The Air Training Corps
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The History of The Air Training CorpsThe Air Training Corps (ATC) evolved from the Air Defence Cadets Corps (ADCC) which was established in 1938. In 1941, the government accepted responsibility for the training side of the cadet corps and, in order to provide the means of giving part time training to young men destined for the RAF, the ADCC became the ATC; the Combined Cadet Force (Royal Air Force) (CCF(RAF)) was founded a few years later in 1948. Together they constitute the Air Cadet Organisation (ACO). On 5 February 1941, King George VI set the seal of national recognition on the ATC by consenting to become its Air Commodore-in-Chief and constituted it by Royal Warrant. "Whereas we deem it expedient to
provide for our youth the means of It was thought that some 98,500 ATC Cadets went on to join the RAF during World War II, accounting for some 500 decorations for valour. Following the war, the cadet strength of the ATC was reduced and the main focus was altered; in later years greater emphasis was given to general youth and citizenship training although the strong relationship with the RAF remained. A trial scheme began in 1980 to assess the effect of female cadets in the ATC and, in 1983, the scheme was approved and adopted. The ACO has continually developed since it was founded in 1941, although the main focus has moved away from flying training with a view to joining the RAF as aircrew. The current aims of the ACO clearly demonstrate the ideals of producing enthusiastic and thoughtful young men and women who will strive to achieve in whatever walk of life they choose: To promote and encourage a
practical interest in aviation and the RAF To provide training that will be
useful both in the Services and in To foster a spirit of adventure
and to develop qualities of leadership |
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