//Frequently Asked Questions
 
Will I get paid for being an adult instructor in the ACF?
The short answer is yes, but no one joins for the money. You will get paid at rates of pay similar to those of the Territorial Army for up to 28 days per year. However it is not something any ACF adult instructor focus on and most do many more days for the enjoyment of it. The real rewards are seeing cadets turn into promising young men and women who will make a positive contribution to society.
 
Would I get paid any expenses?
Allowances for out of pocket travelling expenses are available.

As an adult instructor in the ACF would I be liable for military call up in the event of a national emergency?
No. Adult Instructor are not liable for military duty.

Before becoming an ACF Adult Instructor will I have to undergo any security vetting?
Yes. Because you will be working with young people we have to check that you do not have anything which would bar you from contact with children. This process is now carried out by all organistions working with young people and takes a short while during your initial induction period.

 
Do I need any specialist skills or previous experience to become an adult instructor with the ACF?

No, the ACF will teach you all you need to know about the military skills and about working with and developing young people.

What is the time commitment?
The commitment is as much as you want to make it, but clearly there are responsibilities that go along with being in charge of cadets and if you don't turn up they don't get the chance to train. Most detachments meet once or twice a week, there are occasional weekends away and you will be expected to attend the annual camp which is one or two weeks outdoor activity usually in the summer months.

Can I gain any qualifications in the ACF?
Yes, as well as in house qualifications the ACF also offers the opportunity to gain widely recognised qualifications such as NVQs and the Duke of Edinburgh's Award. Training its volunteers is part of the ACF's core business and it is very aware of what it can add and makes sure it does add to the CVs of its adult instructors.
 

Will I have to buy any uniform?
No all your uniform will be provided as will all the equipment you need to lead and train cadets.

Are there any particular professions you are short of?
The ACF is particularly keen to attract people who can bring the skills of their civilian life to benefit cadets, such as chefs, mechanics, IT and people with skills in management

Do I need to have some military background to become an adult instructor in the ACF?
Not at all, ACF adult instructors are youth workers first and foremost. We can teach you all the military skills, it is your ability and enthusiasm to work with young people that we need.

 
How do I go about joining?

Your first move should be to contact the Cadet Executive Officer at your local ACF headquarters. You will find all their details by clicking "How to Join".

If I am injured whilst on ACF activities, am I insured?
Yes. You are fully insured by the Ministry of Defence, who would receive and process any claims where appropriate

Name: Sheree Ali
Age: 
28

When and Why did you decide to join cadets?
"I joined the ACF in June 1995 after watching the film Private Benjamin!!!  It was then that the obsession with DPM started."

What have you done in cadets?
"
Since joining I have been trekking twice (1996, 1997) around the French Pyrenees. My best camp was annual camp 1998 when 50 cadets across the county went to Cyprus and were trained by the Regular Light Infantry; we did adventure training, survival training and also carried out house clearances on a 2 day exercise.  An interesting moment was being presented my Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award at Buckingham Palace by Pauline Fowler (aka Wendy Richards).  My proudest moment as a cadet was achieving Master Cadet Status in October 1999. The highlight of my ACF career was summer 2008 when I went to Frimley Park for 3 weeks to assist on the Cadet Leadership Course and then a few days later went trekking around India for a month with 16 cadets in the Everest region.  I've since been back to Frimley in July 2009 for 3 weeks to assist the Directing Staff.  My most recent achievement was leading the C Coy team to victory to secure the title of Champion Company for the 3rd year running. "

What has been the most enjoyable part of cadets?
"
The most enjoyable part for me is seeing a scruffy 12/13 year old walk through the door as a recruit and leave at 17/18 a proud and knowledgeable young person; and knowing that I’ve passed on to them some of the skills they will use for the rest of their lives.  I also love the fact that the ACF is as much about Instructors gaining transferable skills and qualifications as it is the cadets.  "

Interested in joining and doing the same? Click here to contact us!

 

Yorkshire (N&W) Army Cadet Force
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