All Air Cadets start off at the rank of Cadet. NCO's (Non-Commissioned Officers) are appointed by the Commanding Officer to those cadets whom have shown such qualities as commitment, enthusiasm, are smartly turned out in their uniform, and most importantly, show the ability to lead other cadets and show initiative to deal with a variety of situations - which is not something everyone can do naturally. Not everyone can get promoted, and it normally takes at least a year before a person makes the dizzy heights of Cadet Corporal - so it is quite a special moment when you get your first set of stripes as a Junior NCO in front of the whole squadron!

As a Corporal, you will be expected to take other cadets for drill, organise and be responsible for them. You will have to learn how to effectively give orders in such a way that your cadets learn to respect you.

Later on, you may get promoted to the rank of Cadet Sergeant as a Senior NCO. You will become more involved in training other cadets in lessons etc, as well as coaching and supervising your Cadet Corporals.

Click here to see the job roles for each rank. Looking to get yourself promoted? Click here to see what promotion requirements the Commanding Officer is looking for in you!

Note that you must be 18 years old before you can be promoted to Cadet Flight Sergeant or Cadet Warrant Officer. These cadets are known as 'Instructor Cadets' and are considered probationary adult staff whom assist with the organisation and planning squadron activities. Instructor Cadets may stay until their 20th birthday when their service as an Air Cadet then finishes, but may then apply to be full adult staff.

Cadets whom do not make the rank of Cadet Flight Sergeant by their 18th birthday have to leave the Corps by that age.