The Air Training Corps

This is the first of several lessons that are to be delivered to the whole squadron in order to ensure all cadets are at the same standard in relation to the First Class Syllabus. In the coming weeks before Christmas, there will be other lessons and activities in order to teach everyone the First Class syllabus.

Learning outcomes By the end of this presentation you should be able to: Describe the origins of the ATC Identify key developments in the history of the ATC Recognise cadet badges and ranks, ATC ensigns, ATC adult ranks and RAF ranks

What is the ATC? The ATC, better known as the Air Training Corps, or Air Cadets is a voluntary youth cadet organisation. The ATC is sponsored by the Royal Air Force and is influenced by the RAF in a number of ways. With a military focus, the ATC provides cadets with skills and knowledge useful in both the Armed Forces and in civilian life. Cadets in the ATC take part in varied and exciting activities including; flying, gliding, shooting, field craft, adventurous training and sporting events.

Simplified Command structure HQAC - Commanded by Air Commodore Dawn McCafferty. HQAC is the headquarters of the Air Cadet Organisation, based at RAF Cranwell, Lincolnshire. 6 Regions (We are in South West Region, commanded by Grp Capt. Remlinger.) Regional Headquarters is at Le Marchant Barracks, Devizes, Wiltshire. There are 34 wings in total. There are 6 wings in our region. Ours, Thames Valley Wing, is commanded by Wing Commander Fisher the HQ is at Edward Brooks Barracks, Abingdon. Check squadron numbers and sectors Thames Valley is divided into four Sectors, each with a Sector Commander. Western sector is commanded by Sqn Ldr Andrews. 381 sqn is part of this sector along with squadrons in Woodley, Earley, Burghfield, Newbury & Aldermaston.

Other influential People Staff at 381 Squadron Flt Lt T W Churnside - Officer Commanding Fg Off P Fryer Sgt M Taylor- Squadron Adjutant CI T Deary CI Z Short CI D Honey CI A Starr CI N Porcelli Other influential People Mr B Dimes - 381 Civilian Committee Chairman Mrs H Lander – 381 Civilian Committee Secretary Rev Dr A Carlill – Squadron Padre

1146 Sqn ATC (2015)

2211 Sqn ATC (2015)

ATC Ensign ATC Badge

Aims of the Air Training Corps To promote and encourage among young men and women, a practical interest in aviation and the Royal air Force. To provide training which will be useful both in the services and in civil life. To foster the spirit of aviation. To develop the qualities of leadership and good citizenship.

The Origins of the ATC (1) Before the ATC was formed, an organisation called the Air Defence Cadet Corps (ADCC) was in existence. This was founded by Air Commodore A J Chamier, who had served in the Royal Flying Corps and Later the RAF, eventually retiring in 1929. He became Secretary-General of the Air League, an organisation made up of people who could see a bright future for aviation.

The Origins of the ATC (2) A rising interest in aviation along with the expectation of another world war, Air Commodore Chamier decided to form an aviation Cadet Corps; the ADCC. The ADCC was formed in 1938. Cadets rushed to join the organisation and squadrons were set up in towns and cities all over the UK, run by members of the community. Air Cdre Chamier is known as the Father of the ATC.

The Origins of the ATC (3) As an incentive for communities to form squadrons, the first 50 to form were entitled to use the letter ‘F’ after their name. These are known as founder squadrons. The aim of the ADCC was to prepare cadets for service in the RAF and the Royal Navy’s Fleet Air Arm. Training included drill, discipline, how to wear a uniform and how to behave on military stations. Plus of course aviation subjects, adventure training, shooting and sporting activities.

The Origins of the ATC (4) The corps delivered activities such as physical training, games, route marches and cross country running. With the second world war approaching, activities were restricted with many officers and staff being called up for regular service. Buildings were commandeered and cadets were put to work in clerical roles, carrying messages, moving stores and handling aircraft. They also helped fill thousands of sandbags and loaded miles of belts of ammunition.

The Origins of the ATC (5) The armed forces were impressed with the quality of cadets entering service and so the ADCC began training young men awaiting being called up to the RAF and the RN (FAA). Near the end of 1940, the government realised the value of the ADCC and agreed to take control of it. A number of changes were instituted and the ADCC became the Air Training Corps on the 5th of February 1941, with King George VI as the first Air Commodore-in-Chief.

Later history of the ATC (1) The motto of the ATC is ‘Venture Adventure’, which was devised by Air Commodore Chamier. This, along with a corps ensign and a crest, was adopted by the ATC and was approved by the King. Flying was a rare luxury for cadets. Gliding was used as a way to get as many cadets airborne as possible. Eventually a special ATC was set up to give air experience flights.

Later History of the ATC (2) To celebrate the 21st birthday of the ATC’s formation, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, presented the corps with its own banner. The Duke took up the role of Air Commodore-in-chief following the death of George VI. In 1980, it was decided that females were allowed to join as cadets on a limited basis. By 1981, they were doing largely the same activities as males, with females eventually becoming fully accepted.

Flying and Gliding Gliding and flying are two of the flagship activities that cadets take up, flying at AEF in the powered Grob Tutor and flying in the Vigilant motor glider and the conventional glider, the Viking.

Statistics There are currently 33, 370 cadets in the Air Training Corps, consisting of 24,100 male cadets and 9,270 female cadets (MoD, 2015) Strength including adult staff: 43,270 (MoD, 2015) More than 900 squadrons (Air Cadets, 2015) Second largest individual Cadet force in the United Kingdom, after the ACF.

Sample Questions The test will consist of 20 questions. All of the answers are in this presentation. Some examples are: When was the Air Training Corps Formed? What organisation was the forerunner of the ATC? Who was the first Air Commodore in Chief? Who is the current Commandant Air Cadets? Who is 381 Squadron’s Commanding Officer?

References All History: Air Cadet Publication ACP 31 General service training- Section 1-The Air Training Corps Air Cadets (2015) Who We Are. Available at: http://www.raf.mod.uk/aircadets/whoweare/ (Accessed: 11/11/2015) 1146 Sqn ATC (2015) Badges of Rank. Available at: http://barnstapleaircadets.btck.co.uk/Uniform/BadgesofRank (Accessed: 10/11/2015) 2211 Sqn ATC (2015) About the Air Training Corps. Available at: http://www.2211.org.uk/about-the-atc/ (Accessed: 10/11/2015) Ministry of Defence (2015) TSP7- UK Reserve Forces and Cadets (Statistical Release). Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/435444/20150615_TSP7Apr15-O.pdf (Accessed: 11/11/2015)