As an Adult Instructor you will organise, take part in and supervise events from annual camps and Duke of Edinburgh’s award (DofE) expeditions, to local marches and parades, to training sessions at weekly parade evenings.

 

A cadet’s progress through the ACF is based on a star system, which provides a defined set of goals to aspire to. Adult Instructors gain the skills and qualifications to help cadets achieve their aims through attending a range of courses. Some can be taken at the Cadet Training Centre in Frimley Park, Surrey, although many are local and may include recognised Adventure Leader and vocational qualifications.

 

In addition to the parade evening, you may want to help with other activities and projects. Listed here are some of the opportunities which make life as an Adult Instructor so varied and rewarding.

 

 

There are six progressively challenging levels that cadets can strive for:

 

Basic Training:

 Improving personal standards, knowing the Country Code and safety with weapons.

 

One Star:

Learning basic fieldcraft, shooting and a two-week camp.

 

Two Star:

Use of public services, working as a team, elementary expeditions and a two-week camp.

 

Three Star:

Participation in community activities, working as a section, extended expeditions (20 miles), competitive rifle shooting and an army leadership course.

 

Four Star:

Planning and leading a community project, platoon tactics, an advanced expedition (30 miles) and a two-week camp.

 

Master Cadet:

This is advanced training for high achievers held at Frimley Park Training Centre in Surrey. If you show ability to reach the top ranks as a cadet you could find yourself promoted to Company or Regimental Sergeant Major.

 

 

Cadets play a range of sports competing at local, national and inter-service levels. All counties offer some form of adventurous training which could include abseiling, caving, rock-climbing, white-water rafting and off road motorcycling.   Adult Instructors with an interest in sports will be encouraged to use their skills with their detachment and can also receive further training for qualifications recognised outside the ACF.

 

 

These usually last for two weeks at an MOD owned training camp anywhere in the UK and sometimes abroad in places like Germany or Cyprus. 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 even be given the opportunity to go on an overnight exercise.

As our sponsors, the Regular and Territorial Army often provide access to army equipment and provide experienced trainers in specialist areas.

 

 

As well as acquiring a range of personal skills, cadets can voluntarily earn internationally-recognised diplomas. 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 an educational programme developed by the Cadet Vocational Qualification Office (CVQO).

Each award is open to cadets over 16. The Public Service diploma includes interviewing skills, public speaking and presentation and CV development, as well as first aid and nutrition, and adventurous training – and the Music diploma enables cadets to learn a wide range of musical instruments from scratch under the guidance of qualified instructors.

 

Over the years, the ACF has become one of the largest DofE operators. For many cadets, it is a key part of ACF training and all are encouraged to take part.

 

Bronze Silver and Gold level awards are open to cadets and young Instructors aged 14 to 25, which cover practical, cultural and adventurous training activities. For winners of the Gold award a visit to Buckingham Palace is included to receive the certificate and badge from Prince Phillip himself.

 

 

The Outreach scheme is a youth community programme for youngsters not yet in the army cadet force who are referred by caring agencies as being vulnerable to crime or socially disadvantaged in some way. Around 5,000 young people have so far completed the programme which normally takes place over one year and offers participants the chance to sample a range of outdoor pursuits. Many young people who take part then go on to join the ACF themselves.

 

 

As mentioned  before, most camps and activities are UK-based, but there are regular opportunities for subsidised overseas travel on exchange trips to countries such as Italy, Austria, the USA, Denmark and Canada.