Lancashire Army Cadets
Adventure, Skills and Friends
About Lancashire Army Cadets
Looking for something more than the everyday? Lancashire Army Cadet Force offers young people aged 12 and above the chance to take on real challenges, learn new skills, and grow in confidence all while having fun and making lasting friendships. From adventurous training and first aid to teamwork and community projects, cadets experience something different every week.
We’re powered by passionate adult volunteers (18+), who guide, support and inspire cadets while developing their own skills, leadership and gaining recognised qualifications.
Whether you’re a teenager ready to try something new, or an adult who wants to make a meaningful impact, Lancashire ACF has a place for you. Step forward. Join today.
Find a detachment
Our Stats
850+
Cadets
190+
Adults
33
Detachments
Key Information & Contacts
Ready for something different? Lancashire Army Cadet Force is looking for new cadets aged 12 and over, as well as adult volunteers aged 18+. Whether you’re a young person eager to experience adventure or an adult keen to support and inspire the next generation, now’s your time.
Cadets enjoy activities like fieldcraft, expeditions, first aid and teamwork while building confidence and friendships that last. Adults play a vital role in guiding cadets and, in return, gain valuable experience, leadership skills and nationally recognised qualifications.
It’s more than a hobby, it’s a chance to grow, give back and challenge yourself. Join Lancashire ACF and find out how far you can go.
At the heart of Lancashire Army Cadet Force is our Senior Management Team (SMT) a group of committed volunteers who bring a wealth of experience and leadership to the county. Each member has spent many years within the Army Cadet Force and brings deep knowledge of cadet training, youth development, and organisational leadership.
While they may not wear a regular uniform, their impact is seen in every aspect of how we run. From planning large-scale events and overseeing training programmes to ensuring the smooth day-to-day running of the county, our HQ team plays a vital role in the success and development of Lancashire ACF.
Their dedication, professionalism, and passion for supporting young people and adult volunteers help shape the high standards and strong reputation our county is known for. Behind every successful cadet and detachment is the unseen work of our Senior Management Team.
Colonel Joanne Eccles MBE
Commandant
Joanne has been a dedicated member of Lancashire ACF for 27 years. When she first joined, the detachment commander mistook her for a new cadet recruit. It wasn't until she passed her recruit test after three weeks that they realised she intended to become an adult volunteer. Throughout her tenure with Lancashire ACF, Joanne has consistently sought to provide the best experiences for herself, her fellow CFAVs, and the Cadets. One of her passions is exploring the outdoors and engaging with the local environment during camps. She has always declined to train on standard areas, preferring instead to organise adventurous activities. This includes arranging numerous outings in the Lake District, where participants have enjoyed canoeing, climbing, walking, ghyll scrambling, mountain biking, dry ski slope sessions, and static line parachute jumping, despite Joanne not excelling in any of these activities herself. Joanne is passionate about leadership and has just completed her master’s degree in clinical leadership theory. She applies this knowledge as a member of the initial officer training team, having written and developed the current confirmatory module. Joanne prioritises team development, considering it her most important goal. As Commandant, she aims to further the development of all CFAVs, helping them advance on their chosen pathways while continually enhancing the cadet experience. Outside the ACF, Joanne works as a Nurse Practitioner on the Neurosurgical unit at Preston Hospital, managing the inpatient, elective, and emergency caseload for 16 consultant neurosurgeons. She thrives in this fast-paced, dynamic environment, where she enjoys supporting her team. Additionally, Joanne is a trustee for two other charities: the Sydney Driscoll Neuroscience Foundation, which supports brain tumour research, and the Michelle Jurd Trust, which provides adventurous opportunities for local veterans and young people. She also contributes to the Friends of Lancashire ACF.
With our County Headquarters located in Fulwood, Preston, we provide support to our three companies and their respective detachments:
Egypt Company
Salerno Company
Wingate Company
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From Our Cadet Families
The instructors supported my son a lot and made me feel very reassured that he was okay at cadets and on camps. They push people to be the best they can. Great teachers for youths of this generation
Latest News & Media Updates
Get all the latest news from detachments across the UK, including inspiring stories, amazing expeditions, and upcoming events.
From Devon to Kathmandu: Connecting Through Cadetship
23 June 2026
From Army Service to Army Cadets: WO2 Neil Skivington’s Story
19 June 2026
Iona Young Reflects on Six Years of Army Cadet Adventures
17 June 2026
Contact Information
HQ Lancashire Army Cadet ForceChindits Way
Preston
Lancashire
PR2 8DG
- Email us: nw-lan-ao@rfca.org.uk
- Call us: 01772 717078
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.
