FAQs - About - Army Cadet Force

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

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

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Instructors FAQs

Read the Cadets FAQs »

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How old do I have to be to join?

If you are aged between 18 and 55 years then you can join as an adult instructor.
Do I need previous military experience?

You do not need any previous military experience to join as an adult instructor. Many of our instructors are ex-cadets themselves, or have served in the military, but we also have many that joined with no previous military background at all. We will provide you with all the training you need to become an effective instructor.
Could I get called up for active service?

No you can't. Whether you are an adult instructor or officer in the Army Cadet Force, you have no active service liability whatsoever and cannot be called up for Territorial Army or Regular Army service.
Will I be paid for my time?

The Army Cadet Force is a volunteer organisation dedicated to developing young people to enable them to be good citizens. Your time is provided on voluntary basis. We do however pay you for certain events such as your training courses or annual camp. This will be paid at different levels dependent upon your rank within the organisation. We would also cover such out-of-pocket expenses as travel.
Will I be provided with a uniform?

On joining the Army Cadet Force as an instructor you would be issued with a uniform and any equipment necessary to carry out your duties.
What is the time commitment?

This is like asking how long a piece of string is! As a minimum you would be expected to parade one or two evenings a week at your local detachment to help with training cadets. On top of that there are about four weekend training events and a two-week annual camp each year, which we hope you can be there for.
There is an awful lot more available for those with more time on their hands in terms of weekends away, but this will depend on your county and availability.
What opportunities exist for my own development?

There are many ways you can develop yourself personally in the Army Cadet Force. Our adult training courses are designed in such a way as to help you develop new skills and many are recognised with external civilian qualifications from examining bodies such as EDEXCEL, Institute of Leadership & Management and City & Guilds. These qualifications are available for adult instructors wishing to pursue them up to Graduateship level. There are also many other learning opportunities, which could see you become a qualified instructor in hill walking, kayaking, canoeing, caving, skiing, climbing, signalling, first aid and much, much more.