NZCF Ranks
As a disciplined, uniformed youth organisation, the New Zealand Cadet Forces incorporates a defined rank structure. Increased responsibilities are part of being promoted to a higher rank. In this resource, the Air Cadet ranks are displayed first, followed by the equivalent rank structure for the Army and Navy Cadets.
Air Training Corps Cadets
Promotion to cadet ranks are based on experience, training, hard work and dedication. Cadets make up the majority of the unit and are the lowest ranks, while non-commissioned officers are cadets who have shown initiative and leadership, and thus given more responsibilities. Cadet ranks are not saluted.
Cadet
CDT
Lowest rank in the ATC. All recruits are designated as a Cadet after completing Basic Boot Camp. Blank rank slide with "CADET FORCES" at the bottom.
Addressed as “Cadet”.
Leading Air Cadet
LACDT
In 2007, the Chief of Air Staff accepted the introduction of the LAC rank. Single propeller above "CADET FORCES".
Promotion requirements:
Completed Basic 2 training
No disciplinary or performance issues
Approved by Unit Commander
Addressed as "LAC".
Cadet Corporal
CDTCPL
The lowest NCO rank. May hold the position of Squad Leader. Two chevrons above "CADET FORCES".
Promotion requirements:
Completed Proficiency Training
Qualified on NZCF JNCO Course
No disciplinary or performance issues
Approved by Unit Commander
Addressed as "Corporal".
Cadet Sergeant
CDTSGT
The lowest SNCO rank. May hold the position of NCO2IC (2nd-in-Charge). Three chevrons above "CADET FORCES".
Promotion requirements:
Completed Advanced Training
Qualified on the NZCF SNCO Course
No disciplinary or performance issues
Approved by Unit Commander
Addressed as "Sergeant".
Cadet Flight Sergeant
CDTF/S
May hold the position of NCOIC, or Flight Commander in some situations. Crown and three chevrons above "CADET FORCES".
Promotion requirements:
Completed a minimum of six months in the rank of Sergeant
No disciplinary or performance issues
Approved by Unit Commander
Addressed as "Flight" or "Flight Sergeant".
Cadet Warrant Officer
CDTW/O
Highest SNCO rank. There is only one serving Warrant Officer in a unit. Serves as the leader of all cadets in their unit. Coat of arms with lion and unicorn above "CADET FORCES".
Promotion requirements:
Completed a minimum of six months in the rank of Flight Sergeant
No disciplinary or performance issues
Demonstrates exceptional leadership and service
Approved by Unit Commander
Addressed as "Sir/Ma'am" (used by all cadets) or "Warrant Officer" (only officers would normally address the W/O as "Warrant Officer").
Air Training Corps Officers
In the NZCF, Commissioned Officers are adult volunteers who run the unit. They commit their time and effort to create a training programme that is exciting and engaging for cadets, including weekly training during parade nights and weekend activities. They have a Duty of Care for personnel under their command and control, and must be able to look after the welfare and wellbeing of cadets and staff.
NZCF Officers are granted an NZCF commission by the Commandant of the NZCF on behalf of the Minister of Defence.
Commissioned Officers are to be saluted. However, Officer Cadets are not commissioned, and therefore should not be saluted.
Officer Cadet, NZCF
OFFCDT, NZCF
The lowest Officer rank. Officer Cadets have submitted an application to enlist as an NZCF officer. They do not hold a commission and are not to be saluted. Light blue officer rank slide with wide, white tape (known as "nappies") with "CADET FORCES" underneath.
Depending on their level of experience, Officer Cadets may serve as a Flight Commander, or as an assistant to the Training, Admin, or Stores Officers or Adjutant.
Addressed as "Sir/Ma'am".
Pilot Officer, NZCF
PLTOFF, NZCF
Lowest Commissioned Officer rank. May hold a number of positions in the unit such as Flight Commander, Stores Officer, Training Officer, Adjutant, etc.
Light blue officer rank slide with a single thin braid above "CADET FORCES".
Pilot Officers have attended the Officers Commissioning Course.
Addressed as "Sir/Ma'am" and are to be saluted.
Flying Officer, NZCF
FGOFF, NZCF
Flying Officers have more experience as an officer and have completed a number of NZCF Courses.
Light blue officer rank slide with a single medium-thick braid above "CADET FORCES".
Addressed as "Sir/Ma'am" and are to be saluted.
Flight Lieutenant, NZCF
FLTLT, NZCF
Flight Lieutenants (pronounced "left-tenant") have extensive NZCF officer experience. They have completed a number of years of NZCF officer service and have completed multiple courses such as the ITTM (Instructors), Shooting Coaches, Range Conducting Officer's, and/or Officer's Fieldcraft Courses. Generally held by the Unit Commander.
Light blue officer rank slide with two medium-thick braids above "CADET FORCES".
Addressed as "Sir/Ma'am" and are to be saluted.
Squadron Leader, NZCF
SQNLDR, NZCF
The rank of Squadron Leader is generally reserved for officers serving above unit level (area/national leadership). They have previously served as a senior officer within a unit.
Light blue officer rank slide with two medium-thick braids with a thin braid in between, all above "CADET FORCES".
Addressed as "Sir/Ma'am" and are to be saluted.
Wing Commander, NZCF
WGCDR, NZCF
The rank of Wing Commander is reserved for the Assistant Commandant of the NZCF. They have completed a minimum of four years as a Unit Commander and a minimum of three years as an Area Support Officer. Their promotion is determined by senior leadership within the NZCF.
Light blue officer rank slide with three medium-thick braids above "CADET FORCES".
Addressed as "Sir/Ma'am" and are to be saluted.
NZCF Rank Equivalence
The Army (New Zealand Cadet Corps) and Navy (Sea Cadet Corps) Cadets use a similar rank structure, albeit with different names. Rank translates directly across the three corps; refer to the table below for the appropriate rank equivalence. Note: The rank of Under Officer has been phased out and replaced with Officer Cadet.
