As cadets advance through the training program they earn their “rank”.

The lower ranks are automatic based on the completion of certain levels of the program. These ranks include:

• Air Cadet (AC)
• Leading Air Cadet (LAC – propeller)
• Corporal (Cpl – 2 bar chevron)
• Flight Corporal (FCpl - 2 bar chevron plus a crown)

Several of the senior ranks are also automatic, upon successfully completing the required levels.. These ranks include:

• Sergent (Sgt – 3 bar chevron)
• Flight Sergent (FSgt - 3 bar chevron plus a crown)

There is a limit to the number of cadets allowed at the most senior ranks based on the total size of the squadron. There are minimum criteria to achieve these ranks , however, they are also merit based (interviews, selection committee & CO approval). These ranks include:

• Warrant Officer 2nd Class (WO2 – oval crest)
• Warrant Officer 1st Class (WO1 – Coat of Arms) – only one per squadron

With each increase in rank, there is increased levels of responsibility assigned to the cadets ranging from being in charge of a flight to being in charge of the whole squadron. There is also an expected increase in the levels of dress and deportment as these cadets are the role models for the junior cadets.

The staff ranks include:

• CIC (no uniform) – general supervision/instruction
• CIC Specialist (no uniform) – specialized instructor
• Officer Cadet (OCDT - one skinny bar)
• 2nd Lieutenant (2Lt – one thick bar)
• Lieutenant (Lt – one thick bar one skinny bar)
• Captain (Capt – two thick bars)
• Major (Maj -one skinny bar between two thick bars)

The Major is the highest rank in the squadron and is also often referred to as the CO (Commanding Officer). The DCO (Deputy Commander) is one of several Captains in the squadron.

Roughly once every two months, on a training night, there is a CO’s Parade, where there is a formal inspection of the squadron. It is during formal times like this where promotions are often presented. Parents are highly encouraged to attend CO’s Parades.