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 Certificate 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 Ri**es,
- 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 Ri**es. 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.
