What is the Army Cadet Force (ACF)?

The Charter of the Army Cadet Force

The Army Cadet Force is a national voluntary youth organisation. It is sponsored by the army and provides challenging military, adventurous and community activities. Its aim is to inspire young people to achieve success in life with a spirit of service to the queen, their country and their local community, to develop in them the qualities required of a good citizen.

This aim is achieved by:-

A. Providing progressive cadet training, often of a challenging and exciting nature, to foster confidence, self-reliance, initiative, loyalty, and a sense of service to other people.

B. Encouraging the development of personal powers of practical leadership and the ability to work successfully as a member of a team.

C. Stimulating an interest in the army, its achievements skills and values.

D. Advising and preparing those considering a career in the services or with the reserve forces.

Army Cadet Force offers unrivalled opportunities fr 45,000 youg people in over 1,700 detachments nationally. It is one of four cadet organisations, the others being the Combined Cadet Force, The Sea Cadet Corps and the Air Training Corps. Although they are sponsored by the Ministry of Defence, there is no obligation for cadets to join the Armed Forces.

The motto of the Army Cadet Force (ACF)

Inspire, to achieve

The Banner of the ACF

The Banner of the ACF was first presented on 9th Feb. 1960 at the Tower of London, by his Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh as Colonel in Chief, on the Occasion of the Centenary. A new banner was presented by His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh at the Chapel of the Royal Hospital, Chelsea on 27th March 1982. The original Banner was laid up in St. Peter’s Church, Frimley, Surrey in July 1982 where it may be seen to this day.