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.
Officer ranks
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.
- Air Commodore
- Group Captain (Gp Cpt)
- Wing Commander (Wg Cdr)
- Squadron Leader (Sqn Ldr)
- Flight Lieutenant (Flt Lt)
- Flying Officer (Fg Off)
- Pilot Officer (Plt Off)
- Acting Pilot Officer (APO)
Senior Non-Commissioned Officer (SNCO) ranks
- Sergeant (Sgt) - Probation
- Sergeant (Sgt)
- Flight Sergeant (FS)
- Warrant Officer (WO)
Aircrew Senior Non-Commissioned Officer (SNCO) ranks
- Sergeant (Sgt) Aircrew
- Flight Sergeant (FS) Aircrew
- Master Aircrew (MACr)
Cadet Non-commissioned Officer (NCO) ranks
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 (CWO)
- Cadet Flight Sergeant (Cdt FS)
- Cadet Sergeant (Cdt Sgt)
- Cadet Corporal (Cdt Cpl)
- Cadet Lance Corporal - CCF (RAF) only
Join the Air Cadets
Ready to start your own journey as an adult volunteer or an air cadet? Contact your local squadron to find out more.
