The New Zealand Air Training Corps (also known as Air Cadets and ATC) is one of the three corps in the New Zealand Cadet Forces, alongside the Sea Cadet Corps and New Zealand Cadet Corps. It is funded in partnership between the RNZAF and local communities, with its members being civilians. Members are under no obligation to enlist in the New Zealand Defence Force. Should a cadet enlist their service in the ATC cadet does not translate into higher pay, rank, or seniority. The mission of New Zealand Air Training Corps is to develop and enable self-disciplined, confident and responsible young people. The vision is to prepare New Zealand's successful leaders of tomorrow. As of 2021 the Air Training Corps has approximately 2,000 personnel, including 202 Commissioned Officers. History British Roots – 1938 In the late 1930s with the increase of military aircraft technology and the decrease of war-time resources, the Royal Air Force was faced with a problem of finding large numbers of suitable recruits. To overcome this problem, the Air League of the British Empire launched its Air Defence Cadet Corps in 1938. In February 1940 the Air Defence Cadet Corps was renamed the Air Training Corps. They were run in schools with the aim to train boys aged 16–17.5 so they could enter the RAF at the age of 18 without the need for basic training. It looked to provide basic knowledge and an insight into Air Force. Foundation and WWII – 1941 The first proposal to form an Air Corps in New Zealand came in August 1940 from the Governor General, Lord Galway. Early the following year, a review was made of the manpower position in relation to aircrew requirements and it appeared that by the end of 1942 difficulty would be experienced in obtaining the required number of recruits. Authority was given by War Cabinet in February 1941, to proceed with the formation of an Air Cadet Training Corps, the name of the organisation being finally standardised as the Air Training Corps. "Town" and "School" units were set up in major cities, training young men between the ages of 16 1/2 and 18. The first squadron was No 1 SQN in wellington. At a time when New Zealand was considered to be at risk from Japanese invasion and the British were not in a position to help. Its purpose was to train potential airmen in