The Army Cadet Force, its history and activities are briefly explained in the following paragraphs which are designed brief outline into one of the oldest and most successful youth organisations in the country.

It is also an outward looking and forward thinking organisation which demands and maintains the very highest personal standards. As its title implies, it is sponsored by the Army and bases much of its training on the best of the military skills which promote leadership, discipline, resourcefulness, independence and stamina. It requires commitment and expects high standards.

Our training objectives are to develop Cadets into useful citizens who are confidently able to take their place in modern society. Whilst many Cadets consider joining one of the Services, and a proportion of the adults have  themselves served in the Forces, the Army Cadet Force is not a recruiting organisation for the Armed Forces.

There is something for everyone in the Army Cadet Force. Our male and female Cadets join us from 12years onwards. Cadets aged 12 MUST be in full time secondary education. They can stay as Cadets until they are 18. Adult instructors, male and female, join us from all walks of life, with the aim of contributing their experience, time and special skills. For them there is the unique reward of seeing promising young men and women develop, under their guidance, into mature and self confident adults.

For Cadets and Instructors alike, there is a powerful sense of belong to a close knit family which is more often than not maintained long after most people have left the ACF. Learning to lead from the front and by example provides a great challenge and for the successful, the greatest satisfaction above all else, is the sheer enjoyment of sharing with many like-minded friends outdoor pursuits, exercises and adventurous activities of every sort.

Nowadays, there are many opportunities to take part in sports and other pursuits such as climbing, abseiling, caving, canoeing, hill walking and many other activities. There is also the possibility of taking part in overseas visits and expeditions. In recent years, ACF parties have gone to the Hindu Kush, South Africa, the Caribbean, Canada, Germany and numerous other exciting places. As a bonus, most if not all of the training and other activities can lead to BTEC, Duke of Edinburgh's Award (DofE), Army Proficiency Certificate or First Aid qualifications all of which are valuable career enhancing attributes.

Proof of the fact that we meet our objectives, if proof is needed, is in the evidence of those who have worked with and for the ACF and have seen our young people from every kind of background, race and religion, achieve so much. It is an organisation which places great demands on time and energy. The rewards however are self evident and I for one have enjoyed every minute of my time in the Army Cadet Force. I can assure you as a potential Cadet recruit or an adult wanting to contribute your time and experience that you too will find the experience richly rewarding.

I hope you find that the information contained within this web site answers most of your questions about us. If not, we will be delighted to provide answers.

I, the Commandant of the Sussex Army Cadet Force, look forward to you joining us.

Sussex Army Cadet Force
Cadet Headquarters
Highcroft House
198 Dyke Road
Brighton
East Sussex
BN21 5AS
Phone: (01273) 552222
Fax:     (01273) 507177
Or use our Enquiry Form on this site.

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