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.
1 Like
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.
1 Like
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.
4 Likes
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.
1 Like
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 
5 Likes