Instructors Q&A

Click on a question to see the answer

• Do I need experience?

  No, you receive training in all aspects of the ACF that are required. Whatever civilian skills you have whether in IT or military, catering or sport - you will be welcomed by the ACF.

• Do I have to wear a uniform?

  Yes, ACF adult volunteers wear an Army uniform, supplied free of charge for the duration of your time with the ACF. All you need to buy is a good pair of boots.

• How much time do I have to devote to the ACF?

  Typically, two parades/evenings per week at your local detachment and occasional weekends. After that, it is up to you how much training you want to give. Help is always welcomed on the annual camps and many adult volunteers find this one of the highlights of the ACF calendar. We fully understand that allkinds of other commitments, such as work and family, can affect people's availability, so even if you can't commit to two evenings per week, we would still love to hear from you.

• 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 Newquay in Cornwall to the Scottish Highlands.  

• Can I get time off work to go to camp?

  You must discuss this with your employer as it is at their discretion whether you are given special leave or have to take the time off out of your normal annual leave entitlement.

• What activities will I be involved in?

  This depends on your role in the ACF, but activities include abseiling, trekking, first aid, sports, camping, music, competitive shooting, drill, fieldcraft and the Duke of Edinburgh's Award.

• Is the ACF part of the Regular Army?

  No, this is a common misconception. The ACF is a national voluntary youth organisation which wears a uniform and operates under a similar rank structure to the Army. Some ex-Armed Forces individuals join as volunteers but, apart from the Cadet Training Teams, who often help out with specialist training, especially at annual camp, no serving military personnel work at the ACF. Neither adults nor cadets can be called up to join the Army on operations.

• How long is the initial training?

  New adult volunteers do a one-week training course and two training weekends in their first two years. You are also likely to be mentored by another adult at your detachment.

• What courses can I do?

  There is a huge range available, from first aid to competitive shooting to leadership and management courses recognised in civilian life.

• If I'm ex-Army, do I still have to do the training?

  Yes, all new adult volunteers complete the induction course regardless of their experience. This will help you develop your ability to deal with young people and understand the ethos of the ACF.

• Can I still join if I've comitted a minor offence?

  Every case will be looked at individually but minor offences and petty crimes won't necessarily prevent you joining.

• Do you run checks on adult volunteers?

  All adults are required to undergo a CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) check and to register with the Independent Safeguarding Authority's Vetting and Barring Scheme.