CUMBRIA ACF
Mission Statement of the Cumbria Army Cadets
Cumbria Army Cadet Force is dedicated to nurturing the potential of young individuals in Cumbria through an inclusive and supportive environment. Our mission is to foster discipline, leadership, and personal growth by engaging cadets in challenging and rewarding activities. We aim to inspire confidence, instill a sense of responsibility, and cultivate teamwork and resilience. By providing opportunities for skill development and adventurous training, we prepare our cadets for success in both military and civilian paths, empowering them to become active, conscientious citizens in their communities.
OUR DETACHMENTS
400+
Cadets
90+
Adult Volunteers
17
Detachment Locations
Key Information and contacts
The County Headquarters and Weekend Training centre are based in the Historic City of Carlisle inside Carlisle Castle (built in 1092).
Cumbria ACF has 17 detachments covering the whole of Cumbria. The County is divided into three Company’s (Arnhem, Burma and Chindit) along with our County Corp of Drums.
Colonel A Richmond
Commandant
Col. A Richmond was appointed to the role of Commandant for Cumbria ACF in September 2024, having previously served in the role of Deputy Commandant for a number of years. With an extensive background in both military and civilian leadership, Colonel Richmond brings a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to the role. His commitment to fostering the values of discipline, respect, and community involvement aligns perfectly with the core principles of the Army Cadets. The role of Commandant is senior leadership and governance role, responsible for the overall command, training, and administration of Cumbria ACF. This includes ensuring safe and effective training, recruiting and developing staff, and maintaining strong relationships with external organisations.
Lieutenant Colonel J Burns
Deputy Commandant & First Aid Officer
The role of Deputy Commandant is a key leadership position, supporting the Commandant in the overall management of Cumbria ACF. They act as the Commandant's deputy, taking on responsibilities such as advising on cadet and CFAV (Cadet Force Adult Volunteer) deployment, development, and discipline. As First Aid Officer, Major J Burns also plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety and well-being of cadets. This involves planning medical cover for events like camps, conducting risk assessments, managing medications, and ensuring adequate medical resources are available. In May 2024 Col. J Burns was awarded the prestigious honour of the League of Mercy Medal, in recognition of his 50 years of dedicated service to the Cadets of Cumbria.
Major M Todd
County Training Officer
The County Training Officer (CTO) is a key volunteer position responsible for overseeing the training and development of cadets and adult volunteers. The CTO is responsible for managing the overall training program, ensuring adherence to the Army Cadet Syllabus and the safe system of training, and coordinating various training activities, including annual camps.
Captain D Yeomans
Media Officer
The Media Officer is responsible for managing and communicating information about the organisation to the public and within the ACF. This role involves creating content, managing social media, and acting as a point of contact for media inquiries.
2Lt S Kelly
Music Officer
The Music Officer role primarily involves supporting and enabling music activities within the organisation. This includes overseeing musical training, ensuring musical governance, and organising events.
SMI Kelly G
Shooting Officer
The shooting officer role involves leading and managing cadet shooting activities, delivering training, and ensuring safety standards. They plan and deliver competitions, support adult volunteers, and promote the unique aspects of cadet shooting.
SMI McDowell S
Sports Officer & CIS Officer
The Sports Officer role involves planning, organising, and overseeing sports activities and events for cadets. This includes developing and implementing the "Keeping Active" section of the ACF syllabus, ensuring effective communication about sports events, and working to enhance participation and retention of cadets. The CIS Officer plays a vital role in ensuring the effective use of technology to support training, communication, and overall operations within Cumbria ACF.
SSI Bell J
Duke of Edinburgh Award Officer
This role involves overseeing the Duke of Edinburgh's Award program within Cumbria ACF. They are responsible for guiding cadets through the program, ensuring they meet the requirements, and assisting with the planning and execution of expeditions.
Major S Matthews
Cadet Executive Officer (CEO)
The CEO is responsible for the day-to-day administration of, and logistic and infrastructure support to, Cumbria ACF. They are supported by a Cadet Quartermaster (CQM), a Cadet Stores Assistant (CSA) and a number of Cadet Administrative Assistants (CAAs), each of whom is normally responsible for the administration of a group of detachments across the county. The CEO is also supported by two full time Administrative Officers.
