Practical Information
Thinking of signing your child up for the Army Cadets? This section gives parents/guardians a quick overview of what to expect, from weekly parade nights to annual camps and adventurous activities.
Benefits for your child
The Army Cadets help young people build leadership, resilience, teamwork, confidence, social skills, and respect for diversity—preparing them for success in any path they choose.
Safeguarding & wellbeing
At the Army Cadets, we prioritise the safety, wellbeing, and growth of every cadet, volunteer, and staff member. We’re committed to creating a safe, inclusive space where young people are supported an
Parents and Guardian Frequently Asked Questions
No. The Army Cadet Force is sponsored by the Army, but there is absolutely no requirement for cadets to join any of the armed services. The Army Cadets is one of the UK’s biggest youth organisations and the largest of the MOD-sponsored youth cadet organisations. While some do go on to serve in the military, there is absolutely no requirement to join.
Yes. Joining the ACF provides valuable insight into life in the Army and helps young people decide if it is the right path for them. Cadets receive military training and spend time in military training areas during the annual camp, giving them a significant advantage over new soldiers without cadet experience.
No, although they will need to keep your hair neat and tidy when on cadet activities, and back from their face and ears. They must also be able to wear their uniform head-dress properly, with no hair showing below the brow band.
For shorter hairstyles, hair must not reach the collar and can be kept in place with pins, clips, nets, or ties if needed. Female cadets with longer hair may wear it in a bun, single ponytail, single braid, twists, locks or in corn braids/rows but must not reach below the top of the belt. Male cadets with longer hair should secure their hair above the collar in a neat and tidy manner.
We have stringent processes in place to keep our cadets safe. Each adult volunteer undergoes an enhanced disclosure check (formerly known as a criminal records check) when they join the ACF and at regular intervals thereafter. We also have strict supervision rules, and every adult volunteer is trained in handling safeguarding incidents. We do not tolerate any form of bullying or discrimination in the ACF and have easy and accessible methods for cadets to report these issues to our trained volunteers.
The safety of cadets during events and activities is supported by national and regional training teams, as well as a full-time Training Safety Advisor in every ACF County, ensuring that training is conducted safely while remaining exciting and challenging.
Cadets are provided with a uniform at no charge, which must be returned when they leave. However, you may be asked for a returnable deposit. Boots are not provided, so you will need to purchase a pair for your child when they join. Your local detachment volunteer team can advise on where you can find these. Alternatively, take a look around the Official Cadet Kit Shop.
Explore more Frequently Asked Questions
Start your child's adventure
Join Army Cadets today!
Join the Army Cadets to embark on an exciting adventure, develop valuable skills, and build lifelong friendships for young people between 12 to 18.
