There are a number of ways that you can assist your local squadron as an adult volunteer, each are equally important to us and are detailed below.

Adult Staff Member

Our adult staff are vital to the operation of the Air Training Corps, without them committing their spare time to the organisation the ATC would not be able to offer its cadets the huge array of opportunities that it currently does. Becoming an adult staff member on your local squadron is easy and is a rewarding way to spend some of your spare time, you do not require previous military experience or specialist skills.

The first step to becoming an adult staff member is to contact your local squadron, see Finding Your Local Squadron below, either by phone or by visiting in person and talking to the squadron commander who will explain the application process and what is expected from you as a Civilian Instructor (CI). As a CI you are free to commit as much or as little time as you can realistically spare, however you should agree with your squadron commander what you can and can't do at the outset to avoid conflicts at a later date. Once your application has been processed you will be appointed as a probationary CI for a period of three months. Subject to satisfactory completion of your probation period you will receive a certificate of appointment and may, at your squadron commander's invitation apply to become a uniformed member of staff.

Uniformed Staff

Your route in to uniformed service can take one of two routes. You may apply to become an Adult Sergeant (if you have held a senior NCO rank in the regular forces, you may at the Regional Commandant's discretion, be appointed in a senior rank in keeping with your regular service.) Your squadron commander will discuss his recommendation with the squadron's Wing Staff Office and if both are happy you will be issued with an application form. The selection process is by interview, normally with the Wing Commander and two WSOs forming an interview board. The interview will cover three separate parts each led by a board member, the first will confirm the details on your application form to ensure that it is still accurate, the second will discuss ATC knowledge with you and the Board President (normally the Wing Commander) will discuss your motives for becoming an Adult Senior Non-Commissioned Officer (ASNCO), ensure that you understand the commitment that you are undertaking and pick up on areas that interest him from your application form. If you are successful at interview your application will be sent to Headquarters Air Cadets (HQAC) and you will receive confirmation of your appointment in a few weeks.

Alternatively you may apply for a commission in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve (Training branch), once again your squadron commander will discuss your recommendation with your WSO who will do an initial interview with you. If your WSO is happy for you to proceed an application form will be issued to you for completion and return. You will then be invited for an interview at Wing level, which will once again be in front of board, this time the Wing Administration Officer will form the board along with the Wing Commander as Board President and a Wing Staff Officer. The format will be similar to that of the Adult SNCO board but will go into greater depth and therefore take longer to complete. If you are successful you will be invited to a second interview at Regional Headquarters with Regional Commandant as President, the Assistant Regional Commandant and a Wing Administration Officer from another Wing. If you are successful at your Regional Board your application will be sent to HQAC and you will receive confirmation of your appointment a few weeks later.

Your Commitment as a Uniformed Staff Member

Unlike CIs, uniformed staff member you are required to commit a minimum of 12-hours per month to ATC duty, this can include evenings and weekends. You are also required to complete the relevant Initial Course with 12-months of your appointment.

Other ways to Volunteer

If you don't feel that being an adult staff member is right for you but you would still like to assist your local squadron there is another option. Every squadron requires a Civilian Committee to look after the units welfare and to raise and manage squadron funds. Many cadet's parents find that joining the committee is an ideal way of sharing their children's interests without getting too involved. Civilian committees typically meet once a month to discuss the squadrons progress, the squadron commander will normally be there to deliver a report. If you would like to join a squadron Committee contact the squadron commander who will put you in contact with the Civilian Committee Chairman.

Squadron Chaplains

Many squadrons have a chaplain to look after its morale welfare of the cadets, chaplains can be ministers or priests of any religion. As an Honourary Chaplain you will not wear a uniform but you will be issued with a Chaplains pin badge to wear on your lapel and a larger edition to be worn on your preaching scarf. Your first steps towards becoming an ATC chaplain are to approach your local squadron commander who will discuss your role with you. Once appointed you will be expected to attend the squadron once a month and may have a specific "Padre's Hour" on the training programme, you will also be invited to attend your squadron's Civilian Committee meetings.

Finding Your Local Squadron

To find your local squadron use the Squadrons option from the West Mercian Wing menu, squadrons are organised by county. Alternatively West Mercian Wing Headquarters will be able to help you find your nearest squadron, telephone them on 01902 377211. If you live outside the West Mercian Wing area the "Interactive Map" in the "Join Us and Links" section of the Air Cadet website will assist you in finding your nearest unit.