Quick Guide To Cadet Badges And Ranks

If you’re interested in the Army Cadets’ progression opportunities and how cadets can work their way up, read on.

Rank: Cadet

Requirements: None – cadets need to be aged 12.

Responsibilities: Learn as much as possible about being a cadet and have fun!

Rank: Cadet Lance Corporal

Requirements: Must have passed the Army Cadet Syllabus (ACS) 1 star

Responsibilities: Help cadets with their kit, mentor junior cadets, and lead a small team.

Rank: Cadet Corporal

Requirements: Must have passed ACS 2-star.

Responsibilities: Learn to instruct cadets, lead a bigger team, and take a parade.

Rank: Cadet Sergeant

Requirements: Must have passed ACS 3-star.

Responsibilities: One of the senior cadets in the detachment. Organise
a number of teams. Develop leadership and management skills.

Rank: Cadet Staff Sergeant

Requirements: Must have passed ACS 4-star

Responsibilities: A competent instructor helps with the planning of some training, one of the senior cadets in a group of detachments or “Company”

Rank: Cadet Company Sergeant Major

Requirements: Must have passed ACS 4-star

Responsibilities: The senior cadet in a Company. Responsible for mentoring senior cadets and taking a Company parade.

Rank: Cadet Regimental Sergeant Major

Requirements: Must have passed Master Cadet.

Responsibilities: Only one of the Cadet CSMs in a County will be selected to be the Cadet RSM. They are the most senior cadets in the ACF and often take on ceremonial duties in the local area.

Rank: Cadet Under Officer

Requirements: Must have passed Master Cadet and be a Staff Cadet.

Responsibilities: This position may be awarded by the ACF County Commandant to a cadet who is felt to have potential to be an officer. It is a very rare honour and not many cadets achieve it!

Interested in becoming a cadet, or know someone who might? Find a detachment to get started.