Ranks, Badges & Compliments
Enable cadets to recognise the ranks they will meet, understand rank versus appointment, and pay appropriate compliments confidently.
Learning objectives
- Place cadet and ACF adult ranks in order.
- Recognise common badges of rank used locally.
- Explain the difference between rank and appointment.
- State when and why compliments are paid and address common ranks correctly.
Stores & equipment
- Approved rank-slide deck
- Rank and appointment cards
- Local staff name/rank board
- Uniform or rank-slide examples
- Open space for compliment practice
Safety & assurance
- Use current approved drill and dress references for the physical salute.
- Do not practise with unsafe spacing or while moving through obstacles.
- Avoid touching another person’s uniform or rank insignia.
Display three rank badges and ask what information insignia communicates.
Make observations, not guesses about individuals.
Rank links to responsibility.
Build the cadet, adult NCO and officer ladders; name locally encountered ranks.
Order rank cards in teams.
Sequences are correct.
Reveal badge, name and appropriate form of address; connect to local staff.
Identify badge and choose form of address.
At least 80% accurate on common local ranks.
Explain that rank is held; appointment is the job or role. Give DC, CSM and RSM examples.
Sort rank and appointment cards.
Can explain difference in one sentence.
Explain purpose, when compliments are due, and demonstrate only from the current drill reference.
Rehearse recognition, approach, address and response in pairs.
Correct person, timing and address.
Badge flash test; ask why the salute is paid and preview organisational structure.
Complete five-item retrieval check.
Key ranks and principle of compliments understood.