Ranks of the AAFC
Encyclopedia
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 a rank slide with an embroidered light blue bar, containing the letters AAFC. Adult members of the AAFC wear a rank slide with an embroidered white bar that contains the letters AAFC. Adult ranks are also followed by the letters AAFC (in brackets) 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 re-classification 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.
The ranks of the AAFC are as follows, in order from lowest to highest:
* Cadet Recruit is not an official rank, but commonly refers to new cadets who have not yet finalised the enrolment process but are attending training.
Cadets join the AAFC as recruits at the rank of Cadet (CDT) 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 PH-299 (also commonly referred to as "blue books"; a form of identification carried at all times by cadets) and uniforms some time during Cadet Recruit Stage. Cadet Recruit Stage usually takes less than 6 months to complete.
Upon completion of the Recruit Stage of training, CDTs begin Basic Stage, Basic Stage, on average, takes 12 months to fully complete. By completing Basic Stage a a cadet is eligible for re-classification to the rank of Leading Cadet (LCDT). A LCDT rank slide features a single inverted chevron.
A LCDT can apply for the Cadet Junior Non-Commissioned Officer Course after five months time in rank. A cadet's Commanding Officer
(CO) reviews the LCDT's application, and, if successful, endorses their application. This allows the LCDT to attend a promotion course (held during school holidays) conducted by their parent wing.
Cadet Junior Non-Commissioned Officer (CJNCO) courses generally last for 12–14 days and are usually 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.
Any CCPL can apply for the Cadet 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 CJNCOs. CSNCO courses typically last between two and three weeks and are also held at a RAAF base, often concurrently with a CJNCO course.
Promotion, as for CJNCOs. 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 CSNCOs.
A Cadet Warrant Officer (CWOFF) is technically the most senior of the CNCO 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 CSNCO and have been an CNCO (both CCPL, CSGT and CFSGT) for a combined total of 17 months.
The CWOFF course generally lasts for two to four weeks 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 as Cadet Warrant Officer, whilst subordinate ranks will address the CWOFF as Sir or Ma'am depending on their gender and preference however, are too also allowed to address the CWOFF as Cadet Warrant Officer.
In order to attend a CUO course a cadet must be a CSNCO and have been an NCO (both CCPL and CSGT) for a combined total of 17 months. CUO courses are the longest and typically run for three to four weeks 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.
The following table outlines cadet establishments for AAFC squadrons:
See Australian Air Force Cadets
for a description of each training stage.
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.
Upon appointment as an IOC, the staff member is normally given the rank of AC/ACW(AAFC). Any new staff member who was previously a cadet and held the rank of Cadet Warrant Officer or Cadet Under Officer is eligible for and is usually given the rank of LAC/LACW(AAFC). Ex-ADF members may also be appointed at higher ranks than AC/ACW(AAFC), subjected to establishment constraints, 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 (i.e. may only be permitted to eat/sleep in ONE of the Airmen's Mess, Sergeant's Mess or Officer's Mess).
AAFC staff members who join the ADF may have their rank changed to fit these criteria. This may include reversion in rank (e.g. PLTOFF or FSGT to CPL) or "promotion" (e.g. LAC or SGT to PLTOFF). 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 age limit on staff. The minimum time in rank requirements between promotions is three years, with the exception of promotion from AC/ACW(AAFC) to LAC/LACW(AAFC), LAC/LACW(AAFC) to CPL(AAFC) or from PLTOFF(AAFC) to FLGOFF(AAFC) in addition to other staff training requirements. The minimum time in rank requirement for AC/ACW(AAFC) to LAC/LACW(AAFC) is one year; from LAC/LACW(AAFC) to CPL(AAFC) is two years; and from PLTOFF(AAFC) to FLGOFF(AAFC) is two years.
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...
are closely based on the ranks of the Royal Australian Air Force
Royal Australian Air Force
The Royal Australian Air Force is the air force branch of the Australian Defence Force. The RAAF was formed in March 1921. It continues the traditions of the Australian Flying Corps , which was formed on 22 October 1912. The RAAF has taken part in many of the 20th century's major conflicts...
