The following shows the Air Cadet ranks, from lowest to highest, and the criteria a cadet must fulfill in order to be promoted to that rank.

Air Cadet (AC)

New Recruits are Immediately assigned the rank of Air Cadet upon joining. There is no badge for this rank.

Leading Air Cadet (LAC)

To be promoted to the rank of LAC, a Cadet must have:
  • participated in the proficiency level one training program for a minimum period of five months
  • been recommended for promotion by their immediate supervisor

Corporal (Cpl)

To be promoted to the rank of Cpl, a Cadet must have:
  • successfully completed proficiency level one training 
  • participated in the Cadet Fitness Assessment as part of PO X04 (Personal Fitness & Healthy Living)
  • been recommended for promotion by their immediate supervisor

Flight Corporal (FCpl)

To be promoted to the rank of FCpl, a Cadet must have:
  • completed at least six months of service at the rank of Cpl
  • successfully completed the proficiency level two training program
  • participated in the Cadet Fitness Assessment as part of PO X04 (Personal Fitness & Healthy Living)
  • been recommended for promotion by their immediate supervisor

Sergeant (Sgt)

To be promoted to the rank of Sgt, a Cadet must have:
  • completed at least six months service at the rank of FCpl
  • successfully completed the proficiency level three training program
  • achieved a minimum of “completed without difficulty” in PO 303 (Leadership)
  • participated in the Cadet Fitness Assessment as part of PO X04 (Personal Fitness & Healthy Living)
  • submitted an Application For Promotion
  • been recommended for promotion by their immediate supervisor

Flight Sergeant (FSgt)

To be promoted to the rank of FSgt, a Cadet must have:
  • completed at least six months service at the rank of Sgt
  • successfully completed the proficiency level four training program
  • achieved a minimum of “completed without difficulty” in PO 403 (Leadership)
  • participated in the Cadet Fitness Assessment as part of PO X04 (Personal Fitness & Healthy Living)
  • submitted an Application For Promotion
  • been recommended for promotion by their immediate supervisor

Warrant Officer Second Class (WO2)

To be promoted to the rank of WO2, a Cadet must have:
  • completed at least six months service at the rank of FSgt
  • achieved a minimum of “completed without difficulty” in PO 503 (Leadership)
  • participated in the Cadet Fitness Assessment as part of PO 504 (Personal Fitness & Healthy Living)
  • submitted an Application For Promotion
  • been recommended for promotion by their immediate supervisor
  • identified as a successful candidate through the merit review board process

Warrant Officer First Class (WO1)

To be promoted to the rank of WO1, a Cadet must have:
  • completed at least six months service at the rank of WO2
  • submitted an Application For Promotion
  • been recommended for promotion by their immediate supervisor
  • identified as a successful candidate through the merit review board process
Additional leadership attributes that are considered whether or not a cadet should be promoted:
  1. drill, dress and deportment
  2. conduct, discipline, and attitude
  3. participation
  4. response to direction
  5. ability to interact positively and comfortably with others
  6. ability to make sound judgments regarding their own actions
  7. willingness to accept responsibility
  8. ability to solve problems effectively
  9. ability to communicate effectively
  10. ability to set a positive example for others
  11. initiative.

MERIT REVIEW BOARD (MRB)

The MRB is an interview process designed to identify the cadets who are qualified and suitable for promotion to the rank of WO2 and WO1.

RANK BADGE PLACEMENT

  • The LAC to FSgt rank badges are are worn centred, mid-way between the shoulder and the elbow on both arms of the tunic.

  • The WO2 and WO1 rank badges are worn centered, on both arms, with the bottom of the badge 9 cm above the top of the cuff (or 1 cm above the third row of Qualification badges).

For a visual reverence, refer to CATO 55-04 Annex F - Illustrated References (Appendix 8)