The Air Training Corps (ATC) evolved from the Air Defence Cadet Corps (ADCC) which was formed, by the Air League, in 1938. However on the 5th February 1941 the ATC was officially established as a cadet organisation based in the United Kingdom.
The ATC is a voluntary youth group which is part of the Air Cadet Organisation (ACO) and the Royal Air Force (RAF). The ATC is supported by the Ministry of Defence, with a regular serving RAF Officer, currently Air Commodore Ian Stewart BSc RAF (pictured left), as Commandant Air Cadets. HRH The Duke of Edinburgh has served as honorary Air Commodore-in-Chief since 1953.
The Aims of the Air Training Corps are:- 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 civilian life.
- To foster the spirit of adventure and develop qualities of leadership and good citizenship.
"Venture Adventure"
JA Chamier - Father of the ATC
Within the Corps there are four levels of command. From top, down, they are: Corps, Region, Wing and Squadron. The Squadrons are the focal point for the majority of members of the Corps.
The ATC is the largest part of the ACO, along with the RAF sections of the Combined Cadet Force (CCF). It is divided geographically into six regions, each of which are sub-divided into wings. There are currently 36 wings, most named after the one or two counties that they operate in. Wings are divided into four areas and further sub-divided into squadrons.
With almost 41,000 members, aged from 13 to 20 years, within over 1,000 Squadrons, the ATC is one of the country's premier youth organisation's and the world's largest youth air training organisation. The Cadets are supported by a volunteer Staff of nearly 10,000 plus 5,000 Civilian Committee Members.
For more information about the Air Cadet Organisation please click here.
