Break the mould and fly high with the ATC (Air Training Corps (ATC))

Name: MI9to5

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Product:	Air Training Corps (ATC)
Date:	07.05.08 (29 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: The best youth organisation in the world

Disadvantages: Can take up a lot of time

The Air Training Corps is in my opinion the best youth organisation that exists. It offers young people opportunities that just aren't available anywhere else.
The ATC is a youth organisation for young people aged between 13-20 and aims to provide RAF based opportunities to all of its members. New cadets can expected to be issued with a uniform (similar to that of the RAF) and enrolled within 3 months. Once this has occurred the range of activities available to them greatly increase.
On a squadron basis cadets can expect to progress through a series of classroom based subjects and exams, for which a badge is awarded for each level. They can also expect to do First Aid Training, learn to use a radio, learn to play a drum and basic foot and marching drill. Furthermore most units undertake camping trips each year (my squadron visits the lakes for adventure training such as rock climbing and assists with the programme selling at the Yorkshire Air Show).
Cadets that show good leadership qualities and the ability to cope in differing situations may also be promoted through the ranks Cadet, Corporal, Sergeant, Flight Sergeant and then finally Cadet Warrant Officer. Cadets with a rank are called NCO's and with each rank comes further responsibility and duties, which a cadet would be expected to perform. A senior NCO would also be expected to help to develop the skills of all NCO's below them.
During their time with the ATC cadets can also expect to go flying and gliding, possibly undertake a flying or gliding scholarship and go on at least one, usually more, annual camp (a camp with other cadets from other squadrons).
Further opportunities involve Duke of Edinburgh Award Training, the chance to participate in the Nimajgen Road March in Holland and the chance to go on an International Air Cadet Exchange (IACE) to countries such as Ghana, Sweden and the USA.


My Experiences
I've been an ATC cadet for 3½ years now and have loved every minute of it. I've managed to attain the rank of Flt Sgt. The time I have spent with the Corps has been fantastic and the things I have achieved with them is quite amazing. I now have a Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award and a BETEC in aviation. I am also first-aid qualified, have achieved my VHF Radio Operators Licence and have learnt how to carry a squadron standard (flag). I have also been to Northern Ireland and flown in the Puma helicopter. Furthermore I have achieved my Blue Gliding Scholarship Wings and have been accepted onto the IACE programme to Belgium this July.
Obviously not everyone has achieved what I have, some have achieved more and some have achieved different things; however I can with confidence say that everyone has met people that will be friends for life and has been given the support, encourage and facilities to develop their own interests and talents, as well as vital leadership qualities.

All those who moan about youngsters need only see the ATC in action to realise that it is the minority and not the majority that are spoiling things and that the majority are actually normal young people wanting to achieve.
Call me biased if you want but if you still don't believe me take a look at your local ATC group and you'll find a well disciplined and polite bunch of young people who give up their time and effort not only for themselves and their friends but also for their local community. The ATC, by a large country mile, is definitely the best youth organisation in the world and will probably remain so for a long, long time.

Summary: Join the next generation