The Air Training Corps (ATC) was formed by Royal Warrant in 1941 and sprang from the Air Defence Cadet Corps, founded in 1938 by the Air League.  Although initially formed to meet the needs of a nation at war, the Corps continues to thrive as it enters the 21st Century.  There are now independent Air Cadet Organizations in many other countries throughout the World.  Today it continues to thrive and helps a new generation of young people, aged 13 to 20, to find a positive purpose in life. 

The current Commandant of the Air Cadet Organisation is  Air Commodore I R W Stewart BSc RAF.  He obtained the rank of Cadet Warrant Officer having been awarded the Duke of Edinburgh Silver Award, a basic gliding certificate and a flying scholarship before joining the RAF. His foreward on the Air Cadets website states

"Air cadets aged 13 to 19 are given the chance by our team of staff and volunteers to learn to fly, develop skills to lead expeditions, tour foreign countries, become target shooting marksmen, join a band and learn about aviation and aerospace. This is only a small list of the many activities and opportunities available all whilst making new friends.

I first joined the cadets in 1974 and it's great to be back. Looking to the future my aspiration is to provide every cadet with the opportunity for flight in both a glider and a Tutor aircraft, experience our adventurous activities, achieve a bronze Duke of Edinburgh's Award and earn a BTEC diploma in an aviation related subject. The latter aims to ensure that the ethos and fun that the ACO provides will broaden their horizons".