Royal County of Berkshire Army Cadets
The Royal County of Berkshire
Empowering Young People
The Royal County of Berkshire Army Cadet Force (ACF) empowers young people through practical skills, exciting challenges, and a spirit of service. In our safe and inclusive environment, cadets aged 12–18 build confidence, develop leadership abilities, and actively contribute to their communities. Through these experiences, they learn teamwork, self-reliance, and a strong sense of responsibility, preparing them to become tomorrow’s citizens.
Making a Difference in the Community
ACF places community service at the heart of its programme. Cadets participate in Remembrance Day ceremonies, support charity fundraisers, and organise local clean-up events. By collaborating with parish councils, volunteer groups, and schools across Berkshire, cadets gain meaningful, hands-on experience that teaches them the value of civic engagement and social responsibility.
The County Snapshot
18
Detachments
625
Cadets
130
Dedicated Volunteers
511
First Aid qualifications gained each year
Key information about the County
Colonel Sally Oakley
County Commandant
Lieutenant Colonel Sean Warren
Deputy Commandant
Major Eamonn Coogan
Cadet Executive Officer
RSMI Ian Horn
Regimental Sergeant Majors Instructor
Major Jim Chappell
Officer Commanding A Company
Major Claire Horn
Officer Commanding B Company
Major Duncan Holmes
Officer Commanding C Company
Assistant Commandant
Major Matthew Heaven
County Training Officer
Major Samantha McEndoo
Medical Support Officer
Vision: A challenging and stimulating contemporary cadet experience that develops and inspires Young People within a safe environment.
Mission: To deliver structured and progressive training and skills for life with excitement, vigor and energy.
Developing Skills, Confidence, and Character in the ACF
At the Royal County of Berkshire Army Cadet Force, our comprehensive programme helps cadets build skills, confidence, and character. Furthermore, cadets can work towards recognised qualifications, including the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and vocational certificates, which enhance their personal development and future opportunities.
Core Training Areas
- Drill & Turnout – Learn discipline, teamwork, and presentation.
- Fieldcraft & Navigation – Develop survival skills and map-reading expertise.
- Shooting & Marksmanship – Master firearms safety and accuracy.
- First Aid – Gain essential life-saving skills.
- Communications & Information Systems – Build technical and operational knowledge.
- Adventure Training – Challenge yourself through outdoor activities.
- Physical Training – Improve fitness, endurance, and wellbeing.
- Citizenship & Community Service – Engage with the local community and develop civic responsibility.
- Expeditions – Participate in organised trips and outdoor challenges.
- Leadership & Management – Learn to lead teams and make decisions.
- Military Knowledge – Explore the history, values, and practices of the Armed Forces.
Recognised Qualifications & Opportunities
- Duke of Edinburgh’s Award – Bronze, Silver, and Gold
- ILM Level 3 Award in Leadership and Management
- Overseas Exchange to Norway – Experience international cadet life and cultural exchange
A Company spans across East Berkshire and is home to 6 detachments. All the units are affiliated to a Guards regiment.
Detachments Locations:
1Pl Windsor
2Pl Cippenham
3Pl Slough
4Pl Ascot
5Pl Maidenhead
18Tp Windsor
B Company spans across West Berkshire and is home to 5 detachments. All the units are affiliated to The Rifles.
Detachment Locations:
13Pl Burghfield
14Pl Newbury
15Pl Theale
16Pl Thatcham
17Pl Whitley
C Company spans across Central Berkshire and is home to 7 detachments. All the units are affiliated to the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers.
Detachment Locations:
6Pl Woodley
7Pl Bracknell
8Pl Reading
9Pl Caversham
10Pl Wokingham
11Pl Arborfield
The Band
County-Wide Music Training
The Royal County of Berkshire ACF Band offers music training for cadets of all ages and abilities—no prior experience needed.
Learn and Develop Skills
Guided by experienced instructors, cadets can learn drums, bugle, brass, and woodwind instruments, develop performance skills, and progress through the music syllabus.
Perform and Connect
The band performs at parades, community events, and charity functions across Berkshire, providing a welcoming environment where cadets can make new friends and enjoy performing together.
Find your local detachment
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What our cadets have to say
Before joining, I was shy and unsure of myself. Now I’ve taken part in navigation challenges, learned to confidently lead a squad, and even spoke at during our fieldcraft exercise. I feel like a totally different person.
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What our cadets have to say
Joining Berkshire ACF has been the best decision I’ve ever made. I’ve learned so much, everything from first aid to leadership and I’m more confident than I ever imagined.
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A volunteers view
Having been a cadet myself as a teenager, I knew firsthand how much the ACF shaped me. I joined as an adult volunteer to pass on those life skills such as discipline, resilience, and teamwork, to today’s youth
Berkshire ACF's deep relationship with Norway
A Long-Standing International Partnership
Since 1992, the Royal County of Berkshire Army Cadet Force (ACF) has built a strong relationship with Norway’s Home Guard Youth (HV02). Based on mutual respect and shared values, the partnership includes a formal exchange programme, where cadets from Berkshire and HV02 visit each other in alternate years.
Discover Life Abroad
This exchange gives cadets the chance to experience another country firsthand. They build international friendships, gain new perspectives, and develop a deeper understanding of different cultures. While in Norway, cadets take part in activities that test resilience and teamwork. They also master cold-weather survival skills, including shelter building and navigation in challenging conditions.
Through these experiences, cadets gain practical life skills, broaden their horizons, and create lasting memories. Today, this enduring partnership remains one of the highlights of the Berkshire ACF cadet experience.
Latest News and Media Updates
Get all the latest news from detachments across Berkshire, featuring inspiring stories, amazing expeditions, and upcoming events.
Volunteers’ Week Spotlight: Lieutenant Colonel Sarah Oxford
4 June 2026
Crieff Promotion
4 June 2026
Volunteering with the Army Cadets: Unlocking Skills, Confidence, and Making a Difference in the Community
4 June 2026
Image Gallery
Take a look at some of the fantastic activities that cadets across the Royal County of Berkshire ACF enjoy and the skills they develop along the way.
CLICK ANY IMAGE BELOW TO VIEW LARGER
Contact Information
For more information about the Army Cadets or to join, get in touch with us using the contact details below and start your exciting cadet journey today.
Royal County of Berkshire Army Cadet ForceBrock Barracks
Oxford Road
Reading
RG30 1HW
- Email us: se-ber-cao2@rfca.mod.uk
- Call us: 01189 023540
Join Berkshire ACF today
Join the Army Cadets to embark on exciting adventures, develop skills, gain confidence, take on challenges, and build lifelong friendships for ages 12–18
