Australian Air Force Cadets


The Australian Air Force Cadets, known as the Air Training Corps until 2001, is a Federal Government funded youth organisation. The parent force of the AAFC is the Royal Australian Air Force. Along with the Australian Army Cadets and the Australian Navy Cadets it is part of the Australian Defence Force Cadets.

Aims

The broad aim of the Australian Air Force Cadets is to better equip young people for community life by fostering initiative, leadership, discipline and loyalty through a training program designed to stimulate an interest in the Royal Australian Air Force. The training program is structured to reflect the following objectives:
Cadets receive the opportunity to participate in a wide range of activities such as:
The ranks of the Australian Air Force Cadets are closely based on the ranks of the Royal Australian Air Force. As such, a system of differentiation was required to distinguish members of the AAFC from those of the RAAF. This means that cadet ranks wear rank slides which are AFB with an embroidered light blue ribbon, 1 cm wide at the base of the rank slide with 'AAFC' in AFB embroidery. Adult members of the AAFC wear rank slides with an embroidered white bar that contains the letters AAFC in place of the light blue bar. When DPCU uniforms became standard issue, cadets and cadet staff would wear surplus Australian RAAF and Australian Army Rank slides. These would be replaced in 2014 with the "AAFC" styled DPCU rank slide. Adult ranks are also followed by the letters AAFC when written, to distinguish them from actual members of the RAAF. Cadet Non-Commissioned Officer ranks are prefixed with the letter C, to identify them as cadets and not adult staff or members of the RAAF.
A new cadet is initially enrolled with the rank of Cadet and after completing prescribed training and length of service, they are eligible for reclassification to the rank of Leading Cadet. Subsequent promotions are achieved by completing two week training courses known as a promotion courses along with meeting time-in-rank and minimum age requirements and receiving a recommendation for promotion from the cadet's Commanding Officer.
Rank Slide
RankAircraftman /
Aircraftwoman 		Leading Aircraftman /
Leading Aircraftwoman 		Corporal Sergeant Flight Sergeant Warrant Officer
AbbreviationAC/ACWLAC/LACWCPLSGTFSGTWOFF

Rank Slide
RankPilot Officer Flying Officer Flight Lieutenant Squadron Leader Wing Commander Group Captain
AbbreviationPLTOFFFLGOFFFLTLTSQNLDRWGCDRGPCAPT

Cadet Ranks

GST

GST training is a four day course that allows for cadets to learn the basics of the RAAF and experience minor military training. This course primarily contains, Service Knowledge Basic, Fieldcraft, Aircraft Recognition, Drill and Ceremonial. Depending on which base that the training is conducted will decide on the other electives involved.

Junior Cadet Ranks

Junior ranks comprise the ranks of Cadet and Leading Cadet as well as the informal title of Recruit.
Cadets join the AAFC as recruits at the rank of Cadet and commence Cadet Recruit Stage training which comprises the subjects Drill and Ceremonial, Service Knowledge, and Fieldcraft. Cadet Recruit Stage may include a teambuilding weekend or training weekend. Recruits receive their PH299 'blue book' and uniforms some time during Cadet Recruit Stage. Cadet Recruit Stage usually takes 6 months to complete. The Blue Book has been replaced as the form of cadet & staff identification by a Photo ID card issued to all Cadets & Staff annually and using the Blue Book to record training and activities has been replaced by the online CadetNet system.
Upon completion of the Recruit Stage of training, CDTs begin Basic Stage. Basic Stage, on average, takes 6 months to fully complete. By completing Basic Stage, a cadet will begin Proficiency Stage and is eligible for reclassification to the rank of Leading Cadet. A LCDT rank slide features a single inverted chevron. A LCDT does not outrank a CDT, though, they are thought of as a more experienced cadet and are provided with more leadership opportunities than a CDT would.

