Blog

For the first time in the history of the Army Cadet Force a National ACF Museum is being created at Octavia Hill’s Birthplace House in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire. The ACF Museum is being created as a project in conjunction with ACCTA, Regional Command along with Col (Rtd) Mark Knight MBE DL and CSgt Tim Scargill, Sussex ACF. The museum will bring...

New images have been released of the redesigned British Army Crowned Cap Badges. The badges feature the new King's Crown (Tudor Crown) which is replacing the Queen’s Crown (St Edward’s Crown). The College of Arms, which designed the cyphers, was founded in 1484 and is responsible for creating and maintaining official registers of coats of arms and pedigrees.  https://www.cadetdirect.com/rank-slides-badges/metal-badges-accessories/metal-cap-badges

The Squadron has seen some significant changes in the last 18 months. As with most Squadron’s the pandemic was hard.  Cadets was shut down and moved online for virtual training. Many cadets left the organisation due to this and the Squadron’s numbers plummeted. In September 2021 the Squadron got a new Squadron Commander. At the point of taking command, the...

Can you pass our latest military skills challenge? This competition is now closed, (our winner was Richard Brearly). However you can still have a go for fun. Pictured below is a soldier from the 1st Battalion Royal Irish with Foxhound Patrol Vehicles behind. This image was taken during exercise Trident Juncture 2018. However, we have made an alteration to the...

Every Cadet has the opportunity to earn promotion and develop their cadet career, the skills and abilities you require can only be developed by training and practice. To a great extent your opportunity for promotion is entirely in your hands, from your first Parade night your attitude towards your mates, how you respond to being given instructions and how well...

WHAT IS THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH AWARD SCHEME & WHY SHOULD THE ACF/CCF GET INVOLVED? The Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme, now known officially as The DofE, is a well known established award international programme of personal development leading to a prestigious award for those who complete the challenge. It is an excellent addition to your cadet life. To take...

THE HISTORY BEHIND DRILL Drill is the term used to describe a formal parade where you are able to move quickly in formation from one place to another. Through history, British Army Drill has been the foundation upon which discipline; teamwork, pride and pageant have all taken equal part. In the days of the ‘Brown Bess’ musket, when in battle...

ACF/CCF CLOTHING It costs a great deal of money to provide all ACF/CCF cadets with a free of charge uniform with enough stock for exchanges. Therefore, taking good care of it, including keeping it clean, pressed and in good repair is very important. During basic training, cadets are given instructions on how to care for their uniform. Remember… Sloppy Uniform, Sloppy Cadet...

The Army Cadet Force is a national voluntary youth organisation. But how is it directed, organised and supported? If we look at the ACF charter, this provides an insight into what the organisation is about: The ACF is sponsored by the Army and provides challenging military, adventurous and community activities. Its aim is to inspire young people to achieve success...

THE EARLIEST DAYS The Cadet Force can trace its beginnings to 1859.  At that time there was a threat of a french invasion.  Few units of the British Army were at home; most of them were serving in India after the Indian Mutiny.  The Volunteers were formed because of the threat of invasion.  The threat of invasion was again repeated...