County Mission Statement
Development through challenging and inclusive environment
Essex Army Cadet Force is dedicated to providing a challenging cadet force accessible to all young individuals in Essex, cultivating a fully supported and inclusive environment aligned with the community it serves.
By integrating the Army’s traditions, ethos, values, and standards, our goal is to equip young cadets and adult volunteers with essential skills, confidence, and values necessary for life success. Through comprehensive training, leadership development, and community engagement, we promote teamwork, resilience, and strong discipline. We remain committed to inclusivity, ensuring that every adult and cadet feels valued, supported, and motivated to embrace the ethos of the Army Cadet Force
Find a detachment
Our Stats
1012
Cadets
215
Adult Volunteers
34
Detachments
Key Information & Contacts
Essex army Cadets are recruiting for cadets and adult instructors. Cadets must be at least 12 years old. Come and join us for adventure, fun, friendships, and many skills for life. Adult Instructors aged 18+ are needed to help develop the skills of our cadets. Additionally, Adult Instructors can also learn new skills, gain Qualifications, and build their own personal skills. If you are up for a challenge, you will go further with Essex Army Cadets.
Colonel Peter Mills
Commandant
The Commandant, Colonel Peter Mills, started his current post in 2021 with the goal to restore the county from the challenges of Covid by positioning it stronger than before and establish a solid foundation for the County’s growth.
Lieutenant Colonel Jouques
Deputy Commandant
The Deputy Commandant, Lieutenant Colonel Neale Jouques OBE started his current post in 2025 with the goal to support the Commandant in delivering cadet experiences outside of the regular syllabus that will remain with cadets for the rest of their lives.
Major Ian Coffin
CEO
The Cadet Executive Officer, Major Ian Coffin, started his current post in 2021 with the goal to ensure Essex ACF is professional and always working within the Safe System of Training.
The county is split into four companies:
A Company – based in the south west of the county, its Headquarters are located at the Warley Detachment.
B Company – based in the middle of the county, its Headquarters are located at the Army Reserve Centre, Chelmsford.
C Company – based in the south east of the county, its Headquarters are located at the Leigh on Sea Detachment.
D Company – based in the north of the county, its Headquarters are located at the Colchester Detachment.
Essex Army Cadets offers different training opportunities outside of the normal syllabus.
Cadets in Enterprise
The Cadets in Enterprise programme teaches how business works. Cadets learn and practice skills in money management, sectors of our economy, and how to present ideas. This recently finished with the Cadets having a unique experience at the London Stock Exchange.
Royal College of Nursing King’s Nursing Cadets
The Royal College of Nursing King’s Nursing Cadets scheme equips young people with the skills and knowledge to help them towards a medical career. Cadets complete 40 hours of teaching and learning experience, along with 20 hours of clinical observation in a healthcare setting. This recently ended in a meeting with His Majesty King Charles III as the 1000th cadet, an Essex Army Cadet, received his certificate.
Cadet Vocational College
The Cadet Vocational College provides vocational qualifications to cadets and instructors from BETECs to the equivalent on Master’s Degrees. They cover a range of qualifications such as Teamwork or Leadership and Management.
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Success Stories
Master Cadets Cadet Company Sergeant Major Harry Edwards, B Company and Cadet Staff Sergeant Nicholas Sava, A Company, both achieved Highly Confident on the Master Cadet Course.
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Success Stories
42 Years Service! Major Les Bishop and Staff Sergeant Instructor Edward Ainger, who each received their 5th Clasp—a remarkable milestone representing an extraordinary 42 years of service and dedication to the Army Cadet Force.
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Success Stories
Uttlesford Chairman's Cadet Uttlesford Chairman's Cadet Cadet Corporal Zack Kiberd from Dunmow Detachment is appointed Uttlesford District Council’s very first Chairman’s Cadet.
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Success Stories
Best Royal Signals Cadet Detachment Chelmsford Detachment has proudly claimed the 2024 Royal Signals Best Cadet Detachment
Latest News & Media Updates
Get all the latest news from detachments across the UK, including inspiring stories, amazing expeditions, and upcoming events
Opening of Joint Cadet Centre in Southend-on-Sea
14 December 2025
In Their Footsteps: Essex Army Cadets Remember 2025
22 November 2025
Essex Army Cadets March with Pride at Trafalgar Parade 2025
7 November 2025
Contact Information
For More information please email or contact us at the office below:
TA CentreSpringfield Lyons
Colchester Rd
Chelmsford, Essex
CM2 5TA
- Email us: ea-essao1@rfca.org.uk
Join Essex Army Cadets today!
Join the Army Cadets to embark on an exciting adventure, develop valuable skills, and build lifelong friendships for young people between 12 to 18.