Cadet Non-Commissioned Officer (CNCO) Ranks

Cadet Non-Commissioned Officer ranks are Cadet Corporal, Cadet Sergeant, Cadet Flight Sergeant and Cadet Warrant Officer.
Cadet Junior Non-Commissioned Officer (CJNCO) Ranks
Any LCDT can apply for the Junior Non-Commissioned Officer Course. A cadet's Commanding Officer reviews the LCDT's application, and, if successful, endorses their application. This allows the LCDT to attend a promotion course conducted by their parent wing.
The Junior Non-Commissioned Officer courses generally last for 11 days and are held at a RAAF base, depending on availability. At the end of a promotion course, the course commander grades the LCDT as either recommended or not recommended for promotion to the rank of CCPL. If recommended for promotion, a CO should promote the LCDT to the rank of CCPL as soon as practicable.
Cadet Senior Non-Commissioned Officer (CSNCO) Ranks
Any CCPL can apply for the Senior Non-Commissioned Officer Course but must have held that rank for a minimum of five months before being able to attend the promotion course. They go through much the same process, though more rigorous, as do prospective JNCOs. SNCO courses typically last for 15 days and are also held at a RAAF base, often concurrently with a JNCO course.
Promotion is as for JNCOs. Having been recommended for promotion by the course commander, promotion is at the discretion of the CCPL's CO as soon as practicable.
After six months as a CSGT, a cadet may be promoted to the rank of CFSGT by their CO. This does not require the CSGT to attend a wing promotion course. Many COs require their prospective CFSGTs to demonstrate the ability to lead a team of SNCOs. Often Cadet Flight Sergeants are treated as 'executive' members of the Squadron and are given duties to match, along with Cadet Warrant Officers and Cadet Under Officers; although they are still distinctly a Cadet Senior Non-Commissioned Officer.

Cadet Warrant Officers (CWOFF) and Cadet Under Officers (CUO)

A Cadet Warrant Officer is the most senior of the NCO ranks but most squadrons consider this to be a "Senior Cadet" due to the privileges and responsibilities it has.
In order to attend a CWOFF course, a cadet must be a SNCO and have completed their JNCO course not later than 16 months before the commencement of the CWOFF course.
The CWOFF course generally lasts for 15 days as well and are conducted at a RAAF base. CWOFF courses conducted by the AAFC primarily cover leadership and supervision particularly focusing on the maintenance of morale, cadet welfare and discipline. Due to the role of a CWOFF often being that of the Squadron Warrant Officer, the course has a significant weighting towards Drill and Ceremonial and service protocol.
Cadets promoted to the rank of CWOFF are addressed as Sir, Ma'am or Warrant Officer. Cadets, staff and defence personnel of a high rank generally will address the CWOFF by their rank and last name e.g. "Warrant Officer Bloggs", whilst subordinate ranks will address the CWOFF as Sir or Ma'am depending on their gender and, are too also allowed to address the CWOFF as "Warrant Officer Bloggs".
The ranks of CWOFF and Cadet Under Officer are usually considered to be senior cadet ranks due to large increase of duties and privileges the two ranks have.
In order to attend a CUO course, a cadet must be a SNCO and have completed their JNCO course not later than 16 months before the commencement of the CUO course. CUO courses are the longest, running for 17 days, also at a RAAF base.
The rank of CUO is the highest attainable by a cadet and is designed to give the cadet experience in the role of an officer. To this end, the course is heavy in leadership and management related subjects in addition to the drill required to be an officer.
CUOs are addressed by all cadets below their rank as Sir or Ma'am, as applicable, and are saluted.

Rank Establishments

The AAFC has specific rank establishments depending on the strength of a squadron. This is to ensure a balance between leadership roles and subordinates members. As an exaggerated example, it would not be beneficial for a squadron of 40 cadets to have 39 CUOs and 1 CDT, nor would it be beneficial for it to have 20 CWOFFs, 10 CFSGTs and 10 CSGTs. Rather, that squadron ought to have 2 CUOs, 2 CWOFFs, 1 CFSGT, 3 CSGTs, 5 CCPLs and around 30 LCDTs/CDTs. The general standard is 1–4 NCOs and CUOs.
The following table outlines cadet establishments for AAFC squadrons:
SQN Cadet EstablishmentCUOCWOFFCFSGTCSGTCCPL
10–3012124
31–4022135
41–5032236
51–6032247
61–7042259
71–80533510
81–90533611
91–100533712
101–110534713
111–120544814
121–130544916
131–140645917
141–1506451018

