The only non-commissioned adult rank is Adult warrant officer [AWO]. The role of an AWO in a squadron is to deal with drill and discipline. Anyone wishing to be an AWO must undergo an interview from the particular wing, which they wish to join. As an AWO does not hold a commission, so they are not saluted but they are called sir or ma'am.
Anyone wishing to join the ATC as a commissioned officer must also undergo a series of interviews. Except in exceptional cases, a new officer will always start as a pilot officer [PLT / OFF]. After about two years a PLT/OFF will be due for promotion to Flying officer [FLG/OFF] on the recommendation of the squadron commanding officer.
Flying officers are not often squadron commanding officers. Promotion to Flying Officer is usually made after about two year's service as a Pilot officer.
On appointment as a squadron commander, a Flg / Off will be promoted to flight lieutenant [FLT / LT]. Flight lieutenant is the usual recommended rank for a squadron commanding officer.
There is no fixed time for promotion to squadron leader, which is the second highest rank available as part of the ATC. A squadron leader will usually have a role to play at wing level, but will not normally be a Squadron CO.
The highest rank in the ATC is a wing commander, which usually brings with it the role of being in charge of a whole wing. Wing commander is the highest rank possible for an officer in the ATC.
All subsequent ranks [group captain, air commodore] and other roles [ region commandant , air officer commanding air cadets] are taken by normal RAF officers.
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