Ranks

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Ranks

Leadership training is an important part of the Australian Air League, and to recognise this the Air League has a system of ranks for both Cadets, called Non-Commissioned Officers (N.C.O.'s) and adult members and instructors, known as Officers.

Non-Commissioned Officers (N.C.O.'s)

Non-Commissioned Officers (usually known as N.C.O.'s) are Cadets who have shown aptitude for leadership and are selected on their ability to train and assist others as well as being a good reflection of the Australian Air League and its principles. N.C.O.'s are trained to assist other Cadet not only in drill but also in many other aspects of the Australian Air League.

Cadets qualify for promotion to N.C.O. rank by practical and theoretical examination, and by meeting minimum qualifications in regards to membership and education.

Becoming an NCO is the first step on the pathway to adult leadership within the Australian Air League and for this reason it should not be taken lightly. An NCO is an important, if not vital, part of any Squadron and in accepting the role they must strive to achieve a high level of performance and recognition within their Squadron. The wearing of an N.C.O. rank does not automatically make a leader; it places the member into a position of leadership that then requires then to demonstrate their leadership ability.

N.C.O. Ranks

There are four levels of N.C.O. ranks, as well as three Supernumerary ranks;

Leading Cadet A Leading Cadet is the first rank a cadet in the Australian Air League can gain. They are leaders in training and assist a Corporal to carry out his or her duties. Leading Cadets may also act as an escort in the Flag Party	Corporal A Corporal is the N.C.O. in charge of a Section. They are responsible for the drill and discipline of their Section as well as carry out other duties as directed by their Officer Commanding (O.C.). Corporals may also be a flag bearer in the Flag Party
Sergeant Sergeants are in charge of a Flight or Flag Party, and are responsible for the drill and discipline of these cadets. They also carry out other duties as directed by the O.C.	Squadron Sergeant The Squadron Sergeant is the senior N.C.O. In a Squadron and is in charge of the fall-in and dismissal of the Squadron under the supervision of the Squadron Adjutant. They preside over the monthly meetings of N.C.O.'s and take part in Officer meetings, teach by example the ethics and principles of the Air League, and are often called upon by the O.C. to assist training new recruits.
Drum Major The Drum Major is a Supernumerary rank, they are equal to a Sergeant and are in charge of a Band.	Warrant Officer A Supernumerary member of the Squadron, they are not attached to a Flight or Section but assists the various Officers perform their duties.
Trainee Officer A Trainee Officer is a Supernumerary that carries out the functions of an N.C.O. They undertake general training and complete a full course of study.

Upon reaching the age of 18 years, a cadet is either appointed as a Trainee Officer or Warrant Officer.

Officers

Officers are uniformed adult members who have passed special examinations and have taken up positions of leadership in the Air League. An Officer holds an Appointment that relates to the particular job or duty performed by them. Some of the Appointments found in a Squadron include the Officer Commanding, who is in charge of all activities within a Squadron, the Adjutant who is responsible for discipline and Squadron records and paper work and the Quartermaster who is responsible for Squadron equipment.

Officer Ranks

Like N.C.O.'s, Officers have levels of rank. There are ten Officer ranks, four of these can be found in Squadrons. Other Officer ranks can be found in Wings (regional), Group (state level) and Federal (national level).

Second Officer

The first Officer rank an adult will be promoted to after serving as a Warrant Officer.

First Officer

After serving for a period as a Second Officer, an Officer may be promoted to this Rank.

Squadron Lieutenant

This is the highest Rank that Squadron Officers can achieve, only surpassed by the Officer Commanding. Higher ranks are reserved for Wing, Group, and Federal Officers.