Cadets FAQs

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• How old do I have to be to join?

  If you are aged between 12 and 18 then you can join as a cadet. Please note: if you are aged 12 you must be in year 8 at school to join.

• Do I have to join the Army if I become a cadet?

  Absolutely not. The Army Cadet Force is sponsored by the Army and we use much of their equipment and facilities, but there is absolutely no obligation to join any of the armed services at any time. You can also leave the Army Cadet Force at any time.

• Will being in the ACF help me if I want to join the army after my studies?

  Most definitely. We follow much of the military training syllabus which will give you a great advantage over those new soldiers that have not had any cadet experience. Many of our cadets who do join the Army qualify from training as the best recruits as they already have a good grounding in military skills before they start their training.

• Will I be provided with a uniform?

  On joining the Army Cadet Force as a cadet you would be issued with a uniform and any equipment necessary to carry out your training. All you need to buy is a good pair of boots.

• Which days and what time do the cadets meet up?

  Most detachments meet two evenings a week with ocassional weekend camps and competitions. The days and times vary depending on the detachment but normally it's from 6.30pm or 7pm until about 9pm or 9.30pm

• What is a BTEC qualification?

  As an Army Cadet you can work towards a BTEC in Public Services or Music as part of your normal ACF activities. This is a nationally recognised qualification which is the equivalent to four Standard Grades in Scotland level 1 to 3 or four GCSEs at grade A* to C. You can also gain a Certificate in Team Leading from the Institute of Leadership and Management.

• Can I participate in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award in the ACF?

  Yes you can. The Army Cadet Force is the second largest operator of the DofE Award in the UK and all elements of the award can be completed as part of your normal ACF activities.

• Does it cost anything to join as a cadet?

  Charges can vary between detachments, some will ask cadets to pay a small sub on attendance but not always. The only other cost is the price of a pair of boots! If you participate in the Annual Summer camp there is normally a small fee of approximately £65-£80 for 2 weeks.

• What does annual camp entail?

  This is where everyone in your county has the opportunity to go away for either one or two weeks during the school summer holidays to one of the Army's training camps somewhere in the UK. This could be anywhere from ewquay in Cornwall to the Scottish Highlands.

• Is there a chance of foreign travel?

  There are both nationally and locally organised foreign exchange trips available for cadets to many different countries. These could include adventurous training in Canada, learning survival skills in the Australian outback or visiting a Regular Army unit in Germany. What is available will largely depend on your location and your personal drive!

• Do you need to be a UK citizen to join the ACF?

  No. You do not have to be a UK citizen to join as a cadet.

• Do you have to have short hair?

  No, but hair longer than collar length will need to be tied back.