WHY JOIN?
Because you’re 12 to 18 years old. You’ve got attitude and you want in. To be part of one of the top organisations for young people in the UK. To join over 50,000 members, including 10,000 girls and 8,000 volunteer leaders. All with the same sense of adventure. All who’d do anything for you. There are more than 1,700 Cadet Detachments/Units right across the country. From big cities to small villages, they’re everywhere.

WHAT WILL YOU DO !
You’ll meet two evenings a week to train for Star Awards in first aid, navigation, field craft, survival and skill at arms. The programme covers levels 1 to 4. Immediately after signing up, you’ll be in at the deep end and training for your first badge. Your initial training for most activities will be done at your detachment. at weekends out in country or at camps. It’s here where you get stuck into your practical training. The highlight of your training is annual camp. A two week adventure where you pit yourself against the elements. Learn fieldcraft and have fun with other detachments from all over the Lothian and Borders area. It’s a massive scale operation with over 500 cadets and leaders involved. After your first adrenalin rush, you’ll be back year after year.

WILL I NEED TO JOIN THE ARMY?
The ACF isn’t part of the Army. And there’s no pressure to sign up. It’s a youth programme sponsored by the Army and the Ministry of Defence. It’s a big opportunity. Seize it and you’ll have great fun challenging yourself. Mentally and physically. Interested? Simply report to your nearest detachment.  Decide whether you’re up to it. You don’t have to make your mind up straight away. And don’t worry, there’s nothing to pay until you’ve enrolled.

BORN LEADER?
Up for becoming a youth leader? Aged 20 - 44? No former cadet or military experience is needed. Just so long as you’ve got what it takes, we’ll give you all the training you need to help you develop your skills. We'll even pay for some of your time.

 FAQ

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 as long as they are in high school education.

WHERE CAN I JOIN
You can join by simply visiting your nearest detachment. Further details can be found 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 2 evenings each week at the Detachment, usually from 7.00pm - 9.00pm.
- On one weekend each month away at our weekend training centre or on a camping expedition.
- Once each year at Summer Camp, a two week activity holiday somewhere in the UK.

WHAT DOES IT COST?
It Costs £7.00 to join Lothian and Borders ACF, which pays for insurance cover throughout your time in the cadets. Some 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. Summer Camp varies from year to year depending on activities but is normally around £40.

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.

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. About 25% of Cadets do go on to 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 and sports.

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 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 Battalion.

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.