About Our County
Adventure Starts Here
Staffordshire and West Midlands (North Sector) Army Cadets is a vibrant youth organisation that offers young people aged 12 to 18 the chance to develop new skills, make friends, and take part in exciting military-themed and adventurous activities. With detachments across Walsall, Wolverhampton, Stafford, and Stoke-on-Trent, the Army Cadets provides a supportive and structured environment where cadets can grow in confidence, leadership, and resilience—guided by dedicated adult volunteers. We inspire pride in all we do, fostering excellence and teamwork to deliver a cadet experience that empowers young people to grow, lead, and succeed.
Find a detachment
Key Information and Contacts
Staffordshire and West Midlands (North Sector) Army Cadets is headquartered at Beacon Barracks in Stafford, we are organised into four companies.
Each company comprises several detachments where cadets engage in the Army Cadet Syllabus (ACS), focusing on skills such as navigation, first aid, and leadership. Additionally, each company includes a Corps of Drums, allowing cadets to pursue musical training as part of the ACS Music Syllabus.
We are supported by approximately 220 Cadet Force Adult Volunteers (CFAVs), who dedicate their time and expertise to mentor and guide cadets through their training and development.
Through our long-standing commitment to youth development and community engagement, we continue to play a vital role in shaping the lives of young people across the region. If you are up for a challenge, you’ll go further with Staffordshire & West Midlands North Sector Army Cadets.
Col Chris Edwards
Commandant
Commissioned in 1985, Colonel Edwards has served in a variety of senior Army Reserve roles, including Squadron Commander and Assistant Head of Army Personnel Strategy, bringing over 30 years of leadership and strategic experience. Appointed Commandant of Staffordshire & West Midlands (North) ACF on 1 October 2023, he is well placed to guide and support cadets and volunteers. In his civilian role as Head of Quality for Müller Yogurts and Desserts, he focuses on education, training, and development in the dairy sector, advocating adaptability to global market demands.
Lt Col Phil Hurley
Deputy Commandant
Maj Ann Dunn
Assistant Commandant
Joining in 1995, Major Dunn has held a range of roles including Officer Commanding and County Training Officer, bringing 30 years of instructional and leadership experience. Appointed Assistant Commandant in September 2022 and County Media Officer in August 2023, she is well equipped to support both cadets and volunteers. In her civilian role as Head of Compliance and Funding for Embark Learning Care Academy, she specialises in funding management and auditing.
Maj Kim Haynes
County Training Officer
RSMI Shannon Phillips
Regimental Sergeant Major
RSMI Phillips began her Army Cadet Force journey in 2002 as a young cadet, rising to the rank of Cadet Sergeant Major and serving as the Lord Lieutenant’s Cadet for Staffordshire. Returning in 2014, she was driven by a passion to provide young people with the same opportunities and experiences that had shaped her own development. Since then, she has held several senior appointments, including Training Sergeant Major for Adult Training, before being appointed Regimental Sergeant Major in May 2023. In her civilian career as Head of Service Delivery in the technology sector, she leads high-performing teams, nurtures talent, and ensures the successful delivery of critical digital and infrastructure services.
A Company Walsall – based around the town of Walsall, its Headquarters are located in the Army Reserve Centre Walsall.
B Company Wolverhampton – based around the towns of Wolverhampton and Dudley, its headquarters are located in the Army Reserve Centre Wolverhampton.
C Company Stafford – based around the towns of Stafford and Burton, its headquarters are located in Beacon Barracks, MOD Stafford.
D Company Stoke-on-Trent – based around the city of Stoke-on-Trent, its headquarters are located in Cross Heath Army Reserve Centre.
Friends of Staffs & WM (N) ACF – Registered Charity
The Friends is a registered charity dedicated to supporting the Staffordshire & West Midlands (North Sector) Army Cadet Force. We help enhance opportunities and experiences for cadets and adult volunteers alike.
Our Corps of Drums
Precision, Pride, Performance – Our County Corps of Drums
Each company includes a Corps of Drums, giving cadets the opportunity to pursue musical training as part of the Army Cadet Syllabus (ACS) Music pathway. Through this, cadets can learn to play instruments such as drums, bugles, and flutes, while developing key skills like teamwork, discipline, and confidence. Music training is delivered to a high standard and offers progression through the various stages of the ACS Music Syllabus. The Corps of Drums regularly performs at events, parades, and public ceremonies, showcasing their talent and commitment. Cadet Force Adult Volunteers (CFAVs) play a vital role in this process, providing consistent guidance, support, and expert tuition. Their dedication ensures cadets receive the best possible experience, whether they are complete beginners or developing existing musical abilities. The Corps of Drums is a proud part of the ACF, combining tradition, excellence, and opportunity for all involved.
Our Stats
1000+
Cadets
220+
Adult Volunteers
34
Detachments
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Success Stories
Cadet Drum Major Thomas McKenzie The signaller course was fascinating—from radio masts to propagation paths. With hands-on training, an Ops Room exercise, and contacting Scotland, it was inspiring. Earning the Royal Signals Institute 'For Excellence' Coin was a true honour.
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Success Stories
Qualified as Cadet Combat Signaller Instructor SSI A Peters (C Company, COD) SSI A Peters attended the inaugural Cadet Combat Signaller Instructors Course at Blandford Camp, gaining skills in theory, radio use, and practical comms. She’ll now help deliver the new syllabus when it launches for cadets in Jan 2026.
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: Lieutenant Colonel Sarah Oxford
4 June 2026
Crieff Promotion
4 June 2026
Volunteering with the Army Cadets: Unlocking Skills, Confidence, and Making a Difference in the Community
4 June 2026
Contact Information
For more information, please email or contact us at the office below:
Building 115Beacon Barracks
Beaconside
Stafford
ST18 0AQ
- Email us: info.staffsacf@rfca.org.uk
- Call us: 01785257804
Join the Army Cadets today!
We are recruiting young people (12+) for fun, adventure, and life skills, and adults (18+) to support them while gaining new skills and qualifications themselves!
