Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve (Training Branch)

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The Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve (Training Branch), or RAFVR(T), is a reserve group in the Royal Air Force that allocates people to cadet training roles. Members have no call-up liability, and the branch is smaller today because of the Cadet Forces Commission. The commission is used for Air Experience Flights (AEF), which give the Royal Air Cadets flying experience and fall under the Armed Forces Act.

In December 2017, the Air Force Board decided that RAFVR(T) ranks within the RAF Air Cadets would be removed, with the exception of the Officers of the Air Experience Flights. This was part of introducing the Cadet Forces Commission across MOD-sponsored cadet forces, which began in 2017 and was restated in 2018.

Most pilots who staff Air Experience Flights are former regular service aircrew from the RAF, Army, or Royal Navy. Some commercial pilots are also selected. People with previous military service do not have to go through the usual RAF officer selection centre. Instead, selection is based on relevant experience and the arm in which the applicant wants to serve. The interview is usually chaired by the Officer Commanding (OC) Wing, with other senior officers present. The official assessment process (OASC) lasts two days and focuses on elements of the Air Cadet Organisation; the VR(T) and Air Cadets applicants have a shorter version.

Those who pass are appointed as Officer Cadets in the VR(T). Some join Combined Cadet Force units after being recommended by school staff, and they are interviewed by regional leaders. Since 2007, successful candidates could become Officer Cadets and then complete the Officers’ Initial Course (OIC) at RAF Cranwell.

As Officer Cadets in RAF Air Cadets, they wear distinctive insignia and, after completing the OIC, advance to Pilot Officer Air Cadets. They typically help run a CCF(RAF) section or an Air Training Corps squadron/detached flight and must show commitment, motivation, and a good knowledge of the RAF and aviation, along with a willingness to work with young people.

All Air Cadets officers in RAFAC units must complete the Officers’ Initial Course at the Adult Training Facility (ATF) at Cranwell, usually within the first year. This one-week course covers the basics of being an RAFAC Officer, and most pass. Those who complete it earn the Cadet Forces Commission. A second one-week course, the Squadron Commanders’ Course, is required for those who will command a squadron. Some officers take extra training for activities like physical training or shooting.

They are supported at unit level by other Air Cadets officers, RAFAC warrant officers and non-commissioned officers, and civilian instructors, with Wings also having a Wing Executive Officer (a Sqn Ldr). In CCF(RAF) contingents, officers can get support from the regular RAF and the local RAF station. Volunteer Gliding Squadron (VGS) and Air Experience Flight (AEF) officers receive support from HQ Air Cadet staff and their parent RAF station.