A cadet progresses through five phases of training during their cadet career.
PhaseInsignia
Cadet RecruitNo insignia
BasicNo insignia
ProficiencyThree-bladed propeller badge for wear on Service Dress
AdvancedFour-bladed propeller badge for wear on Service Dress
QualifiedSilver Eagle badge for wear on Service dress, replaces both Prof and Advanced badges

Propeller refers to a round gold pins with a propeller-blade symbol printed in service blue, worn centrally of the right breast pocket flap above the button.

Staff Promotion

A person may be enrolled as an Instructor of Cadets at the age of 18 and as an Officer of Cadets at the age of 19, though most begin their career as an IOC. Ex-cadets are recommended to wait a minimum of 12 months before returning as a staff member.
Upon appointment as an IOC, the staff member is normally given the rank of AC/ACW. Any new staff members who were a cadet and held the rank of Cadet Warrant Officer or Cadet Under Officer, within the last 5 years, are eligible for the rank of LAC/LACW. Ex-ADF members may also be appointed at higher ranks than AC/ACW, to recognise their previous rank/service in the ADF. Current ADF members may also be appointed at different ranks, as no member is permitted to have dual mess status.
AAFC staff members who join the ADF may have their rank changed to fit these criteria. This may include reversion in rank or "promotion". The promotion to a commissioned officer rank is not automatic – the member is terminated as an instructor, and their application for an officer appointment is assessed. AAFC staff in the ADF do not need to have exactly the same rank in both the ADF and AAFC; their ranks are just required to adhere to the above criteria.
Promotion is less frequent than that of cadets, as there is no upper age limit for staff. The minimum time in rank requirements between promotions is three years, with the exception of promotion from AC/ACW to LAC/LACW, LAC/LACW to CPL or from PLTOFF to FLGOFF in addition to other staff training requirements. The minimum time in rank requirement for AC/ACW to LAC/LACW is one year; from LAC/LACW to CPL is two years; and from PLTOFF to FLGOFF is two years.

Awards/Badges/Medals:

Organisation

National Level

Headquarters

The AAFC organisation as a whole falls under the command of Headquarters AAFC. HQAAFC has no physical location as it is made up of members from around the country. The only person to hold the rank of Group Captain is the Commander – Australian Air Force Cadets. The CDR-AAFC reports to the Director General Cadets – Air Force, a member of the RAAF who holds the rank of Air Commodore, who reports to the RAAF chain of command.
Under HQAAFC are the Operational Wings and Directorates, each headed by a Wing Commander who holds the appointment of Officer Commanding or Director respectively.
PositionAbbreviationCurrent Incumbent
Commander – Australian Air Force CadetsCDR-AAFCGPCAPT Mark Dorwar

In 2015 the role of Warrant Officer of the AAFC was abandoned by a majority vote of National and Wing Executive. As a result of this more than 40% of AAFC staff, being Instructors of Cadets, are no longer represented at a national level by a staff member regarded as the most senior AAFC Instructor of Cadets. Airmen within the Wings are represented by the Wing Warrant Officer.

Directorates

Directorates perform a service support function to Operational Wings. As of 1 January 2019 there are 7 Directorates under the announced Headquarters AAFC restructure.

Cadets Branch – Air Force (CB-AF)

Cadets can join from their 13th birthday and must leave at the end of the calendar year they turn 18.

Operational Wings

Each Wing contains a number of different squadrons.
Each year the Royal Australian Air Force awards the "Australian Air Force Cadets – Air Force Trophy". The winner of the Air Force Trophy is honoured with the custodianship of the AAFC National Banner for the following year.

