RAF VR(T)
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The Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve (Training Branch), often abbreviated to RAFVR(T) is a voluntary element of the British Royal Air Force. Members of the RAFVR(T) are part-time youth leaders who work with members of the Air Cadet Organisation - either the RAF sections of the Combined Cadet Force (CCF), or the Air Training Corps (ATC).
[edit] Recruitment & Selection
Contrary to the requirements for joining the regular armed forces, applicants for RAFVR(T) positions are not required to posses educational or other qualifications. Instead, selection is based upon considerable relevant experience, followed by a number of interviews, then culminating in a Board chaired by retired senior RAF officer, usually a Group Captain serving in the RAFR in the capacity of ATC Regional Commandant. Since RAFVR(T) officers will generally be responsible for running either a CCF(RAF) section or an Air Training Corps squadron/detached flight, successful applicants are required to demonstrate qualities of commitment, motivation, extensive knowledge of the RAF and military/civil aviation, all underpinned by a willingness and aptitude to work with young people in an instructional environment. Candidates for commissions in CCF(RAF) sections are initially selected by the head teacher, although HQAC (Headquarters Air Cadets) has the right to impose a veto. Other members of the RAFVR(T) serve as flying instructors on the Volunteer Gliding Squadrons or as pilots on Air Experience Flights - the latter are often former military pilots who have left the regular service and are commissioned into the RAFVR(T) on appointment to the AEF.
[edit] Uniform
RAFVR(T) members wear the same style of uniform worn by regular Royal Air Force or active reserve Royal Auxiliary Air Force commissioned officers, with the exception that gilt "VRT" insignia is worn on the lapels of formal dress uniforms and on top of the rank braid on the epaulettes and tabs of working dress uniforms.
[edit] Training
All RAFVR(T) officers are required to attend and pass the Officers' Initial Course (IOC) held at the Adult Training Facility, a lodger unit at RAFC Cranwell in Lincolnshire, within the first 12 months of their appointment. This week-long course covers the basic roles and responsibilities of an RAFVR(T) member, and those successfully completing the course are awarded their commissioning parchment. RAFVR(T) officers undertake extra training before taking command of an ATC squadron (though CCF(RAF) officers are not provided with advanced training before taking command of their section). Some also take specialist training for certain activities: physical training (PT) or shooting for example.
They are extensively supported at ATC unit level by fellow RAFVR(T) Officers, as well as uniformed ATC Adult Warrant Officers and Adult Non-Commissioned Officers and a highly-motivated cadre of Civilian Instructors. At CCF(RAF) contingents, RAFVR(T) Officers are able to call upon the support of the regular RAF Squadron Leader tasked with looking after their area, and also upon the services of the regular RAF 'TEST' Flight Sergeants mapped to their specific school.
