Cadet Classifications

There are four different cadet classifications (or grades) that show what stage of training a cadet has completed. As you progress through the classification structure the training becomes progressive more detailed and specialised.  It is designed to give you the necessary skills and knowledge to be able to more fully take part in the other activities available to you.  Training will vary between formal lessons, hands-on projects and outdoors activities.  There will also be opportunities outside of the Squadron to obtain more valuable skills and knowledge.

When you start as a cadet, you will initially become a Junior Cadet (formally known as a Probationer Cadet).  Once you have undergone initial training, been issued with uniform and been enrolled you will become a Second class cadet and formally begin your classification training.  Initially you will study a wide range of subjects, both theory and practical based as you study to become a First Class cadet.  This is the first classification you can obtain and should take between 4-6 months after you join.

First Class Cadet

The next stage in your training is to become a Leading Cadet.  This involves learning basic navigation and map reading, understanding how an aircraft flies and stays in the air and being able to identify common aircraft and understand how an airfield works.  This is also backed up by project time, during which you get a more hands on approach to learning as you apply your skills to completing a project.  Projects range from First Aid, Model making, Radio, Band, too many to name.  Once you have completed a minimum to 25 hours of project time and completed the 3 exams required you will become a leading cadet.  This should take approximately a year after becoming 1st class.


Leading Cadet badge

Leading Cadet

The next classification you study for is Senior Cadet.  At this point you will begin to narrow down the subject that you take, but will study them in more detail.  There are 8 subjects to choose from, of which only 2 will be studied.  They include how a jet engine works, the theory behind rocket power and satellites, how planes and navigators navigate using not just a map and compass, but the full range of instruments a plane offers, they also include the principles of Radar and Radio, as well as the use of Air Power and the construction of planes.  On top of this, a further 25 hours of project time is required, which can be a continuation of what you did before, or something new.  Once you have completed the project time and completed the 2 exams, you will become a Senior Cadet.  Again this should take about 1 year after you become a Leading cadet.

Senior Cadet badge

Senior Cadet

The final classification you can achieve is Staff Cadet.  This classification is split into 2 sections, part 1 and part 2.  Part one is the same as for the Senior cadet classification.  You will study a further 2 subjects and again complete 25 hours of project time.  You will also undertake citizenship training and will have had to have attended an annual camp.  As with Senior, once you have completed this and sat the 2 exams you will have passed Staff Part 1.  This will mean you are eligible for the full BTec in Aviation Studies.
Staff Part 2 is about training you to take on a more active role within the Squadron.  It included instructional techniques, to you can teach subjects to other cadets, a good knowledge in the working and running of a Squadron, the administration behind it and who does what.  Again this is done to allow you to take a more active role in the Squadron by assisting the Staff in the running.  Part 2 is passed upon completion of an Interview by a Wing Staff Officer, who will ascertain your level of knowledge and also assess your abilities to teach be watching a short presentation you will give.  Once you have done this you will become a Staff Cadet and earn your yellow lanyard.  Unlike the earlier classifications, you obtain a lanyard as apposed to a badge.  This makes staff cadets very distinct and shows they have completed the full level of academic training available to them.


 

Staff Cadet

However it does not end their.  While the academic training may be over, there are still more courses and opportunities open you you from sports courses, to navigation awards.  There is still a lot more open to you.