The Army Cadet Force is a national youth organization that offers a wide range of activities to its members.If you're considering becoming a cadet or volunteering, it's a good idea to find out what the ACF is all about first.
Step 1: Know the history and current status of the Army Cadet Force.
The ACF has existed as a national youth organization since 1957.Cadets and volunteers in over 1,600 locations across the UK make up the ACF.The focal point of the year for most cadets is the two-week summer camp, where they meet twice a week in the evening.
Step 2: The training opportunities are diverse.
Basic military-style training, including map-reading, outdoor skills, and shooting, is offered by the ACF, but it also includes community projects, sports and adventure training and cultural activities.The British armed forces do not use the ACF as a recruiting arm.Cadets are not expected to join the armed forces because it is not a requirement for them.
Step 3: Consider the goals for the Cadets.
Skills that would benefit a young person include leadership, teamwork, confidence, self-reliance, respect, and other such skills.
Step 4: The Army Cadet Force website can be found there.
You can find a lot of information about the ACF here.The Air Cadets has more on offer that would be beneficial.
Step 5: Do you meet the criteria?
There is information on the website.Cadets must be between the ages of 12 and 18.Since 1982, girls have been welcome to join.There is no requirement for UK citizenship.You can find answers to many questions on the "Cadet FAQ" page.
Step 6: It's possible to find aDetachment near you.
Click on the tab with the heading along the top of the website and you can enter your location or postcode.You can find more specific information on the webpages.
Step 7: Let the ACF know that you want to join.
The "Become a Cadet" tab can be found at the top of the homepage, or you can click on the red button there.Wait to be contacted about joining if you give your name, contact information, and date of birth.
Step 8: Prepare for your first meeting.
These are held twice a week, and last for about two hours.You can consult your local website for more specific information.Tie back long hair, wear casual but smart clothes, and wear a good pair of boots.You should expect physical activity from the beginning.Information and instructions will be separated by time spent on different activities like shooting, drilling, compass-reading, and so on.Senior and junior cadets may be separated at times.Don't forget to have fun, try to make a good first impression.
Step 9: You should know the criteria to volunteer.
You need to be between 18 and 55 years old.Training is provided and no skills are required.
Step 10: Consider what you can do to help.
ACF adult volunteers assist in a wide range of activities, and even volunteers that can offer only limited weekly time commitments are welcome.If you want to help the young people of your community learn valuable skills, a place will be found for you.You can find information on the wide array of skills they seek from volunteers, as well as examples of current volunteers with a variety of skill sets.
Step 11: Let the organization know you want to join.
The process is similar to that of a prospective cadet: research your local detachment, click one of the many "join" or "volunteer" tabs on the website, and provide basic information about yourself.
Step 12: Wait until you are contacted by your local headquarters.
You may be invited to visit to meet current volunteers and discuss your interest in joining.You have the chance to see what your local ACF is all about.