The success of the Cadet Forces is greatly dependent on the volunteers who support them.
Being a Cadet Instructor is a great opportunity to be part of a prestigious and popular youth organisation, which takes great pride in offering young people opportunities that may not otherwise be available to them.
The Cadet Forces need adults to volunteer with the enthusiasm to motivate and train cadets and the desire to have a positive input into their futures.
Meet Orla Carlson from Merseyside Army Cadet Force. We met Orla at the recent Merseyside Lord-Lieutenant Awards where she was one of several volunteers who picked up a meritorious service award for Allerton detachment. Here she explains her journey into becoming a Cadet Force Adult Volunteer and what she enjoys about volunteering.
All Cadet Instructors are rewarded with training, personal development, an enhanced CV and immense satisfaction from being part of the cadet movement.
Being a Cadet Instructor can give you the opportunity to experience something you have never tried before with chances to achieve qualifications in First Aid, diplomas and graduate level qualifications in Public Services through the BTEC scheme.
As well as training in all the activities that cadets take part in, Cadet Instructors can also hone skills in leadership, management, administration, communication, teamwork, decision-making and influencing.
What do I need to volunteer?
Volunteers must be over 18 and have a sense of fun and enthusiasm. You will need to pass a DBS check (previously CRB check) to be accepted.
There is no requirement for volunteers to have a military background, but many ex-Forces do find that becoming an adult instructor allows them to retain a link to their military roots.
You will be expected to give up some of your free time at evenings and weekends, since the cadets run activities outside of school/college hours. You may be invited to attend the two week annual camp in the summer for one or both weeks, and there may be opportunities for you to accompany cadets overseas for adventurous training.
Who do I contact?
Register your interest on the national website for the cadet force you are trying to contact using the links below:
Join the ACF as an adult instructor
Join the ATC as an adult instructor
Join the SCC as an adult instructor
Applicants must be over 18 and have a sense of fun and enthusiasm.
Applicants will need to pass a DBS check (previously CRB check) to be accepted, as per the Ministry of Defence Cadet Forces Safeguarding Framework.
Armed Forces Covenant and Defence Employer Recognition Scheme
If you are already a Cadet Force Adult Volunteer or thinking or becoming one, the NW RFCA have produced a guide for you to gain a better understanding about the Armed Forces Covenant and Defence Employer Recognition Scheme, access the guide here.
