Hi!
So I am currently in CCF (RAF) and would like to ask if it provides the same opportunities as joining an ATC?
We are the same organisation. We’ve got probably 10 cadets on the Sqn who parade with both us and the CCF (RAF) qualifications are shared across for us we don’t share across ranks as we have different promotion processes.
Depending on the staff there may be more opportunities based on their qualifications.
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Yes and No with a dash of depends.
A CCF generally won’t give you as much time as being in the ATC, one afternoon/evening at school doesn’t equate to the same amount of time as 2 evenings a week plus more frequent weekends.
It really depends on the quality of the CCF and the quality of the ATC. This depends on the staff and without knowing where you are we can’t advise on that.
It is allowed to be in both and that really is the best of both worlds.
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Agree with all the above; although if your CCF is in a well funded school (e.g. a private one) then it might be better placed to weather the coming financial storm and continue with activities which might have to be cancelled in the ATC for lack of public funding.
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Depends who you want to share your experiences with.
If you want to share the bulk of your experiences with your school friends, join the CCF.
If you want to make new friends from your local area, who may or may not be from your school, then join the ATC.
You will make friends outside of your school either way when you team up with other units, but it’s easier through the ATC than the CCF as teaming up with other units isn’t the most common occurrence anymore.
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One thing that I know a number of cadets are doing is double hatting between CCF & community cadets but joining the community cadet service that is different to their CCF section.
This means they get the best of both worlds without over committing.
It might be worth of you’re an CCF(RAF) cadet joining the local SCC or ACF so you get the full breadth of opportunities 
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Hi all I’m new to the forum
I’m CCF RAFAC and I’m a lance ,
I have been working along side another NCO to form a band for rembrance I was going to be acting drum major however we don’t have many who can play instruments we have 2 snares drums currently and we are trying to work alongside with our sister school however it’s becoming quite difficult,
Any advice?
If you speak with your CCF staff they can speak with the Wing/Region contact to put a feelers out for local Squadrons that have bands that are able to assist if needed. All bands have to start somewhere although from being on the administration side of the Squadron band, be prepared for a lot of work. Sourcing of supplies, practice areas etc
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Reviving a slightly-dead thread here, but let’s go with it.
I’m currently a Cpl at my CCF unit, but feel like I’ve achieved very little in my time. Done a couple of blue badges, but not much more, and I can’t do leading cadet because we haven’t got Bader logins. We have 2 CFAVs for ~30 cadets, and OC doesn’t get time to really organise anything. I’m thinking of joining ATC, but not sure if it’s worth it given I’ll probably only have 1½ years before leaving for uni. Any advice on wether I’d actually gain much from it? Thanks!
Personally, I’d say go for it. We’ve had a couple of ‘double-hatters’ during my time and they get different benefits from each side of the fence. Eighteen months is plenty of time to get some experiences in that will enhance your CV.
P.S. Try not to get frustrated if you have to repeat anything and/or your rank isn’t mirrored. Ultimately, it will open up opportunities that (going purely on your post) aren’t being offered in your CCF section.
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Thanks! One more Q, do you reckon I should just apply though the standard RAFAC website or email OC/adj/other staff directly? Just because there’s no ‘message’ ability on the website so I won’t be able to notify them I’m already a cadet.
I’ll defer to the expertise of others, but I believe there’s a process to have the ATC Sqn added as a supernumerary unit. I presume it involves the OC’s talking to each other and could be initiated by an email.
Email the Sqn Oc & Adj,
We’ve had a number of double hatters.
what is meant to happen is the OCs get together, compare training & agree what can be recognised. This is meant to happen even it’s not CCF RAF but a different cadet force.
You shouldn’t have to repeat or start from scratch but this doesn’t always happen.
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Definitely worth it. But keep in mind we do 2 nights a week and you won’t get the full benefit unless you can commit to that (give or take the odd night off for school work etc).
I’d not bother with the RAF website as there’s no way to indicate you are currently CCF. Email the OC of your preferred Squadron but cc a parent/guardian.
The emails are oc.XYW@rafac.mod.gov.uk (replace XYZ with squadron number!)
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To add, since I don’t think it’s been mentioned already, talk to your contingent commander (CCF(RAF) OC) to let them know what’s going on as well.
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Qualifications should carry across. Rank might not, because CCF promote earlier (due to the younger age limit) and some formal requirements for promotions are skipped (shouldn’t be, but are).
You’ll be a much better cadet for doing both; both organisations will frustrate you at times. Roll with it.
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PS depending what your specific interests are, don’t discount staying in ATC when you go to university if you can manage it. Flying scholarships are now 18+ only, so if that’s of interest to you, then you will almost certainly need to transfer to the ATC when you leave school anyway. (You must leave CCF on 31 Aug after you leave school.)
We had one like this, some stuff carried over but other stuff (such as how to wear blues since their CCF(RAF) didn’t issue them) we had to start from scratch. We treated them with a very open mind, they were aware that any rank in one wouldn’t automatically carry over and it worked out nicely for everyone.
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I didn’t know this! I thought CCF(RAF) was still the same as ATC. What’s the lower limit for CCF(RAF)?
I think the starting age is the same but the maximum age is lower so promotion is done earlier at a younger age.
also new intakes are normally of the same age group rather than a mix.
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