This actually lists the whole rank structure of the ACO (Air Cadet Organisation) What you will mainly be interested in is the squadron level rankings, which can be found here. The other parts are just listed for general interest.

Ranks Within Headquarters Air Cadets

Commandant Air Cadets: Air Commodore J.D. Kennedy BA RAF

Chief of Staff Air Cadets: Group Captain W.M.N. Cross OBE RAFR

After these two important chaps, the rankings follow as:

• Group Captain
• Wing Commander
• Squadron Leader
• Flight Lieutenant

There are more than one of each of these ranks.

Below are Adult NCOs (Non-Commissioned Officers)

• Flight Sergeant
• Sergeant

• Civilian Administrative Staff (outside of rank structure)

Again there are more than one of each of these ranks.

Ranks within Region

A region is the first division of the ACO below the whole organisation. Our squadron's region, for example, is North Region (I think) Our region is commanded by Gp. Capt. Gambold.

• Air Commodore
• Group Captain

A retired RAF Air Commodore or Group Captain (Gp Capt) commands each region. They will be supported by a civilian administrative staff

Ranks within Wing

The wing is the next division - there are several wings in a region, to put it into perspective. A wing is usually that bit more personall than a region area. Most cadets get to know other cadets in their Wing quite well because of NCO courses, athletics, shooting etc. Our squadron is in the recently merged South and West Yorkshire Wing (formerly West Ridings Wing), commanded by Wg. Cdr. Roger Moss.

• Wing Commander (Wg Cdr)
• Squadron Leader (Sqn Ldr) (Wing Administrative Officer - WgAdO)
• Wing Staff Officers
• Civilian Administrative Staff

Ranks within Squadrons

This is probably where things will begin to sound familliar - the squadron is (apart from Detached Flights) the smallest unit of the ACO. Ours (as most are) is commanded by a Flt. Lt - Flight Lieutenant John Hitchen.

• Squadron Leader (Sqn Ldr)
• Flight Lieutenant (Flt Lt)

  The CO is responsible to their Wing Commander for the management of the Squadron they have charge of. They will work with their civillian commitee to ensure that the squadron runs smoothly. The Civillian Committee has the power to remove the CO. The CO will also appoint an Adjutant who takes care of the administration and daily function of the Squadron - this could be a Warrant Officer (see below) or a lower ranking Officer. He will also appoint a Training Officer who will ensure that there is a full and varied programme of activities and that the Training Syllabus is followed. Others may be appointed as i/c (in charge) of specific functions eg. Stores, Sports, Adventure Training, Projects etc. These could be Cadet NCOs or adult staff.

• Flying Officer (Fg Off)

  Flying Officers are responsible for the management of the Squadron to which they are assigned and will have specific Squadron duties.

• Pilot Officer (PO)

  Upon receiving their Royal Commission into the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve (Training Branch) - ( RAFVR (T) ) an Officer serves as a Pilot Officer for up to two years before automatic promotion to Fg Off.

  This rank is being phased out of the Royal Air Force but will be retained by the RAFVR(T).

• Adult Warrant Officer (AWO)

  This is the highest and only adult rank within the Air Training Corps. "Officers" hold a Royal Commission as Officers in the Royal Air Force and are 'seconded' to the Air Cadet Organisation. The Warrant Officer rank is non-commissioned. AWOs are responsible for Drill & Discipline as well as other duties within their Squadrons.

• Civilian Instructor (CI)

  Civilian Instructors are actually outside of the authorised rank structure. They are directly answerable to their Commanding Officer. CI's may be retired RAF Officers or Warrant Officers or Servicemen and Women or may be direct entries from outside the Services.

		Cadet Warrant Officer (CWO) The CWO is appointed by the Wing Commander, upon recommendation of their CO. Officially they are members of the Wing Staff but they remain with their own Squadron. CWO is the highest rank achievable by a Cadet and is a key link with the Staff. They are involved with the planning and operation of the Squadron. Often the CWO takes responsibility for drill and discipline matters concerning the cadets. You should address a CWO as "Cadet Warrant Officer [Surname]"
		Flight Sergeant (F/Sgt) As Sgt a Cadet is given responsibility for overseeing various aspects of the Squadron. They may be involved with Administrative Support, Training or other similar tasks as well as helping to plan and organise events etc. F/Sgts are usually referred to as "Flight Sergeant [Surname]", some Squadrons (but not all) permit "Flight".
		Sergeant (Sgt) Sergeant is the first SNCO (Senior NCO) rank; the others are F/Sgt and CWO. Sgts are usually involved with the supervision of the Corporals as well as having specific Squadron duties. Sgts are referred to as "Sergeant [Surname]"
		Corporal (Cpl) This is the first rank a Cadet can attain. Corporals are often also known as NCOs (Non- Commissioned Officers). Their main duties include ensuring proper dress and discipline amongst the Cadets as well as undertaking leading Cadets where necessary), any tasks which need completing.