History of the Army Cadet Force

The Army Cadets have a history going back to 1859, when most of the British army was over in India and the country was threatened by invasion by France. In the 1860s there was at least eight Army cadet schools one of which was the Queens Westminster's. In 1908 the Cadets were taken to schools where the units opened up and the title Cadet force was introduced and the administration was taken over by the territorial army.

During World War 1 the Army Cadets saw a mass increase in its numbers, so the War office took over the administration, until 1923 when it converted back to the Territorials. This was also the year that government funding stopped, but the spirit of the Cadets kept on going. The British National Cadet Association (BNCA) tried to keep the Cadets alive while at the same time getting government funding back. This was slightly achieved in 1932 when the territorial was allowed to run the Cadets

Again During the Second War the War office took over and free uniforms were issued as well as a rifle, but these were from the Boer War. They were trained by the few officers that weren't already in the war and camps were set up.

In 1959 the Amery Report was published to see where the Cadets were headed in the future. Many changes were made and Firmley park training centre was founded by The King George VI Trust. So all the cadet officer-training courses were known as the KGVI leadership course. As national service was about to be stopped and the war was over it was decided to develop the cadets as good people and citizens

The Charter of the Army Cadet Force

The Army Cadet Force is National youth organisation.

It's aim is to inspire young people to achieve success in life with a spirit of service to the Queen, their country and their local community, and to develop in them the qualities required of a good citizen.

This aim is achieved by:

Providing progressive cadet training, often of a challenging and exciting nature, to foster confidence, self-reliance, initiative, loyalty, and a sense of service to other people.

Encouraging the development of personal powers of practical leadership and the ability to work successfully as a member of a team.

Stimulating an interest in the Army, it's achievements, skills and values.

Advising and preparing those considering a career in the services or with the Reserve Forces.

The Motto of the Army Cadet Force is: TO INSPIRE, TO ACHIEVE