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The Army Cadet Force (ACF) is one of the UK’s oldest, largest and most successful youth organisations. Started in 1860, the ACF was created to help young people develop personally and physically by providing them with a range of opportunities, challenges and activities which take place in a safe learning environment.
The ACF isn’t part of the Army. It is a voluntary youth club sponsored by the army which wears a similar uniform and operates a similar rank structure. Many young people join the ACF because they have an interest in the armed services and some even go on to join, but not everyone. You can take the essential skills and qualifications that we give you into whatever you chose to do in life.
Being in the ACF can help you be more confident, reliable, independent, considerate and purposeful. You can also develop leadership skills and the ability to work as part of a team. These qualities are just what employers look for when they interview people for jobs.
You will progress through the ACF based on a ‘star’ system, which gives you a defined set of goals to aspire to. There are six progressively challenging levels that cadets strive for:-
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Basic Training: |
Challenges include achieving personal standards, knowing the country code and being totally safe when handling weapons.
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One Star: |
Challenges include learning fieldcraft, shooting and a two-week camp.
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Two Star: |
Challenges include the use of public services, minor team tactics, elementary expeditions and a two-week camp.
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Three Star: |
Challenges include taking part in community activities, section tactics, some extended expeditions (20 miles), competitive rifle shooting and an army style leadership course.
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Four Star: |
Challenges include planning and leading a community project, platoon tactics, advanced expedition (30 miles) and a two-week camp.
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Master Cadet: |
This is advanced training for the most proficient cadets. Having reached
the top rank of Company or Regimental Sergeant Major you will be leading
other young people and taking it in your stride. This course is held at
the national training centre at
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Cadets play a range of sports and compete at local, national and inter-service level with other cadet organisations. All counties offer some form of adventurous training which could include activities such as abseiling, caving, rock-climbing and white-water rafting. |
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These usually last for two weeks in the summer of each year at a
Ministry of Defence owned training camp somewhere in the Cadets enjoy a wide range of sports and outdoor activities and also take part in basic military pursuits such as shooting, self-sufficiency and fieldcraft. During the camp, they will be given the opportunity to go on overnight exercise and sleep under the stars. |
| As well as developing a range of
personal skills, cadets can also earn internationally recognised
qualifications if they wish. The BTEC First Diploma in Public
Service and the First Diploma in Music are each equivalent to
four GCSEs at A to C level and form part of a new programme
developed by the Cadet Vocational Qualification Office (CVQO).
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They are open to all cadets over 16 and include interviewing skills, public speaking, presentation and CV development, as well as first aid and nutrition, and adventurous training. For the music diploma you will learn a variety of instruments from scratch free of charge under the guidance of our experienced instructors.
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Over the years the ACF has become one of the largest DofE operators. For many cadets, it is a key part of their ACF training and all are encouraged to take part. It’s open to cadets from age 14 and covers practical, cultural and adventurous training activities. Take a look at our Duke of Edinburgh Award training pages to find out more. |
| Most camps and activities are
UK-based, but there is some opportunity for overseas travel on
exchange trips to countries such as |
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