THE SERVICE CADET ORGANISATIONS

Highland RFCA supports the four Service Cadet organisations.  It is important to emphasize that these are youth movements, not junior elements of the Armed Forces. We are justifiably proud of the Cadet Forces that we support.  They give young people a chance to make friends, learn new skills and develop maturity and independence in a safe, supportive environment.   

With a framework based on the values and standards of the British Armed Forces, many cadets go on to become Adult Instructors, some decide on a career in the Armed Services or Public Services, whilst others take different paths.  But what will never leave them are the values and skills that the Cadets has passed on to them.

The role of the Cadets is to help boys and girls to develop powers of leadership through training, which promotes qualities of responsibility, self-reliance, resourcefulness, endurance, perseverance and a sense of service to the community. Military training is also designed to develop an understanding as to why the Armed Forces are required, how they function and to stimulate an interest in a career in the Services.

Our Cadet Forces are made up of:

• The Sea Cadet Corps
• The Army Cadet Force
• The Air Training Corps
• The Combined Cadet Force

The Sea Cadet Corps (SCC) offers a large range of activities and encourages good citizenship and valuable life skills.  Water based activities include sailing, canoeing and pulling whilst they also take part in many sporting activities on land.

The Army Cadet Force (ACF) is the largest of the cadet organisations.  It is open to anyone aged 12 – 18 and most cadets attend  weekly meetings where they have fun, get fit and learn new skills.   They are encouraged to work towards their ACF Cadet Awards and BTECs in Public Services and Music.  Cadets are also given the chance to take part in the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme.

The Air Training Corps (ATC) is perfect for young people who are interested in flying.  From the age of 13, cadets will learn to fly, develop skills to lead expeditions, tour foreign countries and earn a BTEC.

The Combined Cadet Force (CCF) is a tri-Service military cadet organisation based in schools and colleges throughout the UK. Although it is administered and funded by the Services it is a part of the National Youth Movement. 

FOR PARENTS AND TEACHERS - there are more than 100,000 young people involved in the cadet forces which are sponsored by the 3 Services. There are several thousand cadet detachments throughout the country, so you will always find one near to you.

The cadet forces aim to give young people the chance to do some exciting and challenging activities with others of their own age. All activities are well supervised by responsible and properly trained adults, who have all undergone an approved selection process.

Young people are taught how to work together as groups within the community, so encouraging them to become responsible young adults. They take part in outdoor activities with proper instruction and learn valuable personal skills which are recognised by future employers. They have the opportunity to go away from home, perhaps for the first time, in a properly supervised environment. 

Encourage your children, or those for whom you have responsibility, to join a cadet force and see what a difference it makes to them.  Support them in what they do and don’t worry that they are all going to be press ganged into the Armed Forces. Cadet Forces are not recruiting offices, although a fair number do decide to join when they have experienced the real enjoyment of cadet life.

ADULT INSTRUCTORS REQUIRED - If you have some spare time on your hands which you want to put to a good use, read on.  We are always in need of male and female Adult Instructors to look after our young Cadets.

There are 304 Service Cadet detachments throughout the Highlands, so you will always find one near to you. The cadet forces aim to give young people the chance to do some exciting and challenging activities.  But of course they must be properly supervised by responsible trained adults, men and women. This is where you come in.

• Train as an instructor in outdoor activities.
• Instruct and supervise shooting, first aid, map reading and a wide range of valuable personal skills.
• Organise and supervise camps in this country and in other countries.
• Make new friends and be part of a great team.
• Experience the enjoyment of being a key part of a thriving youth organisation

Cadets usually meet each week at a place near you. There are weekend meetings once or twice a month when you all go off for the whole weekend, and a camp period of 2 weeks in the summer.  You will be expected to attend as many of these meetings as possible and to undertake training to become a fully qualified instructor. While evening meetings are unpaid, weekend and camp attendance is paid.

The Service Cadet Organisations are not part of the Armed Services. However it does use the uniforms, traditions and badges of rank of the Armed Services. All adults in the Cadets are youth workers. There is no danger of military ‘call-up’.  Adult Instructors fall into two categories:

• Adult Instructors who hold ‘non-commissioned officer’ ranks
• Officers who hold a Special Reserve Commissions.

To find out more, contact any of the Service Cadet Organisations in the Highlands or contact Highland RFCA for information.