The Air Training Corps (ATC) was formed in 1941, from the Air Defence Cadet corps - an organisation formed by ex-RAF officer Air Commodore Chamier. The role of the ADCC was to train cadets for service in the RAF or Fleet Air Arm. During WW2, the activates of the ADCC were severely curtailed, and cadets were used to help out on RAF stations. The government took control of the ADCC in 1941 to create the ATC, and within a year it had grown to eight times the size! Today the ATC is part of the Air Cadet Organisation, a group that includes the RAF sections of the CCF (Combined Cadet Force). The ATC is also the biggest provider of candidates for the Duke of Edinburgh's Award - in fact, the Duke of Edinburgh is the Commodore-in-Chief of the ATC!

A more detailed history of the the ATC can be found here.

• To promote and encourage among young people a practical interest in aviation and the Royal Air Force.
  
  
• To provide training which will be useful in the Services and civilian life.
  
  
• To foster the spirit of adventure and develop qualities of leadership and good citizenship