Army Cadet Force

Prospective Adult Instructors begin as a Civilian Assistant (CA) before passing an enhanced disclosure. After completing the Familiarization and Assessment weekend (F&A) and Basic Induction Course (BIC), which takes place over 4 weekends at county level, they then become a Probationary Instructor (PI). As a PI, adults then go on to complete the Intermediate Instructors Course (IIC) at county level held over 3 weekends and the Advanced Instructors Course (AIC) held over one week at brigade level and run by a Cadet Training Team (CTT). On successful completion of this course they will be appointed to the rank of Sergeant Instructor (SI). Progressive training takes place for Adult Instructors, as with cadets, an Adult Instructor may take part in a variety of different courses. An example of a further course which takes place at CTC Frimley Park is the Adult Leadership and Management Course.[12] On successful completion of a course like this (which demonstrates the ability to plan and manage detachment level training) an AI is eligible for promotion to the rank of Staff Sergeant Instructor (SSI). The Exercise Conducting Officer's (ECO) and Cadet Drill instructor Course (CADIC) are also available to AIs and the further ranks of Sergeant Major Instructor (SMI) and Regimental Sergeant Major Instructor (RSMI) are possible on completion of the King George VI course.[13] Adult Instructors will be expected to work in a team with their superiors and senior cadets they are responsible for, to deliver effective training to the cadets.

The other route a CFAV in the ACF may take is that of becoming a commissioned officer. The CFAV will apply and partake in the same selection process as above, however once a Probationary Instructor, the individual may apply or be nominated to become a commissioned officer. To do so, as of 2006, the individual must then attend a Cadet Forces Commissions Board (CFCB), similar to an Army Officer Selection Board though less physically demanding. The applicant will be assessed on their literacy, problem solving, and leadership ability. Successful applicants will then be appointed to a Cadet Forces Commission, which replaced the previous Army Reserve General List Group B commission in 2017.[14] Commissioned Officers in the ACF will hold senior leadership roles with more responsibility and commitment attached than roles occupied by Adult Instructors, for example detachment commander or within their Company HQs.

The Cadet Force is one of the few voluntary organisations that pays its volunteer staff for their time. These staff can receive up to 28 days pay per year, they also receive subsistence and travel expenses for attendance on evenings, weekends and annual camps. In 2009/10 pay bill for ACF part-time staff was £14,632,160 and their expenses totalled £368,349.[15] The cost of full-time staff was estimated at around a further £6,250,000 of public funds.

Like most organisations involving young people, all adult volunteers are required to undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check before having unsupervised contact with cadets.[16] They must also receive safeguarding training when joining and must receive update training every 12 months. All ACF counties have a Training Safety Advisor (TSA) who is responsible for reviewing the safety aspects of all training.

A Cadet Fires the L98A1 GP Rifle

The Army Proficiency Certificate (APC) is the training syllabus of the ACF and is divided into five levels each covering the core subjects but in more detail as they progress.[17]

• Basic/Recruit (introductory training)[18]
• 1 Star (cadets learn the rudiments of each subject)[19]
• 2 Star (cadets learn each subject in more depth)[20]
• 3 Star (cadets master each subject)[21]
• 4 Star (complete two progressive subjects or courses)
• Master Cadet (cadets must successfully complete the Master Cadet Course held at CTC Frimley following a recommendation from their Cadet Commandant). Cadets must have passed SCIC and 4 Star Fieldcraft before attempting the Master Cadet course.

Cadets during parade and church service in Saint Peter Port, Guernsey, 16 September 2012

Cadets are taught a subset of the drill movements taught to the regular army.[22] They begin by learning basic foot drill and progress to learn rifle drill and banner drill. They are also taught how to wear and service their issued uniform.[19]

In fieldcraft lessons, cadets learn infantry skills such as patrolling, section battle drills, ambush drills, harbour drills, and how to survive in the field.[23] Field exercises take place once every few months, and at annual camp. On exercise, cadets wear Multi-Terrain Pattern camouflage clothing, camouflage cream to eliminate the face's natural shine, a bush hat and foliage to break up the shape of the head and shoulders, a Cadet Training Vest or PLCE webbing to carry rifle magazines, water bottles and emergency rations, and a bergen to carry a sleeping bag and basha (improvised shelter) building materials. Cadets are issued with 24-hour ration packs (or known as rat packs to cadets) and dragon fire cookers as used by the infantry. As part of a platoon, cadets set up harbour areas (operations bases), post sentries, and send out patrols to carry out reconnaissance, lay ambushes, and assault enemy positions. Cadets become familiar with hand signals for silent communication, and patrol formations for crossing different types of terrain. Scaled down versions of these expeditions are regularly held at a local detachments.

