Army Cadet Force

The Army Cadet Force (ACF)

The Army Cadet Force (ACF) is a national, voluntary, uniformed youth organisation with origins dating back to 1860. It has a membership of almost 40,000 Cadets (aged from 12) dispersed across some 1,600 locations all over the United Kingdom.

In the East Midlands the ACF is organised in four distinct ‘ACF Counties’: Derbyshire ACF, Lincolnshire ACF, Leicestershire, Northamptonshire and Rutland ACF and Nottinghamshire ACF, with over 140 detachments and 3,300 Cadets.

The ACF’s mission is to help its Cadet members develop both personally and physically by providing a wide range of fun, exciting, challenging and adventurous opportunities, some of them on a military theme. The ACF actively wants its Cadets to succeed.

Young people involved in the ACF have the opportunity to challenge themselves to learn more, do more and try more. It also inspires them to aim high and gives them the skills, values and attitudes to go further in life, no matter what they aim to do.

The ACF’s mission is to help its Cadet members develop both personally and physically by providing a wide range of fun, exciting, challenging and adventurous opportunities, some of them on a military theme. 

8 The cadets spent the night in the field under bashas on this two day exercise.

All Cadets start by learning the basics before moving on to the ACF Star Cadet Awards – starting at one star and moving all the way through to four. Once that is achieved, Cadets can be put forward for an assessment course to be recognised as a Master Cadet.

The ACF is about fun and opportunity in a positive, structured environment that encourages the development of leadership, teamwork, initiative, self-confidence, self-discipline and a sense of responsibility. It welcomes young people and adults from all backgrounds and abilities.

All Cadets start by learning the basics before moving on to the ACF Star Cadet Awards – starting at one star and moving all the way through to four. 

Adult volunteers in the ACF get to know Cadets individually and offer a huge range of training, qualifications and challenges. They enjoy helping young people to unlock their talents, become more independent, confident and able to step up to any challenge.

East Midlands RFCA is responsible for providing logistic and financial support to the ACF counties in the area including the provision and maintenance of accommodation and transport, as well as recruiting and financing over 45 professional support staff.

Adult volunteers in the ACF get to know Cadets individually and offer a huge range of training, qualifications and challenges. 

Find your local Cadet unit today. Click here to find your local unit

To find out more about the ACF visit www.armycadets.com