Cadet FAQs
Yes. While there is no requirement to join the Army, being part of the ACF provides valuable insight into Army life. You’ll receive some basic military training, take part in fieldcraft and leadership exercises, and learn practical skills that give you an advantage if you decide to enlist later on.
Yes. Senior cadets can gain vocational qualifications through the Cadet Vocational College (CVC), including:
- BTEC Level 2 in Public Services or Music (available from age 16)
- ILM Level 2 Certificate in Team Leading
No. You do not need to be a UK citizen to join the ACF as a cadet.
Possibly. Cadets have the opportunity to take part in overseas expeditions and exchange programmes to destinations such as Canada, India, South Africa, France, and even the Himalayas, plus annual international adventurous training and cultural studies. Places on these trips are limited so not every cadets will get a chance to travel abroad.
No, but your hair must be neat, tidy, and kept away from your face and ears during activities. You must be able to wear your uniform headdress properly, with no hair visible below the brow band.
Long hair should be tied in a bun, single ponytail, braid, or similar style, not extending below the top of the belt.
Male cadets with long hair must secure it above the collar.
Cadets with religious beliefs will be issued on request alternative head dress where required.
Yes. Cadets are issued a uniform on loan from the Ministry of Defence at no cost. It must be returned when you leave. However, you will need to purchase a pair of study leather boots, black or brown which come up over the ankle.
Your Detachment Commander can advise you on recommended suppliers. A popular option is the Cadet Kit Shop, or Cadet Direct but local advice is often best.
Annual Camp is a highlight of the Army Cadet calendar. It typically takes place during school holidays and is typically a week long. Cadets from across the county come together for a residential camp which is a mix of adventure training, military skills, and team-building activities. It’s fun, challenging, and a great way to make friends and grow in confidence.
Adult Volunteer FAQs
No. The Army Cadets is a national, voluntary youth organisation that is sponsored by the British Army but is not part of it. We use the same rank structure and deliver military-themed training, but we remain a separate organisation.
No. Neither cadets nor adult volunteers are subject to military call-up under any circumstances.
This depends on your role, but activities may include abseiling, trekking, first aid, sports, camping, music, competitive shooting, drill, fieldcraft, and supporting The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.
You must be at least 18 years old to apply as an adult volunteer.
Not at all. We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds, with or without military experience. Full training is provided. Many of our volunteers were former cadets, some have served in the Armed Forces, and others are completely new to the cadet world.
No. As long as you have leave to remain in the UK, are eligible to work here, and meet our security clearance requirements, you can apply.
Reservists may volunteer with permission from their Commanding Officer, provided they hold the same status (commissioned or non-commissioned) in both roles. Regular service members cannot formally volunteer, but may assist as Service Helpers with their Commanding Officer’s approval.
Possibly. Former officers or those who have passed ACCB should contact their County Commandant for an interview. Some training may be waived, but all volunteers must complete the initial familiarisation and assessment package.
Find a local detachment and complete an expression of interest form.
You’ll be contacted by your county HQ and invited for an interview.
If you proceed, you’ll begin a familiarisation and assessment package over several weeks.
You’ll also undergo safeguarding checks and be assessed for your suitability to work with young people.
If I’m ex-Army, do I follow the same process?
Yes, all new volunteers must complete the same familiarisation and assessment package. However, Commandants may waive some training based on your experience.
Yes. All adult volunteers must pass an enhanced DBS check (or the equivalent in Scotland or Northern Ireland). You cannot work unsupervised with cadets until this is complete.
Possibly. Each case is reviewed individually. Minor offences don’t necessarily prevent you from volunteering.
You must provide two referees (aged 25+), who:
- Have known you for at least 3 years
- Are not related to you or living with you
- Are not in a personal relationship with you
- Only one may be connected to the ACF
Examples include teachers, employers, officers, MPs, healthcare professionals, civil servants, and others in professional roles. (A full list is available if needed.)
Note: Former cadets applying within 3 years of leaving the same county detachment may not need a referee. If you’re unsure, your county HQ can advise.
Typically, one or two evenings a week, plus occasional weekends. You’re also encouraged to join us at Annual Camp (1–2 weeks during summer holidays), though this is optional. We’re flexible and understand that work or family commitments vary.
You’ll start with induction and be paired with a mentor. After that, you can attend further courses based on your interests, including fieldcraft, leadership, shooting, music, and more.
Yes. You’ll be issued a uniform on loan from the Ministry of Defence, which must be returned when you leave.
Parent and Guardian FAQs
No. Although the ACF is sponsored by the Army, there is no obligation or expectation for cadets to join any of the armed services.
Yes. Cadets gain an understanding of military structure, values, and training. They take part in field exercises and leadership development, giving them a head start over recruits without cadet experience.
We have stringent processes in place to keep our cadets safe. Each adult volunteer undergoes an enhanced disclosure check ( formerly known as a criminal records check) when they join the ACF and at regular intervals thereafter. We also have strict supervision rules, and every adult volunteer is trained in handling safeguarding incidents. We do not tolerate any form of bullying or discrimination in the ACF and have easy and accessible methods for cadets to report these issues to our trained volunteers.
The safety of cadets during events and activities is supported by national and regional training teams, as well as a full-time Training Safety Advisor in every ACF County, ensuring that training is conducted safely while remaining exciting and challenging.
The Army Cadet Force is able to keep costs very low thanks to the support of the Army and the Army Cadets Charitable Trust (ACCT UK). While there are some expenses associated with weekend training camps, annual camps, and other activities, we try to minimise these costs as much as possible. A normal weekend training costs between £7-15 and Annual Camp (7 Nights) costs between £50 – £100 on average depending on the activities on offer. Parade nights in detachments are free, although some detachments may request a small weekly subscription (£1 per week maximum) to help cover the costs of detachment events and visits.
Cadets who receive free school meals do not have to pay meal contributions for camps, there are always support systems in place across the country to ensure no cadet misses out due to financial barriers.
Young people can join the ACF from age 12 until their 18th Birthday.
Detachments meet for two hours on one or two evenings a week throughout the year, known as parade nights. The days and times vary, but most detachment evenings start between 7pm and 7.30pm. Cadets also meet for weekend camps, competitions and other training activities. Your local detachment volunteer team can provide more information on available activities.
Join the 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.