The Student Room Group

Army cadets

Poll

Have you heard of the ACF?

I was just wondering how many people here have heard of the Army Cadet Force (ACF), and what you think of it. I've been an instructor for a couple of years and I'm keen to start recruiting so it would be interesting to hear everyone's preconceptions and general thoughts.
I've heard of it. My brother's in the Air Cadets and apparently they've got to be escorted by staff when they take the bins out because the Army Cadets wait outside and batter them.

I laughed for a disproportionately long time after hearing that.
James
I was just wondering how many people here have heard of the Army Cadet Force (ACF), and what you think of it. I've been an instructor for a couple of years and I'm keen to start recruiting so it would be interesting to hear everyone's preconceptions and general thoughts.


I was really interested in it as some friends did it. However there were none within walking distance (two about 2 miles away), and it was twice a week, so I decided not to join. If it was once a week, closer, or even once a week and once on a weekend, I probably would join.
I put I'm a member.
I'm not.
I was.
It really opened my eyes.
To how many downright moronic, clueless people there are in the world. The friends who joined with me and myself all eventually dropped out after about a year. The premise is nice, and the activities were fun (Being woken up at 3am for sentry duty, woo. No seriously, woo.) but there's only so long I could hack it with people that moronic. They were the most idiotic bunch of children and adults I've ever met. I don't have a major problem with authority, but I do have a problem with ****e, misguided authority.
I can't speak for everywhere though of course.

That's no good for recruiting though, so I'll shut up and say the trips are fantastic, even if the food, especially ration packs (I never ate them, no sane person could eat something that smells that bad.) is dire.
No, but I just have to say I really love the way you made those words bold. Looks reet professional.
Reply 5
The CCF's better :wink:

Just kidding :biggrin:
Reply 6
Crosseyed And Painless
They were the most idiotic bunch of children and adults I've ever met.

I'm sorry that your experience was a bad one. I was a cadet for four years and I've been an instructor for two, and I certainly haven't found the people to be "moronic". In fact some of the most interesting people I know are from the ACF, and even as an adult the organisation has given me some incredible opportunities.
Reply 7
I'm 19, but here are my thoughts anyway.

CCF or ACF is a youth group for people who like to pretend they are in the army, generally populated by boring people (with notable exceptions).

It's probably quite fun, but the idea of being ordered around is unappealing.

Join the Scouts instead, you'll get all the benefits of camping, etc but without the ordering around, such a ridiculous emphasis on tidyness of uniform and the like, and more valuable skills.
Reply 8
hi, yes i have heard of it.
in fact i am was thinking of going tomorrow to see if i could join.
i am 16 do you think i am too old?
Reply 9
You're not too old to join, but you would need to start the same basic training as recruits who join at 12 - and accept the authority of 14-15 year old cadets who have progressed further and been promoted. That said if you stick with it you could really get a lot out of it. It's worth talking through with your local detachment staff.
Reply 10
I've only heard of the ATC, Air Training Corps, or something like that.
Reply 11
yeee i don't mind being bossed about if it's for the greater good. i'm going tonight, leaving in about an hour. i'll tell you how it went when i return. cheers for the advice :smile:
Reply 12
I have to say i pretty much agree with Crosseyed And Painless. I was a member for about 2 years and really loved it, but eventually decided(or felt forced) to leave because of the type of people the ACF in my area seemed to attract(idiotic thugs). Not so much the instructors, mainly the cadets themselves, although the adults are in part responsible for the behaviour of the cadets. In particular underage smoking was almost encouraged with regular breaks so 13/14 year olds could have a cigarette which i think is utterly disgraceful.
I am in CCF (RAF).

CCF is better than ACF or ATC.
RAF is better than ACF or CCF (Army).

Therefore I am better.

:cool:


:wink: :biggrin:
Reply 14
it was so good, everyone was really friendly and i'm gutted i've left it till now to go for it.
can't wait for monday now :biggrin:
I had a choice between Navy cadets, Army cadets, Air Force cadets and Scouts.

I chose Scouts and I'm glad I did.
I've heard of it. someone from my school went i think..
Reply 17
I am currently in the cadets.. i've been there for 3 years now, and basically i have had a lot of up's and downs.
I love the training and all the people there, and i know i have made some life-long friends, but with regards to ranks etc i do feel they can be wasted on the wrong people.
I am talking from my experiences, however i do understand that i have just had bad timing sometimes and this is why this has happened, therefore i will not let it get between me and cadets.
I am almost 16, so i still have a while to go at cadets, and i encourage any people who are hard-working and dedicated to join cadets, it has given me some unbeatable experiences that will stay with me forever, as well as encouraging me to complete many cadet leadership courses, camps and of course D of E.
Thanks:smile:
I am currently an army cadet, and have to say I love it!
Ive met so many different people who I would not usually meet (I am at the grammar school and most cadets are at the other school in the area)
There is a major bonus that most people look in awe at me when I saw I get to shoot different weapons and understand when people start talking about weapon types.
It has helped me in my revision for GCSE geography.
It has given me a sense of responsibility.
And back off to anyone who says that army cadets are chavs. Dont bunch us all with a label!
Alive
I'm 19, but here are my thoughts anyway.

CCF or ACF is a youth group for people who like to pretend they are in the army, generally populated by boring people (with notable exceptions).

It's probably quite fun, but the idea of being ordered around is unappealing.

Join the Scouts instead, you'll get all the benefits of camping, etc but without the ordering around, such a ridiculous emphasis on tidyness of uniform and the like, and more valuable skills.


You do get to camp at cadets, the "ridiculous emphasis on tidyness and uniform" shows that we are wearing the Queens uniform that many men (and women) have died serving their country in and we shoudl be proud to wear it and keep it clean and tidy!
Has a Scout leader ever died protecting our country? I think not!