Shooting
One of the most exciting and rewarding activities in the Army Cadets is shooting – a skill that sets us apart from most other youth organisations. Through shooting, you’ll develop essential skills such as discipline and safety awareness, whilst also gaining a strong sense of achievement. It’s a unique opportunity to challenge yourself, build confidence, and experience the thrill of mastering a precision-based skill.
Starting with the basics of marksmanship, cadets progress through various levels of shooting proficiency, using a range of cadet rifles including the Air Rifle, Cadet Small-Bore Target Rifle, and the L98A2 GP Rifle. These rifles are chosen to provide cadets with practical experience that mirrors real-world military training, but with safety and supervision at all times.
As you develop your shooting technique, you can work towards earning Marksmanship Badges at four levels:
- Level 1: Trained shot (single rifle)
- Level 2: Marksman (rifle plus star)
- Level 3: Advanced Marksman (rifle plus crown)
- Level 4: Master Marksman (crossed rifles)
You can be proud of these achievements, as they are a testament to the dedication and hard work you’ve put into your training.
Shooting with the Army Cadets
Shooting in the Army Cadets is taught in a safe, structured environment with strict adherence to protocols and expert instruction. Every cadet undergoes thorough safety training to ensure they are familiar with safe weapon handling, range etiquette, and the importance of focus and discipline.
Shooting with the Army Cadets is not just about hitting a target; it’s about developing key life skills that will benefit cadets long after their training is complete.
- Confidence: Mastering the skill of shooting and achieving personal milestones can boost your self-confidence and instil a sense of accomplishment.
- Discipline and responsibility: Shooting requires focus and precision, helping you to develop discipline and a strong sense of responsibility.
- Teamwork: Shooting events and training sessions encourage teamwork and allow everyone to work together towards shared goals, building lasting friendships and mutual respect.
- Specialist skills: Through various stages of shooting, cadets gain practical experience with rifles and develop technical skills that can transfer to other areas of life and future careers.
STEM Learning: Understanding the mechanics of a rifle and precision shooting introduces cadets to key STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) concepts.
As well as learning through the core syllabus, you’ll have the opportunity to participate in a variety of shooting competitions, both at local and national levels. Here, you’ll be able to test your skills and represent your unit in prestigious competitions. Many cadets go on to represent the United Kingdom internationally, with several Team GB shooters honing their skills through the cadet forces. These competitions are all about having fun while developing your abilities and confidence through friendly contests.
Are you up for the challenge?
Make a real difference where it counts. Join the Army Cadets to build skills, meet new people, and give back through rewarding community projects. From local events to national initiatives—your impact starts here.
Shooting Gallery
Explore our gallery to see cadets in action— at different levels cadet shooting looks different from air rifle ranges in detachment to outdoor short and long ranges.
CLICK ANY IMAGE BELOW TO VIEW LARGER
