Cadets follow a syllabus called the Army Cadet Syllabus 2021 (ACS21) which gets more challenging each year. ACS training is designed to be practical, rather than classroom-based, whenever possible. The training should be interesting, imaginative and purposeful and include competitions, exercises and games.
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Training syllabus
The Army Cadet Syllabus 2021 (ACS21) consists of many subjects, which get progressively more challenging as they move up the star levels. Subjects include but are not limited to:
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Drill & Turnout
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Skill at Arms and Shooting
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Navigation
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Fieldcraft
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First aid
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Military Knowledge
Successful completion of the Army Cadet Syllabus qualifies a cadet to achieve Star Badges in addition to the award of a Certificate. Elements of the Army Cadet Syllabus can be accredited towards the Duke of Edinburgh’s (DofE) Award.
Army Section
The CCF (Army) is the Army Cadets section of the Combined Cadet Force. Across the whole of the Army Cadet Forces there are approximately 67,700 Cadets and 11,100 Adult Volunteers. The CCF Army sections account for almost half of these cadet figures with a total of nearly 29,000 cadets and 2,100 supporting Adult Volunteers based at contingents within over 260 schools across the UK and Northern Ireland. The CCF(Army) aims to promote the qualities of responsibility, self-reliance, resourcefulness and a sense of service to the community. Activities include drill, skill at arms, shooting, fieldcraft and first aid and up to 40% of a cadet’s time is spent on adventurous training activities.
By joining the CCF (Army) cadets also have the opportunity to get involved with volunteer and charitable work in the community and to gain nationally recognised qualifications such as the Duke of Edinburgh’s award and BTECs.
Joining the CCF (Army) provides a wonderful opportunity to take part in Army themed activities and events, all of which focus on building self-disciplined individuals with self-courage and a sense of worth. As a youth organisation, the CCF (Army) strives to give cadets a fun and safe experience. There is no commitment or expectation on cadets to join the regular Armed Forces when they have completed their schooling.
Activities and training
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On average cadets serve around four years in the CCF and training is steadily progressive allowing them to progress from Basic to Master Cadet. And in turn promote through the Army Cadet Rank Structure from Cadet to Regimental Sergeant Major.
