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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...

Shooting in the Air Cadets Service shooting is split into two distinct activities; shooting as a sport/competition shooting and qualification/operational firing. It is very difficult to try and treat them separately when you get down to the serious business of the skills required for shooting. However as a member of the Cadet Forces, competitive shooting is what you will be doing...

THE HISTORY OF THE AIR TRAINING CORPS Like many youth organisations in the UK the early formation of the Air Training Corps (ATC) was through the efforts of a few dedicated people, who could see the need to give young people the opportunity to experience the thrills of flying. In late 1918 two men, one an ex Royal Flying Corps...

So what does your Officer or Adult Instructor expect from you? Like you, they are volunteers; the Army Cadet Force is their hobby.  Your Detachment will only be as good as you and other Cadets make it. Your Detachment Commander and Adult Instructors are there to encourage and train you. Work as a team - even if you do not...

Organisation of the Air Cadets The Air Training Corps (RAF Air Cadets) is a National voluntary youth organisation aimed at encouraging a practical interest in aviation, adventure and sport. It was established by Royal Warrant on the 5th February 1941. The age at which the cadet can join is year 8 or aged 13 and normally they leave at the...

What is the Army Cadet Force? - The following is an extract from the 2019-2020 Cadet's Pocket Book by Military Pocket Books. The Charter of the Army Cadet Force The Army Cadet Force is a national voluntary youth organisation. It is sponsored by the Ministry of Defence and provides challenging military, adventurous and community activities. Its aim is to inspire young people to...

The UK MoD have finally listened to the concerns of the UK cadet forces by launching a range of new British Army ration menus specifically geared towards the tastes of young people. This development was announced amid concerns that traditional 'stews' and 'casseroles' simply don't appeal to a new generation of young people who are used to snacking on fast food...

The Leading Cadet Resource book is the latest  in a series of publications,  launched by Cadet Direct for air cadets.  It is a complete guide and training aid for air cadets studying towards the leading classification and their instructors. It is also the perfect reference guide for cadets who are undertaking their online leading cadet open book exams. This extensive guide has been written...

Earlier this month Cadet Direct were pleased to sponsor the 2019 ACF Commandants Conference which this year was held at RMAS Sandhurst. As well as providing a personalised folder to each delegate to help celebrate Cadet Directs 20th Year of Trading our Sales Director Greg Potter also attended the event. There was a full programme of lectures and talks ranging...

Cadet Direct Ltd celebrates 20 years of business this year. Originally formed in 1999, how did Cadet Direct come to be the leading supplier of cadet boots, uniform and kit to the UK cadet forces? We thought we'd put together a short history to explain... Buying cadet kit back in the 1990's... Purchasing cadet kit, such as army boots and...