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Army Cadet Force

The Army Cadets is one of the UK’s leading youth organisations, comprising the Army Cadet Force and the school-based Combined Cadet Force. The Army Cadets is about fun, friendship, action and adventure. We inspire young people to challenge their limits and go further in life, no matter what they aim to do.

About Us

We develop young people of all abilities and backgrounds physically and mentally, improving self-confidence, teamwork, friendship, leadership and community spirit through a wide range of fun and exciting activities as well as recognised vocational qualifications such as the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme and BTEC Diplomas.

With a strong focus on adventure, skills, and leadership, Army Cadets empowers young people between 12 and 18 years old to challenge their limits, build confidence, and make lasting friendships. Activities we offer includes adventurous training, leadership development, qualifications, sport, music, and life-changing experiences - all within a structured, values-led environment.

We are not part of the recruiting process for the Armed Forces, however our syllabus is based on and promotes an understanding of what the Armed Forces' roles and responsibilities are and we provide assistance to any cadet who expresses an interest in joining the Armed Forces later in life.

In the Army Cadets we aim to inspire young people to develop themselves mentally and physically, to:

  • Challenging their limits
  • Grow their abilities and go further in life
  • Unlock their talents
  • Shape their own futures

Across the Army Cadets (Combined Cadet Force (Army) and Army Cadet Force), over 11500 Adult Volunteers and 72000 Cadets parade in 1600 community Cadet Detachments and 375 CCF Army Sectors around the United Kingdom, meet a few of the people involved below:  

Brigadier Matthew Lowe Deputy Commander Cadets

 

 

2nd Lieutenant Lowri Evans Adult Vounteer Glamorgan ACF

 

 

Cadet Corporal Owen Jones Lincolnshire ACF

 

Cadets Branch is part of Regional Command Headquarters, the Army’s 2 Star headquarters for the United Kingdom, British Forces Germany, Nepal and Brunei. Based in Aldershot we are supported by ten independent regional Cadet teams located across the UK.

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Through the Years

In the mid-19th century the idea of cadet units in schools was developed by Secretary of State for War, Jonathan Peel, as part of Queen Victoria’s review of the Volunteer units (forerunner of today’s Reserve Forces). 30 years later social reformer Octavia Hill formed London’s first Cadet Battalion.

The first cadet units in schools were formed and Volunteer units started to parade cadets.

Octavia Hill formed the Southwark Cadet Company, London’s first independent Cadet Battalion.

The title Cadet Force was introduced, administered by the newly named Territorial Army.

The cadet units in schools were officially restructured into The Combined Cadet Force.

The ACF celebrated its 100th anniversary with a review of the ACF and CCF at Buckingham Palace.

The Cadet movement celebrated its 150th anniversary; The Prince of Wales hosted celebrations.

Recruitment

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