As A Cadet
The ACF is demanding - sometimes challenging. The ACF is rewarding. You get back far more than you put in. Confidence. Assertiveness. Stamina. Bravery. Leadership. Teamwork. Problem-solving. Decision-making. New skills. Unique experiences. The ACF is serious fun too.
The ACF is for 12 to 18 year olds, male and female. You can join as a Cadet once you are 12, provided you have entered Secondary Education, and can remain until you are 18 years and 9 months.
Many Cadets stay on as Adult Instructors and some join the Territorial Army or Regular Forces.
The uniform is provided but it is only on loan (£10 deposit). You will have to look after it and return it when you leave the ACF. You will, however, be asked to buy your own boots - which is a small price to pay for a future packed with action and adventure ...!
As a cadet you will wear Army uniform, but you are not signing on as a soldier. You are free to leave whenever you like.
You will have the chance to go away on weekends to take part in training and once a year you can apply to go on a Summer Camp, which is usually two weeks long.
A typical Cadet from Angus or Dundeet has had the chance to:
Abseil, cave, climb, swim, trek, canoe, kayak, shoot, ride in tanks and helicopters, drive go-karts, participate in soccer, rugby, athletics, hockey, kite boarding, cross country, tug of war and volleyball, learn first aid, archery, practice navigation by day and night, visit military exhibitions and museums, camp out and survive on Army rations, compete in Platoon, County, National and International competitions, operate radios, navigate high speed Engineer assault boats, build girder bridges and rafts, help the Community and best of all, make new friends and be part of a team.
The Syllabus
For the duration of their training, Cadets follow a syllabus based on the Army Proficiency Certificate (APC).
There are five levels to the APC, each containing the same subjects but with increasing levels of complexity.
The subjects covered are:
:: Drill & Turnout
:: Military Knowledge
:: Skill at Arms
:: Fieldcraft
:: Map and Compass
:: Expedition Training
:: First Aid
:: Physical Achievement
:: Shooting
:: Cadet and the Community
All of the subjects above are taught by trained Instructors and Senior Cadets. Standards of training are important in any youth organisation such as ours.
The
training system works along the principles of theory and practice. Many opportunities
present themselves at weekends and longer camps, where cadets are able to
put their newly taught skills into practice.
F.A.Q
Q.- Do I have to join the Army after?
A. -No!
Some Cadets decide to
pursue a career with the Armed Forces and the training they receive in the
Army Cadet Force certainly gives them a head start, but you don't have to.
Q.- How much time does it take up?
A.- That's entirely up to you. Detachments meet once or twice a week, there are activities organised on some weekends plus a two week Annual Camp.
Most
Cadets get hooked and turn up for everything but we know that this isn't always
possible.