Dorset Army Cadet Force

Dorset Army Cadet Force Welcome to the official page for Dorset Army Cadet Force. A youth organisation for young people 12-18yrs. Check here for all the latest news and pictures.

Dorset Army Cadet Force (ACF) is part of a national youth organisation aimed at inspiring young people to achieve both physically and mentally whilst developing self-confidence, teamwork and leadership. Cadets have the opportunity to take part in numerous activities, including
- First Aid training (which leads to a nationally recognised award),
- DofE (The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award),
- BTEC Cer

tificate in Public Services (equivalent to 4 GCSE A* grades),
Not to mention the military skills and adventurous training. Dorset ACF has 20 Detachments, over 650 cadets, 100 Adult Volunteers and 7 members of permanent staff. The detachments are split between 3 Companies, namely

- N (Normandy) Company,
- E (El Alamein) Company,
- W (Waterloo) Company. Most detachments parade 2 nights per week and each Company has approx. 3 weekends away each year, as well as a 9-day Annual Camp during the school holidays. Each detachment is supported by sponsor unit to which they are cap-badged. These sponsor units include
- The Rifles,
- The Royal Logistic Corps,
- The Royal Armoured Corps,
- The Royal Corps of Signals,
- The Royal Wessex Yeomanry. The County Headquarters and Weekend Training Centre are based in the County Town of Dorchester. Weekend training also takes place at both Blandford (Royal Signals) camp and Bovington (Royal Armoured Corps) training areas. Dorset ACF is proud to maintain very close links with The Devonshire and Dorset Regiment, one of the founding regiments of the modern-day Rifles. In support of the Regiment, Dorset ACF regularly attends parades such as the 43rd (Wessex) Veterans Parade in Mere and the Weymouth Veterans Parade. As part of the training syllabus, cadets should complete a number of community activities, which they do with great gusto and receive great praise for their efforts. If you are interested in joining Dorset ACF either as a volunteer to work with our young people or as a cadet, please Contact Us.

Representing Dorset Army Cadet Force, CFAV Sgt Middleton, SSgt Shearing, and SSgt Short travelled to the Cambridge Gun C...
29/05/2026

Representing Dorset Army Cadet Force, CFAV Sgt Middleton, SSgt Shearing, and SSgt Short travelled to the Cambridge Gun Club on 23 May to compete in the annual National Clay Target Competition.

Returning to the competition for the first time in six years, the event proved as challenging as ever, with teams from fellow Army Cadet Forces, Air Cadets, Sea Cadets, and CCF units all taking part.

The day began with a fast-paced three-person flurry event, testing competitors with rapid shooting at multiple clays. This was followed by the English Sporting discipline, where competitors tackled 100 clays across 10 varied stands. The competition concluded with DTL (Down The Line), involving 25 clays shot from five different positions.

Despite narrowly missing out on trophies this year, the Dorset ACF team secured a highly respectable 3rd place overall against strong national competition.

Sgt Middleton said:
“It’s been a great and very enjoyable day, even with the 30°C heat. We are very happy with 3rd place, but we’ll be aiming for 1st next year.”

What an incredible result at Ten Tors this year — and we absolutely smashed it!Both teams performed exceptionally well, ...
10/05/2026

What an incredible result at Ten Tors this year — and we absolutely smashed it!

Both teams performed exceptionally well, with the 35-mile team completely blowing the competition away, finishing at 0954 — beating the previous record by nearly 3 hours!

The team also secured 1st place in their pool, finishing ahead of 15 other teams on the same route.

An outstanding achievement and a huge credit to everyone involved.

Our 45-mile team also delivered an incredible performance, completing the route at 1451 coming 8th out of 236 teams.

Even more impressive considering Dorset cadets haven’t fielded a 45-mile Ten Tors team in over 5 years.

Massive congratulations to everyone involved — an unforgettable achievement for Dorset Cadets and all the staff involved in the preparation and running of the event. 👏 👏

A great first night for our Ten Tors teams, who are making excellent time on their D and R routes.To follow their progre...
09/05/2026

A great first night for our Ten Tors teams, who are making excellent time on their D and R routes.

To follow their progress visit:

https://tentors.org.uk/page/results

and click on the representative routes. Their current progress can also be seen in the attached pictures.

I'm sure they will sleep well tonight. Hopefully the weather stays on there side.

Good luck to everyone starting their Ten Tors journey today — hope the weather holds, the nav stays sharp, and every tea...
09/05/2026

Good luck to everyone starting their Ten Tors journey today — hope the weather holds, the nav stays sharp, and every team gets safely to the finish. Huge effort just getting to the start line. 🥾⛰️

Poole Mayor's Civil Service ThanksgivingParkstone ACF was invited by Cllr Mark Howell, the 777th Mayor of Poole, to a se...
27/04/2026

Poole Mayor's Civil Service Thanksgiving

Parkstone ACF was invited by Cllr Mark Howell, the 777th Mayor of Poole, to a service of thanksgiving on 18th April, 2026. The event aimed to celebrate those who have positively impacted the community and have worked with the Mayor during his year of service.

