Training in the army cadet force is varied, challenging and fun. You will be taught by qualified instructors who have attended and passed many different courses enabling them to teach to the high standards required in the ACF.

 

 

 

You will progress through an ACF based ‘Star’ system of awards. This three and a half year Army Proficiency Certificate (APC) course is aimed towards achieving the highest 4 Star qualification. It is progressive training which builds on and gradually increases your knowledge and personal skills.

 

The subjects covered in the APC are:-

 

Turnout

Drill – Including foot, rifle and cane and banner drill

Military Knowledge

Skill at Arms – Starting with the basic safety rules, this goes on to cover every aspect of weapon handling on the four weapons currently used in the ACF for training. You will be instructed on the air rifle, the No. 8 (.22) Rifle, the L98A1 Cadet General Purpose (GP) Rifle and the Light Support Weapon (LSW).

Use of Map and Compass

Fieldcraft

First Aid

Expedition training

Physical Achievement

Cadet and the Community

 

 

 

 

The JCIC is an integral part of 3 Star training and is designed to teach senior cadets how to instruct fellow cadets up to and including 1 Star level in the following subjects:-

 

Drill, Turnout and Military Knowledge

Skill at Arms

Use of Map and Compass

Fieldcraft

 

The course teaches method of instruction and how to prepare lesson plans. You will have to prepare and deliver lessons which will be assessed by your adult instructors.

 

 

 

The SCIC is an optional subject at 4 Star level designed to increase a cadet’s knowledge of instruction techniques and provide experience in the art of leadership. On the SCIC you will be taught how to instruct up to and including 2 Star level in the following subjects:-

 

Drill, Turnout and Military Knowledge

Skill at Arms

Use of Map and Compass

Fieldcraft

 

 

 

As a member of the Cambridgeshire ACF Corps of Drums you will take part in basic cadet training with an emphasis on learning to play a variety of musical instruments. Our qualified instructors will show you, free of charge, how to master musical skills and even, if you want, how to achieve the BTEC first diploma in Music. You can join the Corps even if you can’t play an Instrument yet. No experience is necessary.

 

So what is the difference between a Band and a Corps of Drums?

A band plays mostly brass instruments (as well as woodwind) and plays a wider variety of music. Examples of military bands include The Minden Band, Royal Marines, and The Ghurkas.  Alternatively, a  Corps of Drums plays mostly marching music using side, bass and tenor drums, flute, bugle and in some cases the bell lyre/glockenspiel. In the army, a Corps of Drums is more likely to be part of an Infantry Unit.

 

If you choose to join the Corps of Drums you must also complete basic and 1 Star level cadet training, which is compulsory. After that you could choose to do just band training - but you will be encouraged to follow the usual star training syllabus as well. You can choose to play just one instrument, a couple or all of them if you show you are able!

 

There are two specific music camps each year.  One is held at Altcar near Liverpool at Easter, and the other is held at Longmoor in October.  These involve training and testing in musical skills at 2 and 3 star levels, with the 4 star cadets planning and organising a musical event at an old peoples home and then performing it for them.  To qualify as a 4 Star Drum Major cadets also have to complete some mace/staff drill.  Everything you do within the Corps of Drums can count towards BTEC and Duke of Edinburgh awards.  It's a great place to meet like minded cadets from all over England and Wales (Scotland and Northern Ireland have separate camps) and many good and long lasting friendships are formed.

 

 

 

Within the ACF you also have the option to take part in signals (radio) training. We have specialist instructors who can take you from basic to advance skills. There are four courses available, each of which is based on developing your practical skills and they are pass or fail. These are:-

 

Radio User Course

This is a one day course held at a detachment or at County HQ at Waterbeach near Cambridge. It covers the basics of signalling including voice procedure, learning the phonetic alphabet and practical use of a military radio.

 

Cross Flags Cadre

This is a five day course held at a county cadet training Centre. The course is based on the army cadet training syllabus. This is more challenging than the radio users course. some of the topics covered are voice procedure, line equipment (telephone and exchanges), erecting antenna & masts and basic electrical theory.

 

Post-Classification Course

Held at The Royal School of Signals (RSS) at Blandford in Dorset, this is a five day course. This training is based on infantry battalion communication procedures as used by the army. It is more ‘in depth’ than the Cross Flags Course. Some of the topics covered are Introduction to radio and radio relay, electronic warfare and placing cables.

 

Advanced Signalling

Another five day course held at RSS Blandford in Dorset. This course will to test you to the limit. Some of the subjects covered are computers in the army, a radio vehicle exercise, radio exercise planning and remoting the high frequency radio. This is a very in depth course and only the serious need apply!

 

 

 

 

A range of proficiency courses are available to cadets which enable them to gain recognised skills in a chosen activity. Courses are suitable for beginners and most are based on courses like the Joint Service Mountain Training Centre (JSMTC) course. Successful candidates are awarded the appropriate JSMTC Certificate after successful completion of the training.  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