Leadership and Management Skills

The ATC plays an important part in developing core qualities within the leaders of tomorrow. The military structure of the ATC is based around the principle of the chain of command and cadets on 494 Sqn are part of this.

Cadets at 494 Sqn start their development early. Within probation training cadets are taught how to brief and manage a task. This includes important aspects such as, clarity of communication, determination and motivation. This training continues throughout their cadet career.

Selecting the Sqn’s Leaders

494 Sqn operates through a chain of command; please see the Structure Page for more information. To operate this structure leaders are required to fulfill important management and administrative roles. 494 Sqn’s Cadet NCO’s are selected through a proven system of ‘Potential NCO Cadre’s’. This operates in a similar manner to NCO selection procedures in the regular armed forces.

Cadets are invited to apply in writing for a place on a cadre. Upon consideration and selection by the OC they are invited to attend a one day selection course based on shorter version of the RAF Officer and Aircrew Selection Centre course (OASC) at RAF Cranwell. The day typically consists of the following modules:

- Interview
- Group Discussion
- Planning Task
- Command Tasks – Leader Appointed and Leaderless
- Situational Role Play
- Drill and Dress Inspection

The Cadets performance is then assessed by Directing Staff and a formal report is complied. Cadets then receive a detailed de-brief and target based appraisal from the OC. JNCO and SNCO promotions can then be made in accordance to the OC’s wishes and Cadre performance results.

To see pictures of 494 Sqn's latest Potential NCO Cadres please click here.