Army cadet force facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Army Cadet Force |
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Army Cadet Force Crest
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| Active | 1860 - Present |
| Role | Volunteer Youth Organisation |
| Size | Officers and CFAVs: 8,500 (2010) Cadets: 47,721 (2010) Detachments: 1,700 (2009/2010) |
| Headquarters | CTC Frimley Park |
| Motto(s) | To Inspire To Achieve |
| Commanders | |
| GOC Support Command | Maj Gen Rob Nitsch MBE |
| Patron | Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II |
| Colonel in Chief | HRH The Duke of Edinburgh |
The Army Cadet Force (ACF) is a youth organisation in Great Britain. It helps young people aged 12 to 18 develop new skills and confidence. Cadets learn about military skills, but the ACF is not part of the armed forces. It focuses on adventure, teamwork, and leadership.
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What is the Army Cadet Force?
The ACF is one of the largest youth organisations in the UK. It offers a wide range of activities and courses. Young people can join for fun, to learn new things, or to prepare for future careers. Many skills learned in the ACF are useful in everyday life and can help with job applications.
A Brief History
The Army Cadet Force started a long time ago, in 1859. It was created to give young people a chance to learn and grow. In 2010, the ACF celebrated its 150th birthday. This big event was called the "Cadet 150" celebrations. Over the years, the ACF has helped thousands of young people.
What Do Cadets Do?
Cadets take part in many exciting activities. These activities help them learn new skills and make friends. They often happen at local cadet detachments or during special camps.
Learning New Skills
The ACF offers many courses that are fun and challenging. For example, cadets can learn outdoor skills like navigation and campcraft. They might also learn first aid, which is very useful. These courses are often much cheaper for cadets than for others.
One example is the Summer Mountain Foundation Course (SMF). This course teaches cadets how to be safe in mountain environments. It is a great way to challenge yourself and learn about the outdoors. Many of these skills can be added to a CV (a document for job applications). This shows future employers that you are skilled and dedicated.
Teamwork and Leadership
Being an Army Cadet helps you improve your teamwork skills. You will work with others to complete tasks and solve problems. This teaches you how to communicate well and support your friends.
The ACF also helps cadets develop leadership skills. You will learn to take charge and guide others. This happens as you progress through the cadet ranks. These skills are important for school, future jobs, and life in general.
Cadet Ranks and Progression
As a cadet, you will move through a rank structure. This means you can earn higher ranks as you gain experience and knowledge. Starting as a recruit, you can work your way up to Lance Corporal, Corporal, Sergeant, and even Cadet Under Officer.
Each rank comes with more responsibility. Moving up helps you improve your thinking skills. It also teaches you to make good decisions, even when things are difficult. This system encourages cadets to learn and grow constantly.
