1st (Northern Ireland) Battalion Army Cadets
Adventure Starts Here
About 1st (Northern Ireland) Battalion Army Cadets
We are currently on summer stand down and will return on the second week of September.
1st (Northern Ireland) Battalion Army Cadets offers adventure, skills, and leadership opportunities to young people aged 12 and above. With 34 detachments across Northern Ireland, cadets experience various training such as fieldcraft exercises, first aid, community engagement, and more—all while making lifelong friends and having fun. Our passionate team of adult volunteers, aged 18+, deliver the cadet experience and inspire cadets while gaining their own skills and qualifications. Whether you’re a young person looking for challenge and growth or an adult wanting to give back, there’s a place for you in 1st (Northern Ireland) Battalion Army Cadets .
Find a Detachment
Key Information
1st (Northern Ireland) Battalion Army Cadets are recruiting for cadets and adult instructors. Cadets must be at least 12 years old. Come and join us for adventure, fun, friendships and many skills for life. Adult Instructors aged 18+ are needed to help develop the skills of our cadets. Additionally, Adult Instructors can also learn new skills, gain qualifications, and build their own personal skills. If you’re up for a challenge, you’ll go further with 1st (Northern Ireland) Battalion Army Cadets.
A Company – Based in County Tyrone and County Fermanagh, with their Headquarters in St Lucia Cadet Centre Omagh.
B Company – Based in the City and County Londonderry, with their Headquarters in Caw Army Reserve Centre Londonderry.
C Company – Based in County Antrim with their Headquarters in Ballymena Army Reserve Centre.
D Company – in County Antrim and North Belfast area, with their Headquarters in Abbotscroft Army Reserve Centre.
Namur Company
Namur Company is a distinguished training cadre within the 1st Northern Ireland Battalion. Many cadets have been part of the organisation for several years, and Namur Company is dedicated to training and testing cadets from across the battalion, helping them reach their full potential. With some of the most experienced instructors handpicked to deliver the Cadet Experience, cadets will have the opportunity to learn instructional techniques through the Junior Cadet Instructors Course, enabling them to pass on their knowledge to younger cadets.
Our Stats
655+
Cadets
185+
Adult Volunteers
34
Detachments Across Northern Ireland
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Cadet Sergeant Major Ethan Moore Cadets taught me routine, courage, and determination—to stand tall, follow through, and lead with confidence. No matter our backgrounds, when we wear the uniform, we’re one team, one unit, pushing each other to be our best.
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Cadet Colour Sergeant A Magee Cadets has given me so much confidence and really helped me make so many friends, I would never have been able to have so many experience's without the cadets, I really enjoyed going to Bisley shooting and to Wales for a week of Adventure Training.
Latest News & Media Updates
Get all the latest news from detachments across the UK, including inspiring stories, amazing expeditions, and upcoming events
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Cdt SM Moore Named Top Student on Master Cadet Course 25/05
Cdt SM Ethan Moore of 1st Northern Ireland Battalion ACF was named Top Student on the Master Cadet Course 25/05 at CTC Frimley Park, recognised…17 October 2025
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Celebration of Duke of Edinburgh Award Achievements
Ballymoney Detachment, B Company, 1st (NI) Battalion Army Cadet Force (ACF) were invited to a Mayor’s Reception to Celebrate their Duke of Edinburgh Award Achievements18 June 2025
Surrey ACF Crowned Champions at Growing Rivalry Sports Cup
10 June 2026
Volunteers’ Week Spotlight: Lt Gina Allsop
6 June 2026
Volunteers’ Week Spotlight: Sgt Helen Hughes
5 June 2026
Contact Information
For more information, please email or contact us at our office: If you need to contact your son/daughter/ward whilst they are away at our Cadet Training Centre at Magilligan over a weekend or camp. Please ring the Reception at the Cadet Training Centre on 028 7772 0092
CEO (1)35 Manse Road
Carryduff
BELFAST
BT8 8DA
Join Army Cadets today!
Join the Army Cadets to embark on an exciting adventure, develop valuable skills, and build lifelong friendships for young people between 12 to 18.