. 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 a rank slide with an embroidered light blue bar, containing the letters AAFC. Adult members of the AAFC wear a rank slide with an embroidered white bar that contains the letters AAFC. Adult ranks are also followed by the letters AAFC (in brackets) when written to distinguish them from actual members of the RAAF. Cadet Non-Commissioned Officer
Non-commissioned officer
A non-commissioned officer , called a sub-officer in some countries, is a military officer who has not been given a commission...
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 re-classification 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.
Ranks and Abbreviations
Roles & requirements of each staff rank can be found here. Roles of each cadet rank can be found here.The ranks of the AAFC are as follows, in order from lowest to highest:
Ranks in the AAFC
| Insignia | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | Cadet Recruit * | Cadet | Leading Cadet | Cadet Corporal | Cadet Sergeant | Cadet Flight Sergeant | Cadet Warrant Officer | Cadet Under Officer |
| Abbreviation | N/A | CDT | LCDT | CCPL | CSGT | CFSGT | CWOFF | CUO |
* Cadet Recruit is not an official rank, but commonly refers to new cadets who have not yet finalised the enrolment process but are attending training.
| Insignia | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | Aircraftman (AAFC) Aircraftwoman (AAFC) | Leading Aircraftman (AAFC) Leading Aircraftwoman (AAFC) | Corporal (AAFC) | Sergeant (AAFC) | Flight Sergeant (AAFC) | Warrant Officer (AAFC) |
| Abbreviation | AC (AAFC) ACW (AAFC) | LAC (AAFC) LACW (AAFC) | CPL (AAFC) | SGT (AAFC) | FSGT (AAFC) | WOFF (AAFC) |
| Insignia | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | Pilot Officer (AAFC) | Flying Officer (AAFC) | Flight Lieutenant (AAFC) | Squadron Leader (AAFC) | Wing Commander (AAFC) | Group Captain (AAFC) |
| Abbreviation | PLTOFF (AAFC) | FLGOFF (AAFC) | FLTLT (AAFC) | SQNLDR (AAFC) | WGCDR (AAFC) | GPCAPT (AAFC) |
Junior Ranks
Junior ranks comprise the ranks of Cadet (CDT) and Leading Cadet (LCDT) as well as the informal title of Recruit.Cadets join the AAFC as recruits at the rank of Cadet (CDT) 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 PH-299 (also commonly referred to as "blue books"; a form of identification carried at all times by cadets) and uniforms some time during Cadet Recruit Stage. Cadet Recruit Stage usually takes less than 6 months to complete.
Upon completion of the Recruit Stage of training, CDTs begin Basic Stage, Basic Stage, on average, takes 12 months to fully complete. By completing Basic Stage a a cadet is eligible for re-classification to the rank of Leading Cadet (LCDT). A LCDT rank slide features a single inverted chevron.
Cadet Non-Commissioned Officer Ranks
Cadet Non-Commissioned Officer (CNCO) ranks are Cadet Corporal (CCPL), Cadet Sergeant (CSGT), Cadet Flight Sergeant (CFSGT) and technically Cadet Warrant Officer (CWOFF).A LCDT can apply for the Cadet Junior Non-Commissioned Officer Course after five months time in rank. A cadet's Commanding Officer
Commanding officer
The commanding officer is the officer in command of a military unit. Typically, the commanding officer has ultimate authority over the unit, and is usually given wide latitude to run the unit as he sees fit, within the bounds of military law...
(CO) reviews the LCDT's application, and, if successful, endorses their application. This allows the LCDT to attend a promotion course (held during school holidays) conducted by their parent wing.
Cadet Junior Non-Commissioned Officer (CJNCO) courses generally last for 12–14 days and are usually 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.
Any CCPL can apply for the Cadet 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 CJNCOs. CSNCO courses typically last between two and three weeks and are also held at a RAAF base, often concurrently with a CJNCO course.
Promotion, as for CJNCOs. 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 CSNCOs.
A Cadet Warrant Officer (CWOFF) is technically the most senior of the CNCO 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 CSNCO and have been an CNCO (both CCPL, CSGT and CFSGT) for a combined total of 17 months.
The CWOFF course generally lasts for two to four weeks 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 as Cadet Warrant Officer, whilst subordinate ranks will address the CWOFF as Sir or Ma'am depending on their gender and preference however, are too also allowed to address the CWOFF as Cadet Warrant Officer.
