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First Class training is split into two main parts. The first is teaching the basic skills that a cadet will need throughout their time in the Corps. These subjects are:
Drill consists of a series of movements undertaken by a group of cadets in response to an order (or orders) given by the instructor. Cadets are taught static drill to begin with, focussing on static turns and saluting mainly. This then progresses to marching and movements while on the march. Drill is used to teach discipline and is quite often seen as a necessary evil! However, once drill is perfected it is very easy, coming as second nature.
For those currently serving in the Corps, the drill manual ACP (Air Cadet Publication) 19 details the rules and regulations for ATC drill - follow the link and you can download a copy (Adobe Acrobat .pdf file format) or check something out.
The Drill Manual (ACP 19)
The rifle teaches the cadets all of the safety precautions and drills associated with using a rifle - detailed “dry training” (using the rifle without any rounds) must be completed before passing a weapons handling test. After the cadet has done this, they may then fire the rifle.
Radio teaches the cadets the basic skills of sending and receiving messages over a radio net, along with the phonetic alphabet. This skill comes into practice a surprising number of times throughout the Corps.
The second part of the First Class exam teaches those subjects detailed in the table on the Training page, and are slightly more advanced basic skills, along with some of the history of both the ATC and RAF.
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