supporting new cadets.
Cadet Warrant Officer
Cadet Flight Sergeant
Cadet Sergeant
Cadet Corporal
Cadet Lance Corporal - CCF (RAF) only
The classifications provide a progressive training syllabus (PTS) for cadets. Cadets will go through a series of modules, from learning the basics of drill and radio, through to understanding rocketry and jet propulsion.
The highest classification you can achieve is Master Air Cadet. Before this classification, there are a series of classifications starting with Junior Cadet when you join. It isn't until you reach the classification of First Class Cadet that the world opens to you and you can partake in all kinds of activities both on the squadron, at Wing and Region level. This is where you will meet cadets from other squadrons and make even more friends.
Master Air Cadet
Senior Cadet
Leading Cadet
First Class Cadet
Second Class Cadet
Junior Cadet