Air Training Corps Uniform and Ranks
Our ATC Uniform
The ATC wear modified RNZAF uniform. This uniform is on loan whilst the cadet is still actively taking part with the unit. It must be cleaned and returned upon the cadet leaving. In most cases, the only item cadets will need to provide are black or blue t-shirt that is worn under CWDs (we have custom printed 10 SQN shirts available to purchase) and socks. Formal Parade shoes and boots are also provided with the basic uniform.
Cadets will be invoiced for any damage or replacement to uniform. The complete uniform is worth between $900 and $1000.
No. 3B Service Dress
No. 3B is a formal uniform used for activities such as ceremonial parades and various other occasions.
It consists of:
Dark blue trousers
Belt
Light blue short sleeve shirt
Jersey (Winter dress)
Brassard
Rank slides
Field Service Cap
Name badge
Black, polishable shoes
Female formal uniform (can be worn with or without the jersey)
Male formal uniform (can be worn with or without the jersey)
No. 4 Cadet Working Dress (CWD)
Cadet Working Dress is a practical, everyday uniform primarily worn on regular Parade nights and outdoor activities.
Designed for functionality, it allows cadets to carry out activities without worrying about damaging more formal uniforms. There are 2 methods of wear, No.4A and No.4B.
It consists of:
Dark blue trousers
Belt
Dark blue undershirt
Dark blue shirt
Rank patch
Baseball cap, or Field Service Cap
Name patch
Black, polishable boots
Summer months sleeves are rolled up
Winter months sleeves are down
Air Training Corps Rank Structure
ATC Ranks are modeled after the RNZAF.
Cadets make up the bulk of the unit, whilst Non-Commissioned Officers (Higher ranks) are Cadets who have demonstrated a high standard of leadership, dress and bearing, initiative, and have expressed an interest in taking on more responsibility
Officers are adult volunteers within the NZCF who have received a commission from the Minister of Defense, and thereby have a legal duty of care over Cadets. Officer ranks generally denote the experience and role of the officer within the NZCF. In keeping with the customs of the NZDF, officers are to be saluted.
Cadet (CDT)
Cadet is the first and most common rank within the Air Training Corps. Cadets generally do not hold any significant responsibility within the unit.
All recruits are designated as a Cadet after completing Basic Boot Camp. Blank rank slide with "CADET FORCES" at the bottom.
Addressed as “Cadet”.
Leading Air Cadet (LAC)
Leading Air Cadet (LAC) is the first junior NCO rank. LAC's will typically either lead a section of Cadets, or will assist as a 2nd in command (2IC).
In 2007, the Chief of Air Staff accepted the introduction of the LAC rank. Single propeller above "CADET FORCES".
Promotion requirements:
Completed Basic 2 training
No disciplinary or performance issues
Approved by Unit Commander
Addressed as "LAC".
Cadet Corporal (CDTCPL)
Corporals (CDTCPL) is the first official NCO rank. They may either lead a section of cadets, assist the sergeant or the Flight Sergeant or hold the position of Squad Leader.
Two chevrons above "CADET FORCES".
Promotion requirements:
Completed Proficiency Training
Qualified on NZCF JNCO Course
No disciplinary or performance issues
Approved by Unit Commander
Addressed as "Corporal".
Cadet Sergeant (CTDSGT)
Cadet Sergeant (CDTSGT) is the first Senior NCO rank. They most often hold the position of Flight Sergeant (FLTSGT).
The lowest SNCO rank. May hold the position of NCO2IC (2nd-in-Charge). Three chevrons above "CADET FORCES".
Promotion requirements:
Completed Advanced Training
Qualified on the NZCF SNCO Course
No disciplinary or performance issues
Approved by Unit Commander
Addressed as "Sergeant".
Cadet Flight Sergeant (CDTF/S)
Flight Sergeants (F/S) are experienced Senior NCOs. F/S will hold the position of Flight Sergeant
May hold the position of NCOIC, or Flight Commander in some situations. Crown and three chevrons above "CADET FORCES".
Promotion requirements:
Completed a minimum of six months in the rank of Sergeant
No disciplinary or performance issues
Approved by Unit Commander
Addressed as "Flight" or "Flight Sergeant".
Cadet Warrant Officer (CDTW/O)
Highest SNCO rank. There is only one serving Warrant Officer in a unit. Serves as the leader of all cadets in their unit. Coat of arms with lion and unicorn above "CADET FORCES".
Promotion requirements:
Completed a minimum of six months in the rank of Flight Sergeant
No disciplinary or performance issues
Demonstrates exceptional leadership and service
Approved by Unit Commander
Addressed as "Sir/Ma'am" (used by all cadets) or "Warrant Officer" (only officers would normally address the W/O as "Warrant Officer").
Officer Cadet, NZCF
(OFFCDT, NZCF)
The lowest Officer rank. Officer Cadets have submitted an application to enlist as an NZCF officer. They do not hold a commission and are not to be saluted. Light blue officer rank slide with wide, white tape (known as "nappies") with "CADET FORCES" underneath.
Depending on their level of experience, Officer Cadets may serve as a Flight Commander, or as an assistant to the Training, Admin, or Stores Officers or Adjutant.
Addressed as "Sir/Ma'am".
Pilot Officer, NZCF
(PLTOFF, NZCF)
Lowest Commissioned Officer rank. May hold a number of positions in the unit such as Flight Commander, Stores Officer, Training Officer, Adjutant, etc.
Light blue officer rank slide with a single thin braid above "CADET FORCES".
Pilot Officers have attended the Officers Commissioning Course.
Addressed as "Sir/Ma'am" and are to be saluted.
Flying Officer, NZCF
(FGOFF, NZCF)
Flying Officers have more experience as an officer and have completed a number of NZCF Courses.
Light blue officer rank slide with a single medium-thick braid above "CADET FORCES".
Addressed as "Sir/Ma'am" and are to be saluted.
Flight Lieutenant, NZCF
(FLTLT, NZCF)
Flight Lieutenants (pronounced "left-tenant") have extensive NZCF officer experience. They have completed a number of years of NZCF officer service and have completed multiple courses such as the ITTM (Instructors), Shooting Coaches, Range Conducting Officer's, and/or Officer's Fieldcraft Courses. Generally held by the Unit Commander.
Light blue officer rank slide with two medium-thick braids above "CADET FORCES".
Addressed as "Sir/Ma'am" and are to be saluted
Squadron Leader, NZCF
(SQNLDR, NZCF)
The rank of Squadron Leader is generally reserved for officers serving above unit level (area/national leadership). They have previously served as a senior officer within a unit.
Light blue officer rank slide with two medium-thick braids with a thin braid in between, all above "CADET FORCES".
Addressed as "Sir/Ma'am" and are to be saluted.
Wing Commander, NZCF
(WGCDR, NZCF)
The rank of Wing Commander is reserved for the Assistant Commandant of the NZCF. They have completed a minimum of four years as a Unit Commander and a minimum of three years as an Area Support Officer. Their promotion is determined by senior leadership within the NZCF.
Light blue officer rank slide with three medium-thick braids above "CADET FORCES".
Addressed as "Sir/Ma'am" and are to be saluted.
No. 10 (City of Palmerston North) Squadron, Air Training Corps
PO Box 9013, Terrace End
Palmerston North 4441
We Parade on a Wednesday night 6:15pm - 9pm (during term time) at the Linton Community Centre, Puttick Road, Linton
Contact Us
Please use this form to enquire about joining or ask any questions.