Senior Cadet Ranks
The ranks of CWOFF and Cadet Under Officer (CUO) 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 CSNCO and have been an NCO (both CCPL and CSGT) for a combined total of 17 months. CUO courses are the longest and typically run for three to four weeks 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 (especially to prevent a top-heavy squadron developing). 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 CNCOs and CUOs.The following table outlines cadet establishments for AAFC squadrons:
| SQN Cadet Establishment | CUO | CWOFF | CFSGT | CSGT | CCPL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10-30 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 4 |
| 31-40 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 5 |
| 41-50 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 6 |
| 51-60 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 7 |
| 61-70 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 5 | 9 |
| 71-80 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 5 | 10 |
| 81-90 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 6 | 11 |
| 91-100 | 5 | 3 | 3 | 7 | 12 |
| 101-110 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 7 | 13 |
| 111-120 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 8 | 14 |
| 121-130 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 9 | 16 |
| 131-140 | 6 | 4 | 5 | 9 | 17 |
| 141-150 | 6 | 4 | 5 | 10 | 18 |
- Squadrons cannot exceed the establishment of CUO and CWOFF positions, positions for CUOs do not trickle down to CWOFF positions if there are vacancies in CUO positions.
- The rank establishment system has a trickle-down effect. This means that, for example, a squadron with no CUOs/CWOFFs can assign those positions to subordinate personnel, so long as the total number does not exceed the normal number plus the vacant senior positions. There is no cascade-up effect and CUO positions do not trickle down to allow for more CWOFFs, but do trickle down to allow for more CFSGT positions.
- This means that vacant CCPL positions remain that way at all times, and, for example, a squadron with establishment for 75 cadets that has only 3 CSGTs could not assign those positions to CUO/CWOFF/CFSGT rank but could assign them to allow for more CCPLs.
Cadet Phases of Training
A cadet progresses through five phases of training during their cadet career.See Australian Air Force Cadets
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...
for a description of each training stage.
| Phase | Insignia |
|---|---|
| Cadet Recruit | No insignia |
| Basic | Re-classification to rank of LCDT |
| Proficiency | Three-bladed propeller |
| Advanced | Four-bladed propeller |
| Qualified | No insignia |
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 (IOC) at the age of 18 and as an Officer of Cadets (OOC) at the age of 20, though most begin their career as an IOC. Ex-cadets are required to wait a minimum of one year before returning as a staff member.Upon appointment as an IOC, the staff member is normally given the rank of AC/ACW(AAFC). Any new staff member who was previously a cadet and held the rank of Cadet Warrant Officer or Cadet Under Officer is eligible for and is usually given the rank of LAC/LACW(AAFC). Ex-ADF members may also be appointed at higher ranks than AC/ACW(AAFC), subjected to establishment constraints, 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 (i.e. may only be permitted to eat/sleep in ONE of the Airmen's Mess, Sergeant's Mess or Officer's Mess).
- An ADF PTE(E)-CPL(E) can only be an AAFC AC(AAFC)-CPL(AAFC)
- An ADF SGT(E)-WO1(E) can only be an AAFC SGT(AAFC)-WOFF(AAFC)
- An ADF officer can only be an AAFC officer
- Since the ranks WOFF(AAFC), SQNLDR(AAFC), WGCDR(AAFC) and GPCAPT(AAFC) are not substantive ranks in the AAFC, senior airmen and senior/air officers may only be given the highest substantive rank of FSGT(AAFC) or FLTLT(AAFC) unless the member also holds a senior airmen/officer appointment.
AAFC staff members who join the ADF may have their rank changed to fit these criteria. This may include reversion in rank (e.g. PLTOFF or FSGT to CPL) or "promotion" (e.g. LAC or SGT to PLTOFF). 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 age limit on staff. The minimum time in rank requirements between promotions is three years, with the exception of promotion from AC/ACW(AAFC) to LAC/LACW(AAFC), LAC/LACW(AAFC) to CPL(AAFC) or from PLTOFF(AAFC) to FLGOFF(AAFC) in addition to other staff training requirements. The minimum time in rank requirement for AC/ACW(AAFC) to LAC/LACW(AAFC) is one year; from LAC/LACW(AAFC) to CPL(AAFC) is two years; and from PLTOFF(AAFC) to FLGOFF(AAFC) is two years.
