Ranks
Initially, the WAAF used the ATS ranking system, although the director held the rank of "Senior Controller" (equivalent to Brigadier in the British Army, Air Commodore in the RAF) instead of "Chief Controller" (equivalent to Major-General, Air Vice-Marshal) as in the ATS. However, in December 1939 the name was changed to Air Commandant, when the ranks were renamed and reorganized, other ranks now held identical ranks to male RAF personnel, but officers continued to have a separate rank system, although now different from that of the ATS. From February 1940 it was no longer possible to enter directly as an officer; from that time all officers were appointed from the other ranks. From July 1941 WAAF officers held full commissions. On January 1 1943, the rank of Air Chief Commandant (equivalent to Major-General, Air Vice-Marshal) was created with the director's appointment to that rank.
| WAAF Pre-January 1940 | WAAF Post-January 1940 | RAF Equivalents |
| Aircraftwoman 2nd Class | Aircraftwoman 2nd Class | Aircraftman 2nd Class |
| Aircraftwoman 1st Class | Aircraftwoman 1st Class | Aircraftman 1st Class |
| n/a | Leading Aircraftwoman | Leading Aircraftman |
| Assistant Section Leader | Corporal | Corporal |
| Section Leader | Sergeant | Sergeant |
| Senior Section Leader | Flight Sergeant 1 | Flight Sergeant |
| n/a | Warrant Officer 2 | Warrant Officer |
| Company Assistant | Assistant Section Officer | Pilot Officer |
| Deputy Company Commander | Section Officer | Flying Officer |
| Company Commander | Flight Officer | Flight Lieutenant |
| Senior Commandant | Squadron Officer | Squadron Leader |
| Chief Commandant | Wing Officer | Wing Commander |
| Controller | Group Officer | Group Captain |
| Senior Controller | Air Commandant | Air Commodore |
| n/a | Air Chief Commandant 3 | Air Vice-Marshal |
| n/a | n/a | Air Marshal |
| n/a | n/a | Air Chief Marshal |
| n/a | n/a | Marshal of the Royal Air Force |
|
n/a - no authorized rank |
||
Read more about this topic: Women's Auxiliary Air Force
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