Command and structure

The AAFC organisation as a whole falls under the command of Headquarters AAFC. HQAAFC has no physical location as it is made up of members from around the country. The only person to hold the rank of Group Captain is the Commander of the Australian Air Force Cadets. The CDR-AAFC reports to the Director General Cadets – Air Force, a member of the RAAF who holds the rank of Air Commodore, and in turn reports to the RAAF chain of command.

Under HQAAFC are the Operational Wings and Directorates, each headed by a WGCDR who holds the appointment of Officer Commanding or Director respectively. Cadet squadrons only exist within the Operational Wings. They report to the Operational Wing Officer Commanding and are commanded by a Commanding Officer. A squadron Commanding Officer will hold the rank of PLTOFF, FLGOFF or FLTLT unless the officer holds another appointment which entitles them to a more senior rank, some squadrons are commanded by a WOFF.
There are 8 Operational Wings for all states and territories, however the state of Queensland is divided into two Wings. There are also eight directorates to serve a support function for operational wings: Aviation Operations Directorate, Corporate Services Directorate, Diversity Directorate, People and Culture Directorate, Operations Directorate, Safety Directorate, Training Directorate.
As of 1 April 2005, a Squadron's establishment no longer justifies a CO to hold the rank of SQNLDR rank. However, it is still possible to have a CO of SQNLDR or even WGCDR rank, but only if that CO holds a wing or national position e.g. Officer Commanding, Director, Staff Officer or Deputy Director position in Wing or National HQ in addition to their appointment as a Squadron CO.

There are a number of key appointments within Wing Headquarters, including;


There are also a large number of other positions such as Administration Officer, Psychologist, Chaplain and various other training and administrative appointments. Larger Wings may have more executive and other appointments.

Each Wing has an Air Force Liaison Officer, a RAAF officer who is responsible for all activities requiring RAAF support for that region, amongst other duties.

Airmen/women and junior officers are posted to an individual squadron as instructors of cadets and officers of cadets.
The AAFC incorporates a National Cadet Reference Group, comprising eight Wing Chairs under the direction and leadership of a Chairman of the NCRG and Deputy Chairman of the NCRG. This is the peak representative and advisory body acting on behalf of the cadets to the higher echelons of the organisation. The chairman is a default member of several groups through virtue of their appointment including the tri-service Cadet Consultative Forum, the AAFC Executive Council and the National Council among others.

AAFC Home Training

There are five stages of AAFC Home Training, each Training Stage has a number of subjects.

Cadet Recruit stage

This training stage is designed to give cadets fundamental knowledge required to participate in AAFC Home Parades and Activities. The course should take between two and six months and should include at least one weekend of training.
Subjects in the Cadet Recruit Stage include drill, team building, and fieldcraft.

Basic stage

This training stage is designed to take a cadet with fundamental knowledge and build on this to the point where the cadet is proficient at most basic activities. Completion of this stage also makes cadets eligible for reclassification to the rank of Leading Cadet.
Subjects in Basic Stage include aircraft recognition, drill, and fieldcraft.

Proficiency Stage

This training stage is designed to be completed one year. Proficiency Stage comprises three compulsory core subjects and three elective subjects.

Subjects in Proficiency Stage include drill, aircraft recognition, fieldcraft, and survival skills.

Advanced Stage

This stage of training is designed to provide cadets with extensive knowledge about the RAAF and the AAFC. Advanced Stage comprises three compulsory core subjects plus three other subjects.

Qualified Stage

To complete Qualified Stage cadets are to complete a mix of Projects and Elective subjects. The mix of electives and projects may be:
Qualified Stage cadets who have Squadron duties such as instructing, administration, or supervising junior cadets may have these duties recognised in lieu of elective subjects in the form of a generic subject labelled Squadron Management Elective.
Projects are substantial multi-media presentations that may be individual or team efforts. Projects should be relevant to ADF or AAFC themes.

Electives

Electives subjects include personal development, adventure training, aircraft modelling, air navigation, air traffic control, field operations, fire safety, firearms training, life saving, meteorology, model rocketry, and radio communications.

AAFC RAAF Base Training

Every cadet that shows potential may apply for training held on active military bases.

