Army Cadet Force training follows a pre designed Syllabus which develops the individual through five stages of training over a period of about 3 to 4 years. So therefore it is ultimately more of a long term hobby. The five stages are classified as STAR levels.
The BASIC level should take about 3 months to complete, and each of the other level from 1 to 4 Star should take about 9-12 months to achieve.
The subjects remain the same throughout each level, but the subject matter increased as the Cadet progresses. After full instruction a test is normally held to confirm the assimilation of Instruction. Once each Star level is completed a Certificate is awarded as proof of competence with a badge to put on the brassard as an outward sign of achievement.
The levels and subject matter are in essence as follows:
BASIC TRAINING Drill: Introduction to Individual foot movements Turnout: Basic instruction on how to clean boots, press uniform and look clean and smart Military Knowledge: Introduction to the Badges of Rank and roles certain ranks perform. Skill at Arms: Learning to use the Air rifle and the No.8 small bore rifle. Shooting: Firing practices with the Air Rifle and/or the No.8 Rifle. Map and Compass: Introduction to the layout of a Map Fieldcraft: Basic Camouflage and Concealment introduction First Aid: Action in an Emergency and making a 999 call Expedition Training: Introduction to the Country Code Physical Achievement: Introduction to certain PT Tests and how to perform them
1 STAR Drill: Learning individual Drill movements and Team working. Turnout: Development in standards of appearance Military Knowledge: Learning about the Army Cadet Force structure and Training syllabus Skill at Arms: Individual skills in the L98A2 Cadet GP Rifle Shooting: Developing Marksmanship in the Air Rifle, No.8 Rifle and the L98A2
BTEC Once the Cadet reaches 16 years old they can sign up for the BTEC in Public Services. This is absolutely FREE and very simple to obtain within the ACF and is the equivalent of 5 GCSE’s. Signing up is held in September each year
SPORTS There are opportunities to excel in the following sports: FOOTBALL RUGBY SWIMMING CROSS COUNTRY
COMPETITIONS There are many competitions held throughout the year, including: SHOOTING FIRST AID MULTI-SKILLS
WEEKENDS There are many weekends throughout the year. Some are Barrack based and Some are “out in the field” in tents, depending on what you are doing. Expeditions, Fieldcraft and many other activities
ANNUAL CAMP There is normally during the summer holidays a 2 week Annual Camp, held in the UK. A great opportunity to meet other Cadets from our Sector.
FOREIGN TRIPS Some Detachments hold events outside the UK, like skiing in Austria, or taking Part in marches or visits.
Map and Compass: Increased knowledge in the 1:50,000 OS Map Fieldcraft: Developing Individual Skills First Aid: Learning to deal with CPR, Recovery Position, Bleeding and Broken bones Expedition Training: Development into Individual skills to be part of a Team Expedition over one night Physical Achievement: Development of Individual fitness standards Cadet and Community: Helping others in the Detachment or Company
Map and Compass: Orienteering Training Fieldcraft: Commanding Sections in Tactical scenarios First Aid: Second Part of Adult First Aid Certificate Expedition Training: Development into Individual skills to be part of a Team Expedition over three nights Physical Achievement: Development of Individual fitness standards and learning to organise sports Cadet and Community: Organising and running a Community Project Senior Cadet Instructors Course: Learning how to deliver accurate instruction to Cadets at 1 and 2 Star levels