Blog

Since the RAF Air Cadets were forced into a form of “hibernation” due to COVID  we have been working really hard as a Wing to continue to engage our Air Cadet Community. Hampshire and IOW Wing Air Cadets have around 1000 young people and 300 Adult Volunteers, and all of them are missing the contact time we usually have on...

With the release of our new 'Fieldcraft for Cadets' handbook proving a huge success, there are now lessons available to watch on YouTube. Designed and created by an ACF adult instructor, these lessons can be transferred over all cadet forces (SCC, CCF and ATC/RAFAC). Perfect for learning at home or in the garden. The Fieldcraft for Cadets Handbook is broken...

INTRODUCTION INTO FIELDCRAFT The principal skill to be successful at escape and evasion is to be expert at applying fieldcraft in any given situation. It is a subject most enjoyed as it is usually fun and gets you and your `mates' to turn out in strength, especially if it says on the programme that it's going to be an escape...

MAPCRAFT - Learning Map Reading Skills Map reading is an interesting, useful skill to possess as a civilian, it can broaden your horizons and give you safe access to the countryside. Maps reach back through our nation's history and have always been important. As a cadet, you need to be proficiency at map reading and navigation is an important skill...

Welcome to 1476 (Rayleigh) Squadron, Royal Air Force Air Cadets. Let me tell you about our annual mess evening.  It is affectionately known as the 3 F’s dinner, which used to stand for First Friday in February (I wonder what you thought it stood for?!).  But now it stands for Third or "Fird" Friday in February!  It is an evening...

THE HISTORY BEHIND DRILL Drill is the term used to describe a formal parade where you are able to move quickly in formation from one place to another. Through history, British Army Drill has been the foundation upon which discipline; teamwork, pride and pageant have all taken equal part. In the days of the ‘Brown Bess’ musket, when in battle...

In just a few days time Cadet Direct will be sponsoring the Army Cadet Force Conference at RMA Sandhurst. Following a successful event in 2019 we are delighted to be invited back which allows us to show our latest developments in new products designed for the Cadet Forces and also bring our new ideas forward to the Commandants. Greg Potter...

Cadets in the Army Cadet Force (ACF) and Combined Cadet Force (CCF) are provided with uniforms that are essential to their role. Proper care and adherence to regulations are vital to maintaining the integrity of these uniforms. In this guide, we cover everything from uniform upkeep to personal turnout and saluting etiquette, ensuring cadets represent themselves and their detachment with...

The Army Cadet Force is a national voluntary youth organisation. But how is it directed, organised and supported? If we look at the ACF charter, this provides an insight into what the organisation is about: The ACF is sponsored by the Army and provides challenging military, adventurous and community activities. Its aim is to inspire young people to achieve success...

THE EARLIEST DAYS The Cadet Force can trace its beginnings to 1859.  At that time there was a threat of a french invasion.  Few units of the British Army were at home; most of them were serving in India after the Indian Mutiny.  The Volunteers were formed because of the threat of invasion.  The threat of invasion was again repeated...