A cadet with the L98A1 Cadet General Purpose Rifle

At the Wiltshire Army Cadet Force Annual Camp 2005, the cadets were allowed to fire live rounds at targets

The primary weapon of the cadet forces is the L98A2 Cadet GP Rifle[24] this is a cadet specific version of the British Armed Forces' L85A2 SA80 which has been adapted to fire only on repetition (semi-automatic) and therefore does not have a change lever, the weapon system is chambered in the NATO 5.56x45mm cartridge. In order to become proficient in this weapon system and pass the one-star Skill at Arms (SAA) test, cadets must show they can handle the weapon safely, perform stoppage drills, and field strip the weapon for daily cleaning, in addition to passing one-star Skill at Arms the cadet also receives a Weapon Handling Test (WHT) pass which must be re-qualified every 6 months.[25] Once a cadet has an in date WHT, cadets can fire the weapon using blank rounds in field exercises using the Safe Blank Firing System (SBFS) and with live rounds on a range possibly gaining marksman qualification badges based on their accuracy. There is also a non-firing training version of the GP Rifle, the L103A2 DP (Drill Purpose), this is generally used for teaching cadets the basics of the weapon they are handling and for rifle drill. The L98A2 Cadet GP Rifle is also capable of being fitted with the British Army L41A1 sub-calibre adaptor which enables the weapon to fire .22 rimfire ammunition.

In addition to the L98A2, the cadet forces also use a number of weapons to foster and develop marksmanship and competitive shooting the largest of these being the L81A2 Cadet Target Rifle which is a cadet version of the Parker-Hale M82 this weapon is chambered in 7.62x51mm NATO. In 2015 the cadet forces made the decision to start retirement and decommissioning of the No.8 rifle this was replaced after trails and selection by the L144A1 Cadet Small Bore Target Rifle (CSBTR) manufactured by Savage Arms and rolled out gradually to Counties and Contingents. Cadet forces also use the BSA .177 Scorpion Cadet Air Rifle as an introductory weapon to develop marksmanship, these were purchased and delivered to Cadet units by the ACFA to replace aging .177 El gamo air rifles.

Cadets can enter various shooting competitions, including the ACF Cadet 100 .22 Rifle Competition and the CCRS Country Life (Green Howards) Small-bore .22 Rifle Competition.[26]

Cadets learn how to navigate using a map and compass. Cadets learn to use Ordnance Survey maps plot and find six-figure grid references, calculate distances between points, and to recognise various conventional signs. The two-star map and compass course then introduces cadets to the Silva (Expedition 4) and Suunto (M-5N) lightweight protractor compasses. Cadets learn to use and plot grid and magnetic bearings to understand the three different types of north, to account for deviation of the grid-magnetic angle, to understand contour lines and more advanced conventional signs and the preparation of route cards. Once cadets are experienced in Map and Compass, they are taught how to lead expeditions, which also included their knowledge of fieldcraft.

As part of the training syllabus Cadets are taught First Aid to recognised standards and are awarded relevant certificates.[27] The syllabus is broadly based on the St John Ambulance Activity First Aid syllabus, working at the following levels.

• Basic complete the British Heart Foundation "Heartstart" course[28] and learn basic incident management.
• One Star Cadets build on the knowledge gained at basic level and learn how to deal with other minor injuries.
• Two Star Cadets are required to complete the St John Ambulance Youth First Aid certificate Course
• Three Star Cadets have to complete the first day of the St John Ambulance Activity First Aid Certificate Course
• Four Star Cadets may choose to complete first aid as one of their progressive subjects. This includes passing the full Activity First Aid Course[29] and completing practical work within their county such as training other cadets for APC awards or competitions.

Cadets tackle an Army Assault Course

These community projects enrich local knowledge and encourage good citizenship, usually a cadet can contribute to his/her community by charity collection, public parades, assisting local services and helping at public events. This involvement within the community is important for improving confidence and social skills.

The Duke of Edinburgh's Award is a voluntary, non-competitive programme of practical, cultural and adventurous activities for young people aged 14–25 (year 9, if they're a cadet). A young person can undertake a DofE programme at three levels, Bronze (year 9), Silver (year 10) and Gold (16+). Each have differing criteria for entry and the level of commitment necessary to gain each award.[30] Cadets who meet the age criteria can become DofE participants and work towards their own DofE Award.

Cadets are often encouraged to achieve the Bronze, Silver and Gold awards as they progress through their cadet careers. Lots of cadet force activities can count towards each level of a participants' DofE programme and very often gets them recognition for developing skills and giving to their communities. The DofE is widely recognised by employers as it helps demonstrate that young people who hold a Duke of Edinburgh's are keen to take on new challenges, have a higher level of self-confidence than their counterparts and have leadership qualities with the added experience of teamwork.

