Hello to you all,
I realise there is a dedicated thread for introductions, but seeing as this one is perhaps a little different, I figured I'd best keep it separate.
I suppose a brief bio along the lines of your intro thread would be appropriate:

Rank/Name: Cpl Stuart Cole
Age: 17
Unit / Branch: 327 Sqn, Air Training Corps
Joining Date: 8th November 2004

Yup, I'm a Brit/Limey/take your pick, and a member of the ATC which is roughly analogous to your JROTC/ROTC programs. In the spirit of exchange, I'd like to learn how you do things, and hopefully you will learn something from myself in return.

This post will probably end up being quite long since I'll have to effectively summarise my entire organisation and some of my experiences within it.

The Air Training Corps is a cadet organisation, funded by the Ministry Of Defence, and subject to the same regulations as the Royal Air Force. Our rank structure mirrors that of the RAF's non-technical/aircrew trades, being:

Cadet
Corporal
Sergeant
Flight Sergeant
Cadet Warrant Officer

I've noticed that some of you have officer ranks - there is no opportunity to hold a commissioned rank as a cadet. Promotions are made purely on merit - there's no set rules for who is and is not eligible for promotion. This system has it's merits - but also it's flaws. Consequently, some squadrons will hand out promotions like candy, and others like mine are extremely difficult to get promoted in. Personally, I believe that promotion should be a very hard thing to get.

Some of my own experiences within the Corps include a stint last summer learning to fly gliders with an active cadet flying squadron, being part of our drill team (of which I am now 2IC) which has won many many competitions, as well as fieldcraft and lots of shooting - my speciality.
Whether it's the L98/L85 standard issue assault rifle, or much more specialised equipment such as the L81 sniper rifle, even to doing sporting clay shooting with a 12-gauge - if it's firearms related I'm up for it.
Pending my 18th birthday, I'll be going on several coaching courses and my weapons instructor course.
Bags of stories, most of them not fit to tell to your mother!

As far as career plans go, if I do decide to go into the armed forces proper, I'm looking at going down the commissioned route as an RAF Intelligence Officer. Possibile civilian careers include my hobby photography, or computer games design (the degree I'm doing at university)

Should be interesting to see what we have in common, and the differences between our respective organisations. Don't be afraid to ask questions - if there's one thing I can do it's talk. I know this all looks a bit sterile, but I promise you I am friendly!

Feel free to chat!
Regards,
Stuart

(Ninja edit - just thought I'd throw in that I'm Scottish. You can call me Scottish or British, but call me English and you'll be able to hear me bollocking you from across the Atlantic razz )