The Army Cadet Force Charter

The Army Cadet Force is a National Voluntary Youth Organisation.

It is sponsored by the Army and provides challenging Military , Adventurous and Community activities.

Its aim is to Inspire young people to achieve success in life with a spirit of service to the Queen, the Country and their Local Community, and to develop in them the qualities required of a good citizen.

This aim is achieved by:

Providing progressive cadet training, often of a challenging and exciting nature, to foster confidence, self reliance, initiative, loyalty and a sense of service to other people.

Encouraging the development of personal powers of practical leadership and the ability to work successfully as a member of a team.

Stimulating an interest in the Army, its achievements, skills and values.

Advising and preparing those considering a career in the services or with the Reserve Forces.*

*Joining the Army Cadet Force does not obligate you to join the Regular or Reserve Forces

 

The Motto of the Army Cadet Force is

"Make Your Mark"

 

The Army Cadet Force

The Army Cadet Force is a national voluntary youth organisation. It is sponsored by the MOD with an annual budget of some £61,000,000.

It's aim is to "inspire young people to achieve success in life, with a spirit of service to the Queen, their country and their local community".

Serving as a Cadet in no way obligates members to join any of the regular forces. Cadet service records are not passed onto the Army, unless a Cadet attempts to join any of the regular forces.

Cadet Training

The Army Cadet Force offers progressive cadet training, often of a challenging and exciting nature, to foster confidence, self reliance, loyalty and a sense of service to other people.

 

We also encourage the development of personal powers of practical leadership and the ability to work successfully as a member of a team.

 

Below are brief descriptions of the skills and activities offered at each level of the structure.

Recruit Training

When you first begin cadets you will do your Recruit Training. This training gives you an insight into many of the subjects you will cover as a cadet, and gives you the foundations for the rest of your training. You will have a practical test on the skills you have learned. As a recruit you cover the following subjects:

Drill, Turnout, Military Knowledge, Skill at Arms, Fieldcraft, Expedition Training

1 Star Training

Once you have finished your Recruit training and become a cadet you start your One Star training. Some of the subjects at this level you would have already come across as a recruit, new ones include first aid and shooting.

Drill, Turnout, Military Knowledge, Skill at Arms, Fieldcraft, Expedition Training, Shooting, First Aid, Cadet in the Community, Map & Compass, Physical Training

2 Star Training

Your Two Star training is a progression of your One star. You do the same subjects and few more, but to a greater level. As a result you will be a safer and more proficient cadet.

Drill, Rifle Drill, Turnout, Military Knowledge, Skill at Arms, Fieldcraft, Expedition Training, Shooting, First Aid, Cadet in the Community, Map & Compass, Physical Training

3 Star Training

By the time you gain your Three Star you are a senior cadet, and may well hold rank. By this stage in your training you are reliable and mature enough to cover more complex and exciting parts of the training syllabus. There is also the opportunity for you to go on Method of Instruction courses to learn how to pass on your knowledge to other cadets.

4 Star Training

Gaining your Four Star is a very important event in the Army Cadet Force and is one of the milestones of a cadet's career. In your Four Star training the emphasis is very much on being a leader and developing the skills to do that properly. You will have the opportunity to train with the army and attend various courses, including the Senior Cadet Instructors Cadre.

Master Cadet Training

Once you have attended the four star course, and with support from your Detachment and Company Commander you can be nominated to attend the ultimate course for a cadet which is the Master Cadet course which is held at the Cadet Training Centre, Frimley Park. Having attended and passed the course you will be expected to undertake duties within your Detachment which you will be inspected upon.

What Does The Training Entail?

ACF training encompasses an array of both military and civilian subjects. I cannot list the entire syllabus, but a rough outline of it's contents follow;

Drill. Marching, parading, etc

Turnout. Appearance, Uniform Dress Standards, etc

Military Knowledge. Foundational knowledge about the structure of the Army and ACF, histories and traditions, etc

Skill at arms. Weapons training.

Shooting. Practical weapon handling.

Navigation. Elementary map and compass work.

Fieldcraft. Military field skills.

Expedition Training. With an emphasis on practical work.

Physical Training. Progressive, tailored physical training, to improve general fitness.

First Aid. Elementary and advanced first aid training.

Pipes and Drums. Optional.

Instructors Cadres. Attachments to regular army training teams, intended to develop a cadets ability to instruct.

Duke of Edinburgh's Award. The ACF participates in the DoE scheme.

Land Command and CTC leadership courses, MOD courses. Placements are available on an varying array of such courses, but are often limited, competition can be fierce.