Adult Volunteering Help them Make their Mark!
The Army Cadet Force relies almost solely on its dedicated platform of adult volunteers. It is these volunteers that take care of everything from provision of military training to looking after welfare, from administrating large exercises to photographing the fun! Being an adult volunteer can add a whole new dimension to your life, rewarding experiences guiding and influencing our future generations.
We are always on the look out for the right people to join our team of more than 130 volunteers in Beds & Herts ACF.
There are two routes that a potential volunteer could take, become an adult instructor or officer, or to become a civilian assistant. Below is a summary of the duties, training and expectations of both types of volunteer. In all instances of volunteering with the ACF a enhanced CRB check is required, the expense for this will be met by the ACF.
Jump to:
- Adult Instructors & Officers >>
- Civilian Assistants >>
- Courses & Development >>
- Qualities of a Good Volunteer >>
- Important Information >>
Adult Instructors (AIs) or Officers
Adult instructors are primarily responsible for the planning and delivery of military and adventurous training to cadets.
A full training package is given to all adult instructors regardless of experience or background, so an equal footing in the ACF is given to all.
Training normally consists of an in house 4 weekend program, followed by a week away for further training and assessment. This process is usually completed in 12-18 months.
- You normally parade 1/2 times a week in the evenings.
- Where possible you are posted to your nearest unit.
- You are expected to attend training weekends where possible.
- Normally it is expected you will attend annual summer camp.
Civilian Assistants (CAs)
CAs are deployed in many aspects of ACF life. They are volunteers who want to give their time to see young people do something worth while, but don't necessarily have the time to undertake full training or simply prefer carrying out other important duties.
CAs don't normally wear a uniform and are only required to carry out training in child protection and basic first aid before being allowed to work with cadets. The expectation of time of CAs is far more variable than that of an AI. CAs could help for 2 hours a fortnight or parade every single week.. it's personal choice and whatever the best arrangement you can make with your detachment commander.
CAs are a highly valuable group of people who can provide invaluable support & relief to AIs and Officers by looking after things like:
- Accounts & Finance
- Stores & Equipment Management
- Canteen Stocking & Sale
- Photography
- Administration
- Issue/Receipt of Uniform
- Building/Grounds Keeping
- Cadet Welfare
In the absence of CAs, AIs would normally be expected to look after all the above as well as military training.
Adult Training & Development
We always try to get the best from our staff, offering training and development courses in literally dozens of specialist areas. We even offer professional qualifications up to and including degree level.
Cadet Force Adult Development Courses
- Adult Induction Course (AIC)
- Adult Initial Training Course (AITC)
- Skill at Arms Instructors Course (CFSAAI)
- King George IV Course (KGVI)
- Area Commanders Course
- ACF Commandants Course
Specialist Shooting/Arms Courses
- Ancillary Range Duties
- Range Management Qualification Short Range
- Range management Qualification Long Range
- Dismounted Close Combat Trainer
- Auxiliary Range Duties
- Ammunition Store Keeper Small Arms Course
First Aid Courses
- Activity First Aid
- First Aid Advisors Course
- First Aid Trainers Course
- First Aid Advanced Course
Adventure Training Courses
Proficiency Courses - Courses for cadets and adults suitable for novices who wish to gain a proficiency in their chosen activity. Most are based on the Joint Service Mountain Training Centre (JSMTC) courses, and successful candidates will be awarded the appropriate JSMTC Certificate. The courses available include:
Summer Mountain Proficiency
Rock Climbing Proficiency
Basic Rock Climbing *
Kayak Foundation Course
Open Canoe Foundation Course
3-star Progression Kayak and Open
Basic Caving Course *
Cave Proficiency Course
Winter Skills Introductory *
Winter Mountain Proficiency
Ski Introductory *
Basic Ski Proficiency
Advanced Ski Proficiency
* Not JSMTC sponsored
National Governing Body Courses - Courses run by The Cadet Centres for Adventurous Training (CCATs) to train and qualify Adults for a NGB qualification.
Climbing Wall Award
Walking Group Leader Award
Single Pitch Award
ML Summer
ML Winter Training
BCU Level 2 & Level 3 Coaching
Alpine Ski Leader
Other Courses
Duke of Edinburgh's Award Expeditions
Scottish Walking Experience
BCU 4-star Kayak & Open in France
What we look for in volunteers?
There are some essential qualities that we look for in our Adult Instructors. You need to be patient, caring, mature, responsible and have bags of energy and enthusiasm. You don’t need any military experience but it helps to have a sense of humour, be a good communicator and team player. Obviously, you have to enjoy working with the young and possess an understanding of their likes, dislikes and needs.
You will help young people achieve their goals and will need the motivational skills to help them through the bad times as well as the good. One common misconception about being an Adult Instructor is that you have to be ultra-fit. It is sensible to have a reasonable level of fitness, as physical exercise is an important part of cadet training. We always need volunteers who can help youngsters develop mentally and physically and people with good administrative, organisational, counseling and managerial skills.
Whatever your day job, from manager to mother, it’s likely you will have a lot to contribute. At annual camps it’s as important to have people who can deal with homesickness as those who can hike across hills.
We couldn’t deliver the huge variety of exciting opportunities that the ACF without a variety of individuals from many different backgrounds to help us. There’s no set profile for an Adult Instructor and if you believe you have something to offer, it’s highly likely that we will think so too. You won’t know unless you ask, as we treat each application to join on it’s merits.
Important Information
Eligibility
You must be aged between 18 and 55 years of age, and be capable of passing the necessary security and criminal records checks prior to working with young people.
Time commitment
Adult Instructors attend one or two evening parades a week and occasional weekend camps. Ideally you will also attend the annual one or two-week camp, but this is not compulsory.
Pay and expenses
As community minded volunteers Adult Instructors do not join the ACF for payment, however there is provision to receive payment for a set number of days each year as well as being reimbursed for official mileage and out of pocket expenses whilst engaged on ACF activities.
Employee rights
Being an Adult Instructor will be beneficial to your personal CV and may also benefit your employer in terms of your personal development. That said, the organisation you work for is not obliged to give you time off to meet any ACF commitments.
The increase in flexible working provisions in the UK may help you to fit being an Instructor around your full-time job. Aside from the annual camp, all ACF activities generally take place outside of office hours.