Cadet 150 - Brief History

The Army Cadet Force was formed, as part of the Volunteer Force, in 1860 when there was a perceived threat of invasion by France. Cadet units were formed in schools and in the large industrial cities. The aim of cadet training was to train teenage boys to become volunteer soldiers in defence of the nation.

From the beginning the value of cadet training was recognised by social reformers, such as Octavia Hill, as providing boys, many of them living disadvantaged lives in city slums, with exercise, discipline and esprit de corps based on the values of the British Army.

Over its 150 years of existence, army cadet training has changed many times to meet the current needs of the nation. Military training has always, and still does, form the framework of the training. Army cadets provided suitable training for soldiers to police and expand the Empire, to defend the existence of the UK in two world wars, to support National Service after World War 2 and encourage those seeking an army career during the Cold War and post Cold War eras.

However, throughout its history, the army cadets have always encouraged personal development and the qualities of good citizenship. Since 1945 adventure training and community service have played an increasing role in cadet activities. The Army Cadets pioneered the Duke of Edinburgh Award and First Aid training was also included.

During the 1980s girls were allowed to join and today serve on equal terms with the boys.

In the Army Cadet Force today, the training not only provides military based training with all the benefits of self discipline, teamwork and leadership skills, it offers opportunities to take part in expeditions in a variety of locations including major expeditions abroad to such places as African game parks and mountain ranges such as the Himalayas. Civilian vocational qualifications are also offered such as Health and Safety  at Work First Aid, First Certificates in Public Service (4 A to C grade GCSE equivalents) and First Diplomas in Music.

The organisation can look forward, with confidence, to a further 150 years of service to the youth of the nation.

 Events in Cumbria to Celebrate CADET150

1st January: Exercise Reiver Rendezvous, Carlisle Castle.
30th March to 30th October: Tree planting across Cumbria.

2nd to 5th April: Easter Camp at Warcop with visit from High Sheriff of Cumbria.

8th May: Beating Retreat and Cocktail Party at Carlisle Castle.

15th and 16th May: Dedication of New Standards Parade at Carlisle Castle and Carlisle Cathedral.

31st December: Exercise Southern Gathering, March to Southern Borders of Cumbria to meet with Lancashire and Yorkshire ACFs.

 CADET 150 Commemorative Medallion

To mark the 150th anniversary of cadet service to the nation, Cumbria Army Cadet Force has struck a bronze medallion that will be carried all over the county during 2010 by serving cadets. It is expected that every Cumbrian army cadet will handle the medallion at some point during the year. It is intended to take the medallion to the summits of our highest mountains, across our main lakes and to every border of the county.

Silver replicas will be presented to the offices of the leaders of our community.