That’s because there’s a great number of ATC Sqns who style themselves as 1234 Sqn RAF Air Cadets! You only have to look around on Facebook to see them.
When we first became RAFAC, there was a directive from on high (not sure exactly where) to categorically say you’re ATC within the RAFAC. Unfortunately, either it doesn’t seem to have stuck, or is being deliberately ignored.
Or some people are just thick?
RAFAC replaced ACO it wasn’t a hard concept.
True, but having RAFAC after your Sqn number looks ‘punchier’ than ATC and could well appeal to the waltier members of our organisation!
Personally I think the confusion started with the change from VR to CF commissions. Now that all Officers and SNCOs have RAFAC on their shoulders that is who people think we are as an org. In particular dropping the ATC pins on SNCO No 1s and replacing them with RAFAC pins confirmed in many peoples minds that ATC was on the way out.
Well if RAFAC was not be used in place of ATC then the RAFAC pins would be a waste of money
But how many people on here still refer to the ACO?
I refer you to my original point
At the same time this is the issue with pointless rebrands, the change has achieved absolutely nothing and was done for no real reason.
Whilst this is getting a little off topic, I not in the press release for the cadet forces participation that there are still separate banners, one for the ATC one for the CCF & there isn’t a banner for RAFAC. Until that changes it’s always going to be separate….
Literally everyone I ever meet on an RAF station, even when the group visiting (or the entire camp) is CCF…
Superior force thats why 
Not being picky and a little off-topic but there was no such thing as a VR(T) commission. We were commissioned into the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve or RAFVR.
You don’t see a regular engineering officers signature block stating: “Flt Lt J Bloggs RAF(Eng)” or a Regiment officer signing: "Fg Off Fred Smith RAF(Regt).
Good spot. I’ve just been reading that William is the first person to be appointed as ADC to two monarchs since Lord Mountbatten.
This makes no sense. Surely hes only ADC to one at a time? I.e. the living one.
I believe that once you have been an ADC you retain the right to wear the Cipher
Does anyone know if ADCs got a cypher for Edward VIII? Would imagine that would be an easy three cyphers for ADCs in 1936; George V, Edward VIII and George VI.
Is that how Mountbatten got 3?
Scratch that, yes Mountbatten had Edward’s cipher too.
So, E7 had a cipher issued despite no coronation, but C3 hasn’t had one until now? Unless anyone knows if Wills (or anyone else?) has been seen sporting one before now?
I certainly did !
Does anyone know why ?
I would have thought that it would just be CIIIR now…
