Key Cadet150 dates confirmed

Colourful parades. Exciting events and competitions. Expeditions to Africa and beyond. This year promises to be one of the most memorable and fun-packed years in the Cadet Forces' history, and with very good reason: 2010 is our 150th birthday, known as Cadet150.  

Cadet150 will be marked at all levels of the Cadet Forces and in many different ways across the country. All four Cadet Forces (Sea Cadet Corps, Air Training Corps,  Combined Cadet Force, Army Cadets) will be involved in celebrating a century and a half of success. The Cadet150 launch will kick off with an audience at Buckingham Palace on February 17 for selected Cadet150 ambassadors.

This will be followed by a Ulysses Trust Cadet150 reception in the evening. On June 2 there will be a special reception for hundreds of adult volunteers and their guests at the Guildhall in London. But the centerpiece of the 150th anniversary celebrations will be a royal review and garden party at Buckingham Palace on 6 July.

Fears that cuts to the ACF's annual budget would lead to the cancellation of many Cadet150 celebrations are unfounded, according to Cadet150 Project Officer Lt Col Andy Johnson.

"Cadet150 is supported by the Army and has been identified as a high priority for this year," explains Lt Col Johnson. "The policy for the regions is that they should re-badge existing events, which are already funded. There shouldn't be a huge impact, and I'm sure that it's going to be a success."

Further Cadet150 Events include:

• 150 cadets participating in The Duke of Edinburgh's Award will have the opportunity to join a unique residential course at Britannia Royal Naval College, Dartmouth
• There will be a special Cadet150 expedition to Lesotho in Africa
• A Cadet150 unique sports day will be held at RAF Cranwell with cadets from all four Forces competing alongside one another
• The Army Cadet Force, Air Training Corps and Combined Cadet Force will each send platoons to the Sea Cadets' annual Trafalgar Day Parade for the first time in its history
• Cadets will plant 150,000 trees supplied by the Woodland Trust
• WWI Remembrance activities will be given a special Cadet150 flavour
• A Cadet150 national first aid competition will be hosted by Royal Military Academy Sandhurst

Want to get involved? If you're aged 18 or over and thinking about volunteering some of your time and supporting a youth organisation, then why not join the Army Cadet Force. You too can help youngsters develop their full potential through a varied and challenging programme of activities.  So, what are you waiting for?

Requst our adult volunteer brochure now and MAKE YOUR MARK

Find out more about Cadet150

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