The Army Cadets Today

The Army Cadet Force is not a recruiting arm for the army or TA.

The Army Cadet Force is a youth organisation, sponsored by the MoD and is open to all boys and girls between the ages 12 to 19 years of age. There are cadet units throughout the two counties (see the location page). A cadet who demonstrates commitment; is of average intelligence and is of sound body and mind can expect to attain a rank up to Cadet Warrant Officer Class 1, reach Duke of Edinburgh Award (Sliver +) and hold NVQ qualifications to take into the workplace.

Training takes place once or twice a week depending on the detachment you join. Once a month you have the opportunity to attend a weekend camp, at a training area close to the detachment you join and once a year go on a weeks annual camp to a training area somewhere within the UK, (most times near the coast) and if that is not enough; we plan to mount expeditions at home and abroad. The 2008 expedition is to The Pyrenees

Do you want to go?

The Hereford and Worcester Army Cadet Force Trust was formed in 2005, primarily to raise funds and equipment so that all cadets could go on expeditions at home and abroad that are mounted within the organization.

Our remit also included promoting the cadet force within both counties to local businesses and the wider general public.

There are many cadets who show potential, ability and a willingness to advance themselves but due to family circumstances they are unable to attend these extended expeditions and are frustrated in following a natural progression.

The funds and equipment we secure are devoted to all cadets that want to attend these expeditions and improve themselves to a higher level.

The ACF was formed in the mid 1800’s when the threat of invasion fromFrench was the imminent; male youths were recruited to act as lookouts along the English coast to raise the alarm if any foreign ships approached our coast.

The Hereford and Worcester Army Cadet Force has a membership of 500 girls and boys aged 12 to 18 years. Cadets come from a wide variety of backgrounds and belong to one of 23 detachments located throughout the two counties (See location list). The cadets undertake a challenging, rewarding and progressive programme of activities. Cadets are trained and supervised by highly competent volunteer instructors, to promote leadership skills and a sense of responsibility our senior cadets are involved (under supervision) in training the younger cadets.

What training do we do?

We are the Army Cadet Force so some of the training is military oriented but not all.

Drill Turnout

Discipline & Personal Pride

Map Reading

Fitness and Confidence Training Shooting (Air rifle, .22, 5.56mm Cadet Rifle, Competition Target Rifle 7.62mm)

Community (service and awareness)

First Aid (St John & Red Cross standards)

Adventure training and expeditions Canoeing (river and sea)

Competitions (military and sporting)

Visits

Due to operational commitments throughout the world the MoD has fewer resources open to cadets and therefore we need to look how we can produce quality training and enjoyment from within and with your support.