Army Cadets announce promotion of Lead Chaplain

Chaplains have been an integral part of the Army Cadet Force (ACF) since 1859. Their role offers holistic, person-centred support to both cadets and adult volunteers—regardless of faith or background—through pastoral care, spiritual support, and moral guidance.

The Army Cadets’ lead chaplain role, introduced in 2022 just before the launch of the organisation’s Wellbeing Pillar—a core thread running through all cadet activity—has seen significant progress in the last three years. The wellbeing team, led by Col Pat O’Meara, has developed vital plans, training programmes, and strategic direction across the Healthy Minds, Medical Support, Diversity & Inclusion, and Chaplaincy pathways.

In recognition of the substantial progress made by the wellbeing team and the significant contribution of the lead chaplain Padre Alan Jeans MBE, Commander Cadets, Major General James Senior, HQ Regional Command, has approved the promotion of this position to the rank of Chaplain to the Forces Class 2. The appointment is equivalent to Lt Col and this prestigious appointment acknowledges the vital support the chaplain role provides to the wider Army Cadet community.

Padre Alan Jeans, the first to be appointed as lead chaplain, now holds the distinction of being the highest-ranking padre in Army Cadets history. He has served voluntarily as a chaplain with the Army Cadets since 2002 and was awarded an MBE in 2021 for his services to Army Chaplaincy. Outside of the cadets, he is the Archdeacon of Sarum in the Diocese of Salisbury.

“This promotion marks a milestone for the Army Cadets and the wellbeing of our young people. The lead chaplain role is much more than ceremonial—it’s about providing real, meaningful support to cadets and volunteers across the UK. Padre Alan Jeans has been instrumental in shaping our chaplaincy service as a key part of our wellbeing strategy, and this powerful recognition reflects not just the vital role our chaplains have, but the growing importance of mental, emotional, and spiritual care in youth development today.”

— Col Pat O’Meara, Head of Wellbeing Army Cadets UK

“It is wonderful that Alan’s passion for service has been recognised in this way. The Diocese of Salisbury is home to many serving army personnel and, working in partnership—as Alan has modelled—we seek to support all those who serve in our armed forces. Our vision is that by Making Jesus Known, all may flourish and grow. Our close relationship with the Army has already led to personnel exploring ordination and sharing their personal stories of faith.”

— The Rt Revd Stephen Lake, Bishop of Salisbury

There are currently 87 chaplains across the Army Cadets which support the Army Cadet Force of over 76,000 cadets and 11,000 adult volunteers, we strive to grow this number to offer greater wellbeing support and increase the diversity of faiths which our chaplains originate.

The Army Cadets is a diverse community with cadets and adults from all spiritual and cultural backgrounds, which we need to support through the increase of represented faiths across the UK. “Padres are central to the Army Cadet Force, supporting everyone from the newest recruit to the Colonel” – Padre Alan Jeans, National Lead Chaplain, Army Cadets UK