Explore Officer Roles in Army Cadets
Adult volunteers in the Army Cadets fall into two main roles: Hyfforddwyr Oedolion (AIs) and Army Cadet Officers (ACOs). Adult Instructors work directly with cadets, delivering training and mentoring to help them develop skills and confidence.
Army Cadet Officers, on the other hand, take on broader leadership roles, managing both AIs and cadets while ensuring the organisation operates effectively. Approximately two-thirds of our volunteers are AIs, with the remaining third serving as officers.
These skills not only benefit the Army Cadets but are also highly transferable to civilian life. Many of our volunteers find that their experience as officers accelerates their career growth, equipping them with enhanced leadership and decision-making abilities that make a lasting impact.
Who Can Become an Army Cadet Officer?
There is no such thing as an ideal officer candidate, and our current Army Cadet leaders come from an enormously broad range of backgrounds and life experiences.
If you are interested in becoming an Army Cadet Officer, you will first need to spend some time as an Adult Instructor. This initial role allows you to get to know and understand the organisation, helping you build the authority needed to lead and inspire other adult volunteers, some of whom may have been involved with Army Cadets for many years.
If you are a former officer from any branch of the Armed Services or Cadet Forces, you should apply directly to the Army Cadet Commandant for an interview. Following the interview, you will be subject to a transfer board conducted by the Army Officer Selection Board (AOSB). Serving officers of the reserve may also serve in the Army Cadets and hold an Army Cadets commission with the permission of their current commanding officer. For more information, head to our Army Leavers page.
Before you apply to attend the Army Cadet Commissions Board (ACCB) you will need to meet the minimum requirements, which are:
- Attendance at a camp for at least five nights.
- Successful completion of a DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service), Access NI (for Northern Ireland), or PVG (Protecting Vulnerable Groups, Scotland) check.
- Completion of all required induction training.
To take the first step, talk to your Commandant or Deputy Commandant and then apply in writing by completing the required application paperwork. If they find you suitable for an Army Cadet Commission, they will support and mentor you, which should include putting you forward for a pre-ACCB weekend in your area to help you prepare for the actual board.
Y Rhaglen Hyfforddiant Cychwynnol Swyddogion (IOT)
Ymunwch â Chadetiaid y Fyddin heddiw!
Ymunwch â Chadetiaid y Fyddin i gychwyn ar antur gyffrous, datblygu sgiliau gwerthfawr, ac adeiladu cyfeillgarwch gydol oes i bobl ifanc rhwng 12 a 18 oed.