WHAT IS THE ARMY CADET FORCE?
The Army Cadet Force (known as the ACF) is a voluntary youth organisation for boys and girls aged 12 to 18 3/4.

WHO CAN JOIN AND WHEN CAN THEY JOIN?
Any boy or girl can join when they reach their 12th birthday subject to being in Year 8 in secondary school.

WHERE CAN I JOIN
You can join by simply visiting your nearest detachment. Further details can be found by visiting the section 'How to Join' or by contacting our County HQ.

WHAT'S IN IT FOR ME?
- Friendship
- Fun and excitement
- Experience
- Qualifications and skills for life
- Self development
- Self confidence
- Self-discipline
- And much more!

WHAT DOES THE ACF DO?
The ACF teaches you skills, develops you as a person and gives you the opportunity to take part in a wide variety of activities which are interesting, exciting and fun and which include military training, camping, expeditions, outdoor activities, adventurous training, sport and first aid.

WHEN DO THE ACTIVITIES HAPPEN?
- On 1 or 2 evenings each week at the Detachment during term time, usually from 7.00pm - 9.00pm.
- On one weekend each month away at an Army training centre / camp or on a camping expedition.
- Once each year at Summer Camp, a two week activity holiday somewhere in the UK.

WHAT DOES IT COST?
Firstly there is NO joining fee or hidden charges with Powys ACF. Most detachments run a small subs scheme, normally around 20p each week which is put towards detachment funds. Training weekend costs vary but are normally no more than £5 except if visits etc. are planned where there may be extra charges. Summer Camp varies from year to year depending on activities and is normally around £30 - £35.

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE COST?
Nearly everything! It includes uniform (except for your boots which you have to buy) equipment, travel, overnight accommodation, food and all your training - even your personal insurance for your ACF activities.

WHO WILL BE LOOKING AFTER ME?
The ACF Adult Leaders all of whom are volunteers. They are men and women, young and old, from all walks of life in your local community who give their spare time to the ACF. Many have been Cadets themselves and some have been in the Army. They are all carefully selected, had their background and security checked by the Ministry of Defence and are trained and qualified to supervise and instruct ACF Cadets.

DO I HAVE TO JOIN THE ARMY?
No. The ACF is not a recruiting organisation for the Army. The ACF is a youth organisation. Only about 25% of Cadets join the Army and do so because they want to. The ACF is sponsored and helped by the Army because it does some military training and uses Army equipment and accommodation. Military training is a good way of developing the person.

IS IT ALL MILITARY TRAINING?
No. All ACF Cadets follow a basic military training syllabus throughout their time in the ACF. It forms about half of what they do in the ACF. They also do many other activities such as service to their community, The Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme, adventurous training, sports and a variety of hobbies such as being in or very own, world famous Band!

WHAT QUALIFICATIONS WILL I GAIN FROM ACF TRAINING?
It's up to you! You can gain several recognised qualifications through ACF training and activities such as a BTEC (NVQ) in public service, Essentials of First Aid (St John Ambulance) and Public First Aid certificates, Duke of Edinburgh's Bronze, Silver or Gold awards and others from courses run by the Army. But the biggest gain is in your own development achieved through the training and experience that the ACF gives you.

IS SHOOTING INCLUDED?
Yes. The ACF takes part in target shooting. It is a very popular sport with Cadets. Very thorough training is given in the safe handling of weapons before any Cadet is allowed to shoot and all shooting is done under close and strict supervision of trained and qualified instructors on ACF or Army ranges. Cadets never handle weapons except under the supervision of trained adult instructors. It is a very good way of teaching the need for care and safety and for encouraging a sense of responsibility in teenagers. Also if you are interested you will be able to take part in shooting competitions for the County such as the Cadet Wales Small Arms Competition which as with all competitions we enter, we are always winners!

WHEN CAN I LEAVE THE ACF?
Anytime - there are no restrictions as to how long you have to be a member for. All that we ask for is your uniform and any other kit that you may have borrowed to be brought back to us as soon as possible to enable us to distribute it to other new cadets.

home page