Somerset Army Cadets

Looking for fun, friendship, and a challenge? Somerset Army Cadets helps you build confidence and learn valuable skills for life. If you’re aged 12–18, it’s time to step out of your comfort zone and master new skills with Somerset Army Cadet Force.

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Cadets with fieldcraft gear on waiting in the camouflage of the trees

Join the Adventure!

About Somerset Army Cadet Force

Too many young people are missing out on the challenges and adventures that could transform their lives.

We give young people from all backgrounds access to fun, friendship, action and adventure, challenging them to learn more, do more and try more, inspiring them to aim high and go further in life. Our Cadet Force Adult Volunteers offer a huge range of training, qualifications and challenges. Cadets are inspired to explore their limits, become independent, confident and able to step up to any challenge. With over 650 cadets in Somerset, we make a big impact on young people, parents and communities. Cadets and adults keep telling us, “It’s the best thing I’ve ever done.” And “Cadets builds people to be the best version of themselves.“

If you’re between 12 and 18 and in Year 8 at school, you can join. Soon you’ll be having more fun and making more new friends than you ever thought possible.

Somerset ACF Staff

Meet our team of dedicated Cadet Force Adult Volunteers!

Col Stephen Kendall MBE

Commandant

Lt Col Nathan Marshall

Deputy Commandant

Maj Andrew Trunks

Assistant Commandant

WO1 RSM (SMI) Dean Brown

Regimental Sergeant Major

Maj (BM) Scott Bunker

OC Gibraltar Company

Maj Charles Aslett

OC Jellalabad Company

Maj Charlie Stokes

OC Normandy Company

Maj Paul Sainsbury

OC Salamanca Company

Maj Barry Gates

Battalion Training Officer

WO1 TSM (SMI) Nigel Levett

Training Sergeant Major

Capt Polly Marsh RA

Diversity & Engagement Officer

Capt Charlotte Mason

County Media Officer

WO2 (SMI) Elaine Hunt

Administrative Officer

Maj Paul Cawkwell

Administrative Officer (Pay)

Capt (QM) James Kenworthy

Quartermaster

Maj Scott Bunker

MTO & County Stores Assistant

Somerset Army Cadets is headquartered in Taunton, comprising a small permanent staff, and has four Companies that span the county – Gibraltar Company in the north west quarter, Normandy Company in the north east quarter, Salamanca Company in the south east quarter, and Jellalabad Company in the south west quarter. Additionally, the Silver Bugles Band is drawn from two platoons, Uphill Platoon from Gibraltar Company and Frome Platoon from Normandy Company.

The Battalion is affiliated to The Rifles and that cap badge is worn across the county, apart from one platoon at Wincanton that is affiliated to the Army Air Corps.

The Somerset Army Cadets began in 1900 with the 1st Cadet Corps of the 1st Volunteer Battalion Somerset Light Infantry, based in Bath. In 1912, the Church Lads Brigade (CLB) in Somerset was officially recognised as army cadets, expanding to four battalions affiliated with the King’s Royal Rifle Corps by 1918.

During World War I, Somerset cadets supported the war effort as messengers, hospital aides, and harvest workers. Units such as the Queen’s College Cadet Battalion and the 1st Cadet Corps of the 4th Battalion received commendations. In 1916, the Severn Cadet Corps from Portishead served in France, producing petrol cans; two cadets died in accidents.

Post-war, cadet units remained active, with a focus on sport and shooting. In 1930, cadets lost official recognition and use of TA facilities, forcing many open units to close. CLB units were removed in 1935, further reducing numbers.

World War II revitalised the cadets, with six battalions working alongside the Home Guard and in local factories. In 1942, non-JTC units became part of the new Army Cadet Force. Some platoons, like Coleford, reportedly had over 1,000 cadets.

After WWII, the ACF supported National Service and later evolved into a youth development organisation. Though unit numbers dropped in 1974 with the creation of Avon, most later returned. In 1968, all cadets re-badged to The Light Infantry, and in 2007 to The Rifles. Today, Somerset ACF remains active in shooting, Ten Tors, first aid, and national events, continuing a proud tradition of service.

Silver Bugles Band

The Silver Bugles Band, our jewel in the crown, is often seen as the public face of Somerset Army Cadets.

It is composed of cadets from two Platoons, Uphill and Frome, supported by a handful of adult volunteers.

The majority of band members arrive with little or no musical background and are instructed by volunteer adults who themselves often have no formal music training.

It is testament to their self-discipline and tenacity that cadets learn quickly to produce quality music whilst marching in complex sequences.

The Band members manage to combine their band training with the regular Cadet Syllabus whilst finding time to perform at events. This is only made possible by a dedicated staff and supportive parents, whose tailoring skills have proved invaluable over the years.

Our stats

640+

Cadets

235+

Adult Volunteers

27

Detachments

Being a cadet with Somerset Army Cadets has been an amazing journey! I’ve gained confidence, made great friends, and learned skills I never thought possible. Every challenge has made me stronger. It’s the best decision I’ve ever made!