An exclusive gathering of the Parkstone team marched with the Mayor, Deputy Mayor, and dignitaries into the church, following Cdt Zavier Keyser carrying the Parkstone standard.

The theme focused on promoting volunteering in the community and on how young people, like the Army Cadets, are the next important pillars of the community.

Well done to everyone in attendance, and kudos to the detachment team for their dedication to the community in receiving the invitation.

On Thursday 16 April 2026, Wallisdown Detachment, E Company, had the privilege of hosting Colonel Thomsett for a special...
21/04/2026

On Thursday 16 April 2026, Wallisdown Detachment, E Company, had the privilege of hosting Colonel Thomsett for a special visit to formally promote Cadet Company Sergeant Major (CSM) Jamie to the appointment of Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM).

Throughout her time within the Army Cadet Force, Cadet RSM Jamie has consistently demonstrated the leadership, professionalism, and maturity expected of the organisation’s most senior cadet appointment. She is widely respected among both staff and cadets, setting a clear benchmark through her conduct, attitude, and unwavering commitment to excellence.

Jamie leads by example, displaying confidence, fairness, and a genuine dedication to supporting and developing others. Her approachable nature, combined with strong communication skills, has established her as a trusted and influential role model for junior cadets and peers alike.

Over the past year, she has embraced feedback and development opportunities, showing significant growth in both maturity and confidence. Her dedication extends beyond her own progression to the continued success of her detachment, company, and county.

This commitment was recognised with her receipt of the Lord-Lieutenant’s Award last year.

Jamie consistently demonstrates strong and confident leadership during training, parades, and field activities. Good organisational ability, ensuring the effective delivery of lessons, tasks and events whilst remaining calm.

She has a professional approach in both routine and challenging situations, with a deep commitment to cadet values, upholding integrity, respect, and dedication at all times.

Given her proven leadership, outstanding conduct, and dedication, Cadet RSM Jamie is exceptionally well-prepared for the responsibilities of her new role. During her appointment, she will continue to develop, demonstrate her confidence, capability, and character required to oversee Senior Cadets, support staff, and uphold the Values and Standards of the Army Cadet Force at the highest level. She brings both proven ability and fresh energy to the position.

From All of Wallisdown Detachment Instructors - we congratulate her on this well-deserved promotion and extend our best wishes for her continued success in the role.

Cadets from across Dorset took part in a fantastic 1 Star and 2 Star Navigation and Expedition exercise over the weekend...
14/04/2026

Cadets from across Dorset took part in a fantastic 1 Star and 2 Star Navigation and Expedition exercise over the weekend.

The 1 Star cadets successfully navigated and traversed sections of the stunning Dorset coastline, putting their map-reading and teamwork skills to the test. Meanwhile, the 2 Star cadets took on an even greater challenge—navigating routes, camping overnight, and preparing and cooking their own meals in the field.

Despite some windy conditions, the weather remained on their side, and all participants showed determination, resilience, and excellent effort throughout.

A sterling achievement by everyone involved—well done to all cadets and staff who made the weekend such a success.

Introduction: AI Robots Join Dorset Army CadetsIn a groundbreaking (and definitely 100% serious) development, Dorset Arm...
01/04/2026

Introduction: AI Robots Join Dorset Army Cadets

In a groundbreaking (and definitely 100% serious) development, Dorset Army Cadets are proud to announce the integration of advanced AI-powered robotic instructors into training exercises. These futuristic “cadets” combine cutting-edge artificial intelligence with military discipline to assist, train, and occasionally outshine their human counterparts.

Equipped with tactical analysis software, built-in GPS, and the ability to run on zero sleep (unfair advantage, honestly), these AI robots are here to revolutionize everything from fieldcraft to drill practice. Early reports suggest they never forget kit, never complain about the weather, and can recite regulations faster than any human cadet.

🚀 Benefits of AI Robots in Army Cadets

Perfect Drill Every Time
Robots execute drill movements with absolute precision—no left/right confusion ever again.

24/7 Training Support
No need for rest breaks—AI instructors are always ready to teach, day or night.

Instant Tactical Analysis
They can assess field exercises in real time and suggest improvements faster than you can say “stand easy.”

Zero Complaints About Weather
Rain, mud, freezing cold? The robots don’t care—training continues!

Built-in Knowledge Base
From map reading to first aid, they have every manual preloaded and ready.
Consistent Discipline

No mood swings—just perfectly fair (and slightly terrifying) enforcement of standards.
Enhanced Fitness Motivation

Nothing encourages faster running like trying to keep up with a robot that doesn’t get tired.

Reduced Lost Equipment
AI cadets track gear with precision—no more “I think I left it somewhere…”

Impressive Parade Presence
Imagine a squad marching in flawless synchronisation—judges won’t know what hit them.

🫡
11/11/2025

🫡

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them. 🥀

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27/10/2025

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Address

Headquarters, Poundbury Road
Dorchester
DT11SZ

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+441305263954

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