As soon as a cadet has passed a Weapon Handling Test they are eligible to fire a .22 No. 8 rifle. The ATC uses indoor and outdoor 25 yard ranges for this weapon.

ATC Marksman Qualification

A cadet can qualify to be an ATC marksman by getting a 1 inch grouping at 25 yards with five rounds. Once a cadet is qualified as an ATC Marksman, he or she must requalify at least once a year, and may fire the L98 A1 Cadet GP rifle. The ATC marksman badge is worn on the bottom of the brassard, on the right arm.

RAF Marksman Qualification

Once qualified to ATC Marksman standard, over 14 years and 6 months, and being at least a 1st Class Cadet, a cadet is eligible to fire the L98 A1 Cadet General Purpose Rifle. Similar to an SA80, but without gas parts, the L98 is fired only on outdoor ranges from distances of 25 to 400 yards. Using the L98, cadets may qualify for their RAF marksman qualification, which is valid for one year at a time. This award is slowly being phased out due to changes in RAF shooting qualification structures. The RAF marksman badge is worn on the bottom of the brassard, replacing the ATC Marksman Badge.

Competitions

There are many different competitions inside and outside the ATC which squadrons regularly enter. The biggest shooting competition of the year is the Bisley shoot, in which ATC squadrons usually do very well.