Army Cadet Force
The Army Cadet Force (ACF), generally shortened to Army Cadets, is a national youth organisation sponsored by the United Kingdom's Ministry of Defence and the British Army. Along with the Sea Cadet Corps and the Air Training Corps, the ACF make up the Community Cadet Forces. It is a separate organisation from the Combined Cadet Force which provides similar training within principally private schools.
| Army Cadet Force (ACF) | |
|---|---|
Army Cadets badge | |
| Founded | 1859 |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Branch | British Army |
| Type | Volunteer Youth Organisation British Army |
| Size | 38,180 cadets (as of 1st April 2023) 8,020 Cadet Force Adult Volunteers |
| Headquarters | CTC Frimley Park |
| Motto(s) | To Inspire to Achieve |
| Website | Army Cadets |
| Commanders | |
| Colonel Commandant | Major-General Jonathan Swift |
| Command Sergeant Major | David Lightfoot |
| Colonel in Chief | Vacant |
| National Honorary Colonel | Lorraine Kelly |
| National Ambassador | Jordan Wylie |
| UK Military Cadet Forces military component of the youth organisations in the United Kingdom |
|---|
| Components |
| British Overseas Territories |
| Former Components |
| Personnel |
| Allegiance |
Although sponsored by the Ministry of Defence, the ACF is not part of the British Army, and as such cadets are not subject to military 'call up'. Some cadets do, however, go on to enlist in the armed forces later in life.
The Army Cadet Charitable Trust UK (ACCT UK) is a registered charity that acts in an advisory role to the Ministry of Defence and other Government bodies on matters connected with the ACF.
As of 1 April 2023, there are 38,180 cadets, and 8,020 Cadet Force Adult Volunteers (CFAVs).