Captain D Yeomans
Cadet Quartermaster
The CQM is responsible for providing logistical support, including stores, accounting, supply, maintenance, and equipment in accordance with policy laid down by the NWRFCA and Material Regulations for the Army. The CQM also manages the Cadet Training Centre and estate in Cumbria, maintenance contracts, and contractors.
SMI Newton P
Cadet Stores Assistant (CSA)
The CSA is responsible for managing and maintaining the stores and equipment used by the ACF, ensuring they are properly accounted for and in good condition.
SMI Clark P
Cadet Administrative Assistant (CAA1)
The CAA’s provide administrative and logistical support to the ACF. They are responsible for a wide range of tasks, from managing detachment administration to assisting with training records and equipment. SMI Clark P is responsible for Burma Company.
SMI Aparecida L
Cadet Administrative Assistant (CAA2 The CAA’s provide administrative and logistical support to the ACF. They are responsible for a wide range of tasks, from managing detachment administration to assisting with training records and equipment. SMI Slater J is responsible for Chindit Company. )
The CAA’s provide administrative and logistical support to the ACF. They are responsible for a wide range of tasks, from managing detachment administration to assisting with training records and equipment. SMI Aparedica L is responsible for Arnhem Company.
SMI Slater J
Cadet Administrative Assistant (CAA3)
The CAA’s provide administrative and logistical support to the ACF. They are responsible for a wide range of tasks, from managing detachment administration to assisting with training records and equipment. SMI Slater J is responsible for Chindit Company.
SMI Allen L
Administrative Officer (AO1)
The AO’s play a crucial role in supporting the organisation's administration and operations. SMI Allen L is responsible for supporting the Adult Volunteers.
Mrs F Ellwood
Administrative Officer (AO2)
The AO’s play a crucial role in supporting the organisation's administration and operations. Mrs F Elwood is responsible for supporting the Cadets.
The County is divided into three areas, North Cumbria (Arnhem Company), West Cumbria (Chindit Company) and South Cumbria (Burma Company).
Arnhem Company
Arnhem Company is based in the historic city of Carlisle, but with detachments in Brampton, Longtown, Penrith and Wigton/Asptaria. This is largest, by number of Cadets, of the three Company’s.
- Company Commander – Lieutenant G Garvey
- Training Officer – L Allen
- Company Sergeant Major – SMI Knox M
Burma Company
Burma is based in South Cumbria with its HQ at Barrow.
- Company Commander – Major D Mottram
- Training Officer – SMI Dodds K
- Company Sergeant Major – SMI Burns A
Chindit Company
Chindit Company covers West Cumbria with its HQ in Workington.
- Company Commander – Lt. A Mills
- Training Officer – SMI Kelly G
- Company Sergeant Major – SMI Pettit S
Our training focuses on developing young people aged 12-18 through a variety of activities including drill, first aid, navigation and fieldcraft as part of the Army Cadet Syllabus (ACS). Cadets also participate in expeditions, learn about military knowledge, and engage in community projects. The training aims to build self-confidence, teamwork, and leadership skills.
Cumbria Army Cadet Force are seeking Young People from the age of 12 to join us for adventure, fun, friendships and skills for life.
We are also seeking Adult Instructors from the age of 18 to join us to develop the local Young People, as well as learning skills and gaining additional qualifications for yourself!
If you’re up for a challenge you’ll go further with the Army Cadet Force click the link below to find your local detachment.
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Success Stories
Cadet RSM Shannon Hine By achieving Master Cadet status, RSM Shannon Hine not only sets a high standard for their peers but also serves as an inspiring role model for younger cadets.
Latest News & Media Updates
Get all the latest news from detachments across the UK, including inspiring stories, amazing expeditions, and upcoming events
Volunteers’ Week Spotlight: Lt Gina Allsop
6 June 2026
Volunteers’ Week Spotlight: Sgt Helen Hughes
5 June 2026
Volunteers’ Week Spotlight: Lieutenant Colonel Sarah Oxford
4 June 2026
Contact Information
Cumbria Army Cadet ForceYpres Block,
Carlisle Castle,
Carlisle,
Cumbria, CA3 8UR
- Email us: nw-cmb-cqm@rfca.org.uk
- Call us: 01228516222
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