Many detachments hold charity events, and participate in various activities such as tree planting, or carrying their standards at a Remembrance Parade in their local area.

Leadership training is an important part of the ACF training programme, with training available at higher levels too. Most areas run NCO courses, designed to help newly promoted NCOs to perform their duties well, or to train those eligible for promotion. There are also a number of courses run centrally by the ACF. This includes the Junior Cadet Instructors Cadre (run locally at a county level) and the Senior Cadet Instructors Course which is run at a Brigade level by Cadet Training Teams.

The Master Cadet Course was introduced in 1989 to advance to the leadership, instructional and administrative abilities of post 4-star cadets.[31][17] It is held at Cadet Training Centre Frimley Park in Surrey. Passing both this course and the Senior Cadet Instructors' Cadre makes the candidate eligible to be appointed as a Master Cadet.[31]

The following criteria must be met to be eligible for the course:[31]

• Aged 16 years old or older
• Hold the rank of sergeant or above
• Have passed fieldcraft as a progressive subject at 4-star level

The Aim of the Cadet Leadership Courses (CLC) is: To develop cadets' initiative and self-reliance and to exercise them in the problems of practical leadership.[32]

The course is open to members of all the Cadet Forces (SCC, ACF, ATC and CCF) providing they are over 16 and have passed their APC 3 star or equivalent. Each Course has 120 places and is focused on leadership training and assessment, which is developed through a variety of activities including:

• Minor Tactics
• Watermanship Training
• Command Tasks
• Sport
• Skill-at-Arms
• Endurance Training

The courses are run by Brigade Cadet Training Teams at varying locations every year, usually at Easter and Autumn half term.

Communications & Information Systems (CIS) is the new name for the signals training in the ACF. Cadets learn about the history of signalling, how to send messages over radios and how to erect masts. They are trained on the following radios:

• PRC 343 PRR
• PRC 710
• PRC 715
• PRC 720

There are also other courses available including things such as Cyber Security.

As well as learning new skills by working through the APC syllabus, experienced cadets can be awarded a rank. As the Army allows its soldiers to take on responsibility and leadership as non-commissioned officers (NCOs), so too does the ACF.

UK Cadets	Officers	Cadet Senior NCOs					Cadet Junior NCOs				Cadets	Recruits
	CDT 8	CDT 7	CDT 6		CDT 5	CDT 4	CDT 3		CDT 2		CDT 1	CDT (R)
Army Cadet Force (Edit)
	Under Officer	Cadet Regimental Sergeant Major	Cadet Company Sergeant Major		Cadet Staff Sergeant	Cadet Sergeant	Cadet Corporal		Cadet Lance Corporal		Cadet	Recruit
	UO	CDTRSM	CDTCSM		CDTSSGT	CDTSGT	CDTCPL		CDTLCPL		CDT	RCT

Cadet NCOs wear the issued cadet rank slides, pictured above.[33] The titles of some ranks may vary as cadet detachments are affiliated to Army regiments and adopt their terminology. There is usually only one Cadet RSM per county or sector.

Although promotion is based on merit rather than progression through the APC syllabus, the following criteria must be met before a cadet is eligible for promotion:[34]

• Cadet Lance Corporal – Passed APC 1 Star
• Cadet Corporal – Passed APC 2 Star
• Cadet Sergeant – Passed APC 3 Star
• Cadet Staff/Colour Sergeant – Passed APC 4 Star
• Cadet Sergeant Major/Company Sergeant Major – Passed APC 4 Star
• Cadet Regimental Sergeant Major – Passed Master Cadet
• Cadet Under Officer – Passed Master Cadet[35]

In some instances, cadets that do not meet the requirements for these ranks can be promoted with the agreement of the ACF Cadet Commandant.[36]

The adults who help to run the ACF are collectively known as Cadet Force Adult Volunteers(CFAVs). CFAVs wear the badges of rank as worn by Army NCOs[33] with the addition of the letters ACF under the badge.

Insignia The letters ACF must be displayed in combination with the badge
Rank	Regimental Sergeant Major Instructor (RSMI)	Sergeant Major Instructor (SMI)	Colour Sergeant/Staff Sergeant Instructor (SSI)	Sergeant Instructor (SI)	Probationary Sergeant (SPI)	Probationary Instructor (PI)	Civilian Assistant

In November 2019, Lorraine Kelly was appointed the first National Honorary Colonel of the Army Cadet Force.[37]