THE BASICS:

Service 6 months

Skills 3 or 6 months

Physical Recreation 3 or 6 months

Expeditions Plan, prepare for and undertake a 3 day, 2 night venture

Direct entrants must undertake a further six months in either the Service or the longer of the Skills or Physical Recreation Sections.

HOW CAN THIS TIE IN WITH THE APC SYLLABUS:

ACF 3-star will normally coincide with preparation for the Silver Award.

Completion of the Silver Award will often satisfy the requirements of ACF 4-star subjects.

Participation in the Silver Award can lead to a Distinction in some parts of your BTEC Diploma in Public Services.

While Cadet training can obviously contribute significantly to your Award, you are encouraged to look outside the Army Proficiency Certificate (APC) when you participate. Simply gaining your APC badges will not be enough to gain a Duke of Edinburgh's Award - it is not ‘two for the price of one' and some extra effort is required to gain an Award. A hobby, participation in a sport or voluntary involvement in a school or outside club will probably count towards your Award.