What is the Army Cadet Force?
The Army Cadet Force (ACF) is one of the UK's oldest, largest and most successful youth organisations. Consisting of more than 47,000 cadets in around 1,700 local detachments across the country, the ACF helps young people between the ages of 12 and 18 develop both personally and physically by providing a range of opportunities, challenges and activities.
What Do We Do?
We develop young people physically and mentally, improving self-confidence, teamwork, friendship and leadership skills. We welcome cadets from all backgrounds and of all ability levels making us a highly accessible organisation.
The ACF also aims to develop a sense of community in our cadets. We provide a wide variety of fun, exciting and adventurous opportunities. We also act as a gateway to recognised vocational qualifications from the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme to BTEC First Diplomas which can help in working and school life.
Who Can Join the Army Cadets?
Cadets
We invite young people from all backgrounds to join the ACF. The only two requirements are, firstly that you are aged between 12 (in school year 8) to 18 and secondly that you are open minded and willing to work hard!
CFAVs
We always welcome new volunteers. No experience required as full training will be offered to qualifying adults. You must be between 18 and 55 years of age on the date of application. You must also be able to give up 2 - 3 hours once or twice a week to attend your local detachment. CFAVs are required to have an enhanced CRB Check completed. Expenses will be met by the Army Cadet Force.
How much does all this cost?
Weekend Training, which is usually held at our purpose built facility in the Cadet Training Centre Bassingbourn (CTCB) costs £10. This price includes Accommodation, Food, Training and Instructors for the duration. The extended four day Easter Camp is usually £20.
Annual Camp, a two week camp held during the summer school holidays costs between £50 - 60. This camp is held at various military facilities each year. Training on Annual Camp is usually far more extensive than on weekend training. Again this price includes Accommodation, Food, Training & Instructors for the duration. Usually you will also get the chance to participate in a day of adventure training such as canoeing or rock-climbing etc, or a day at a theme park.
What Will Be Required Of Me?
As a Cadet you will be required to attend two 'Parade Nights' at your local detachment each week. These are usually between 1900 and 2130 in most cases, the night of the week varies dependent on which detachment you choose to join.
On Parade Nights training is varied. You could be participating in Drill, Skill at Arms, Physical Training, the list is endless. We work to a syllabus known as the Army Proficiency Certificate or APC Syllabus. You can find out more on the training page.
Besides parade nights you will be expected, where you can, to attend weekend training events to receive further training and be assessed on what you have learned. Then you will be able to progress to the next level of the APC.
What Can I Achieve?
The ACF is keen to reward hard work and accomplishment. In recognition you may earn a Cadet of the Month/Year Certificate for hard work within your detachment.
You may earn prestigious top student awards on weekend training or annual camp, as well as other away from home courses. You could receive a promotion and move up the rank structure. You could be awarded a star badge in recognition of completion of a level of the APC syllabus.
You could earn a St. John First Aid Certificate, a Duke of Edinburgh Award, a BTEC First Diploma just to name a few. All of which present well, when the time comes to write a CV and hunt for employment.
