Core Military Skills (Dress, Drill & Discipline)

The structure, organisation and ethos of UK’s Armed Forces rely heavily upon high standards of discipline and these core values are mirrored in the Air Training Corps. Uniformed cadets and staff are subject to the same standards of dress and deportment as the regular Royal Air Force. The ATC often works to a policy of ‘Self Discipline’ making each cadet or member of staff responsible for their actions and behavior.

The use of Drill is an activity often used to develop a spirit of camaraderie and ensure that cadets and staff alike listen and obey the word of command. Ultimately high standard of drill and deportment instill high standards of discipline. Drill also has a number of other uses including ceremonial and formal parades and as an efficient method of controlling and moving a large number of people in a disciplined manner.

All cadets are taught drill as part of their probation training and can develop these skills to become a Drill Instructor (DI), lead a drill squad or into continuity drill (drill without a word of command). The Corps holds inter Region, Wing and Squadron drill competitions annually to choose the best units in the Corps. Drill in the ATC is taken from ACP 19, which is similar to the RAF Drill Manual.

Uniform is part and parcel of the ATC as a military youth organisation sponsored by the Royal Air Force. Cadets are issued RAF uniform to wear when on cadet duty. Examples of the uniforms worn by cadets and staff can be found here. Cadets are expected to wear their uniform according to the dress regulations; this includes the ironing of shirts, trousers etc and polishing of boots/shoes! Where outdoor or physical activities are undertaken cadets may DPM (Disruptive Pattern Material), ‘Camo’ or ‘Greens’ as it is often known. As the RAF moves to being more deployable this uniform is being utilized more and more.

494 Sqn prides itself on having incredibly high standard of dress, drill and deportment.