Powered Flight Training (PFT)

PFT can be held either on civilian or military owned airfields and is usually held for two to three weeks.. An example includes, 2 Wing Flight training, which is held at RAAF Base Amberely. These Cadets are trained on a variety of aircraft and are taught the basics of flight. They are trained to complete a solo circuit by the end of the course.

Promotional Courses

During these courses, cadets are taught qualities required of the position they are attaining to. These courses vary and can be held in a multitude of military bases within Australia including Borneo Barracks, RAAF Base Willamtown and RAAF Base Amberely.

Drill and Ceremonial

AAFC training constitutes much Drill and Ceremonial training, ranging from basic static drill in recruit phase to advanced banner, Rifle and sword drill on officer courses. Each parade night a "squadron daily parade" is held in which all cadets participate, with CNCOs and above assuming executive position of Flight Sergeant, Flight Commander, Parade Warrant Officer, Parade Commander and often Reviewing Officer. Lower ranks may hold these positions where there are insufficient senior cadets. Squadrons also hold CO's Parades where staff go on parade and the squadron is inspected by the Commanding Officer.
AAFC squadrons often form guards and banner parties at Anzac/Remembrance Day/Victory in the Pacific Day/Vietnam Veterans Day services and other cadets will march on these parades. Promotion course graduation parades are very significant events, often requiring days of training. These parades will often be reviewed by a senior RAAF officer and consist of a number of squadrons/flights as well as colour parties. Graduation parades will generally be armed with Lee Enfields, L1a1 rifles, or F88 Austeyrs, the Standard Individual Weapon of the Australian Defence Force and swords for executives. Colour party members are often temporarily issued ceremonial equipment such as White cotton gloves, Banner Girdle or Sash and white belts.

Major Activities

[|National Competitions]

HQAAFC holds three National Competitions throughout the year, they are:
Wings may also hold their own competitions throughout the year and are similar to national competitions.

[|International Air Cadet Exchange] (IACE)

The International air Cadet Exchange Program came into being in 1947 when Canada and the UK arranged a bi-lateral exchange of air cadets between the two countries.
The AAFC currently exchanges with the following countries:

Minor Activities

Airshows

Cadets are given the ability to appear at local airshows and military expos depending on location of the unit. For Example, 228 Squadron located in Bundaberg, sent a flight of cadets to the Bundaberg Airshow of 2009. Cadets can take up roles such as assistance to security and catering.

Charities

Cadets assist local communities by holding and assisting in charity events, one such event including Relay for Life. These also consist of donations to military supportive organisations such as Legacy. Sometimes Senior Cadets plan these events.

Bivouacs

AAFC units commonly partake in camping activities called 'bivouacs' and allow cadets to learn fieldcraft, leadership and teamwork prior to a promotional course. These can last from a weekend to a week.

Skirmish

Cadets commonly partake in laser skirmish and paintball if approved by the Squadron. In past games teams have been known to wear different uniforms or add colour bands during battles to distinguish teams. For Example, One team would wear standard DPCU uniform, whilst the other wears another type of camo.

Memorials

Australia's has two memorials to the Australian Air Force Cadets. The first occupies a prominent position on the grounds of St John's Ashfield, and a memorial service attended by the Cadets has been held annually since it was opened by the State Governor Lieutenant General John Northcott in 1946. It was built by Squadron Leader Arthur Whitehurst who had commanded a squadron at Ashfield during the period 1941–1946, and whose son Douglas Arthur Whitehurst had died in action in World War II.
The second is a plaque unveiled in 1981 as part of a commemoration parade on the fortieth anniversary of the Australian Air Force Cadets' predecessor the Air Training Corps. The plaque is located at the base of a tree adjacent to the south west path leading from the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Victoria.
Each Cadet Squadron has an association with a local Returned Servicemans League branch and Squadrons participate in local ceremonies such as ANZAC & Remembrance Day Marches with their RSL Branch.

Firearms

Currently in use:

Powered Fixed Wing Aircraft