Wing NCO Promotion Policy

The following describes the policy for promotion of Cadet NCOs in Dorset/Wilts Wing.  Although this does not immediately impact on the Squadron NCO structure it will in future.  Note the requirements for attendance at Wing NCO Courses to progess through the Cadet NCO ranks.

M Berry

OIC

References:

1. ANNEX B TO ACAI NO 101 – CADET ESTABLISHMENT SCALE – ATC UNITS
2. PERSONNEL INSTRUCTION NO 501 – TERMS OF APPOINTMENT AND CONDITIONS OF MEMBERSHIP FOR AIR TRAINING CORPS CADETS

Text for Promotion Policy Letter

1.  This letter sets out the policy for cadet NCO promotions within Dorset/Wilts Wing and is to be followed with effect from 1 Jan 13 for all cadet NCO promotions from this date. This policy will NOT be applied retrospectively and all existing promotions will remain extant.

2.  The purpose of this policy is to set a single standard for cadet promotions across the Wing. This will be achieved by following laid down establishments, the requirement for cadets to meet the eligibility criteria set by HQ AC and completion of development courses (aka NCO courses) to support the individual cadet’s development as their rank and level of responsibility increases.

3.  These courses are NOT to be viewed as promotion courses where the cadet is promoted immediately on completion. Rather, they are pre-requisite personal development courses designed to ensure cadets have been trained to a set standard and have been given individual tailored feedback to help them in NCO roles. It remains for COs to make the judgement as to when a cadet is suitable for promotion, up to the rank of FS, post completion of the relevant course.

4.  Establishment. Units may only promote cadets up to the maximum numbers provided for by their unit establishment as defined by Ref A. For this purpose Cpl and Sgt posts are considered to be interchangeable. FS and CWO posts are not.

5.  Eligibility Criteria. IAW Ref B it is expected that a cadet would be Leading classification prior to promotion to Cpl and Senior classification prior to promotion to Sgt unless there were exceptional circumstances.

6.  Qualification. Sqn COs can promote cadets up to the rank of FS providing the following courses have been completed (note this includes both the training and assessment phases for JNCO and SNCO courses):
 
a.  Cpl. Currently there is no qualification requirement for promotion. A short course is being developed, that will be delivered at Sector level, to support development for Cpl candidates. Wg HQ will issue this course in 2013. In the interim units should continue to promote cadets to the rank of Cpl within the limitations of this policy.
 
b.  Sgt. Candidates for Sgt posts must have successfully completed the JNCO course. Four courses will be provided each year to support this training requirement. The JNCO course will now only be open to Cpls.
 
c.   FS. Candidates for FS posts must have successfully completed the SNCO course. Four courses will be provided each year to support this training requirement. The SNCO course will now only be open to Sgts.
 
7.  CWOs. Candidates for CWO must have completed the BASIC and have been approved as Staff Cadets by OC Wg using Pers Form 40. CWO appointments may only be approved by OC Wg and applications should follow the existing procedure.