Cadet Training
The Army Cadet Force (ACF) offers a variety a training. This goes from Ceremonial Drill to Rock Climbing. The variety is broad and the content challenging, this is why the ACF is one of the largest youth movements today.
The majority of our training is focused around the Army Proficiency Syllabus (APC Syllabus). This syllabus is compiled of various military and non-military subjects, each then divided into up to 6 levels.
These levels are known as star levels and based on the level of experience and achievement the cadet has already reached, ranging from Basic Cadet to Master Cadet (5 of these are pictured below).
Fieldcraft
This subject is based around living and surviving in the field. As well as use of the art of camouflage and concealment. Learning battle drills and how to fire and maneuver onto an enemy position.
In fieldcraft you will take part in blank firing exercises such as ambushes on the enemy and full blown attacks featuring trip flares, smoke screens and more. All of course, conducted within our safe system of training.
You will learn how to cook in the field, build shelters, apply camouflage, move tactically as a unit, move across obstacles and much more.
Skill at Arms
Cadets will learn how to safely handle and operate a number of weapon systems, including our new A2 General Purpose Cadet Weapon System designed for Cadets.
You will progressively be taught a set of drills for safe handling of each system, in a classroom environment before taking a weapon handling test (WHT). Which, if passed allows you to fire the weapon systems on the range as well as on exercise.
Shooting
As mentioned above, if you have passed a WHT you will be able to part take in shooting events on our various range facilities.
Cadets are trained to achieve a good standard of shooting. They are taught methods that aid their accuracy, grouping size and how to adjust for wind and distance.
Some Cadets go on to participate in shooting contests at ranges in many parts of the UK, such as CADSAM or at Bisley to get into the Cadet 100 (Top Shots).
Drill
The aim of drill is to move a body of cadets from one place to another in a smart and cadet like manner.
It also helps to condition cadets with respect & discipline and helps them learn to work as a team and follow instructions.
As you progress through the drill syllabus you will learn many uniformed drill disciplines; some with rifles, some with canes and banners.
Map & Compass
We teach all our cadets how to navigate using map and compass. Plotting grid references on a map, measuring distances, taking and marching on bearing, navigation at night and position finding.
We use a variety of maps and learn a host of skills, to make all our cadets good navigators.
Expedition
The skills learnt from the map and compass part of the syllabus are tested when cadets are sent on expedition. They must travel, eat, sleep and survive on route carrying all their equipment with them.
It is a real test of skill and character for all cadets.
First Aid
The ACF works side by side with St John Ambulance to provide training, testing and certification in first aid. We offer various levels of training that lead to valid certificates in first aid. This vital part of every cadets training and is taken very seriously.
Physical Training
A common misconception about the ACF is that we will run you until your feet bleed. This not true. Most detachments have a physical training night once a month.
This usually consists of some team sports, circuit training or the APC Physical training test.
Physical Training within the ACF is supposed to be challenging but only as challenging you make it.
As well as Physical training all cadets male and female get the chance to play for the Company, County, Region & Country should they desire and posses the skill in nunmber of sports.
Cadet in the Community
This is not training. But giving back to the community. At the various levels of cadet in community you might be expected to bag pack at your local supermarket, help out with parking cars at a local event, help recruiting demos or take part in open days or demonstrations of the ACF to the public.
This helps to build community values within the ACF, it's also a good chance to work as team.
