Devon Army Cadet Force

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Devon Army Cadet Force A youth organisation for 12 to 18 years with a miltary theme. Part of Army Cadets UK The County Headquarters and Weekend Training Centre are based in Exeter.

Devon 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 awards);
- The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award;
- Vocational Qualifications including BTEC and ILM; and
- Adventurous Training;
- Military skills. Devon ACF has 36 Detachments, over 750 cadets, 200 Adult Volunteers and 8 members of permanent staff. The various detachments are split between 5 Companies, namely
- A (Exeter & East Devon) Company, based at Tiverton Cadet Centre;
- B (Plymouth) Company, based at Millbay Army Reserve Centre;
- C (North Devon) Company, based at Barnstaple Army Reserve Centre; and
- D (South Devon) Company, based at Totnes Cadet Centre; and
- Devon ACF Corps of Drums, based at Okehampton Battle Camp. Most detachments parade 2 nights per week and each Company has approx. 3 weekends away each year, as well as a 2-week Summer Camp during the school holidays. Weekend training also takes place at Okehampton Camp and Dartmoor Training Area. Devon ACF is proud to be part of the Ri**es family, and all of our cadets and CFAVs from across the county wear the Ri**es cap-badge as a sign of our regimental affiliation. If you are interested in joining Devon ACF either as a Cadet Force Adult Volunteer to work with our young people, or as a cadet (if you are aged 12-18), please Contact Us.

OKEHAMPTON DETACHMENT MAKES HISTORY ON ROYAL VISIT TO LONDONCadets welcomed as guests of Her Majesty Queen Camilla for a...
16/10/2026

OKEHAMPTON DETACHMENT MAKES HISTORY ON ROYAL VISIT TO LONDON

Cadets welcomed as guests of Her Majesty Queen Camilla for an unforgettable day of royal and military tradition.

Cadets from Okehampton Detachment, Devon Army Cadet Force, enjoyed a once-in-a-lifetime experience in London as guests of Her Majesty Queen Camilla during Operation Royal Oke.

Escorted through the Palace gardens to Buckingham Palace forecourt, the cadets marched out on to the forecourt to witness the world-famous Changing of the Guard, watched by tens of thousands of spectators. The ceremony included a special addition performed by the Welsh Guards to mark the centenary of Winnie-the-Pooh.

The detachment then toured the Royal Mews with the King’s Head Chauffeur, seeing the magnificent state vehicles and iconic Gold State Coach, before being welcomed to Wellington Barracks for lunch by the Brigade Major of the Household Division.

The afternoon continued at the Guards Museum, where cadets explored regimental history and tried on the iconic scarlet tunics and bearskin hats. At Horse Guards, Lieutenant Colonel Foinette welcomed the group to Wellington’s Office and promoted seven cadets in recognition of their commitment and achievements. Something that has never happened in this office before, a room usually reserved for the major general and the royal family.

One of the day’s most poignant moments came when the detachment was granted permission to parade down Whitehall to the Cenotaph. Corporal Law and Corporal Raines laid two wreaths: one on behalf of Okehampton Army Cadets and the other representing Okehampton Branch of the Royal British Legion.

Staff Sergeant White led the detachmentacross the iconic Horse Guards Parade square for one final parade, a fitting end to an unforgettable day, before returning to the waiting coaches for the journey home to Okehampton.

The cadets’ excellent conduct and exemplary representation of Okehampton made a lasting impression on the Household Division. In recognition of their behaviour throughout the visit, the Guards extended an invitation for the detachment to return to London next year to witness Trooping the Colour, one of the most prestigious events in the royal ceremonial calendar.

S2lt Caunter, Detachment Commander, said:

“I am immensely proud of our cadets. They represented Okehampton brilliantly, experiencing our nation’s military traditions at the highest level while demonstrating the values of teamwork, leadership, and respect. To finish the day by laying wreaths at the Cenotaph was a particularly moving honour. The invitation to return for Trooping the Colour is the icing on the cake and a wonderful recognition of the standards our young people have demonstrated.”

Operation Royal Oke provided unforgettable memories and a powerful reminder of the opportunities available to young people through the Army Cadet Force. Find out more at https://armycadets.com/join-now/

Devon Army Cadet Force is delighted to congratulate Cadet Staff Sergeant George Batten on his appointment as Lord-Lieute...
15/10/2026

Devon Army Cadet Force is delighted to congratulate Cadet Staff Sergeant George Batten on his appointment as Lord-Lieutenant’s Cadet for Devon, following the Lord-Lieutenant’s Award Ceremony in Exmouth last Thursday.

This prestigious appointment recognises George’s commitment, leadership and contribution to his community, providing him with the opportunity to represent the Lord-Lieutenant, Devon and the wider Army Cadet Force at important civic and ceremonial occasions.

Speaking about his new role, George said:
“Being selected for this position is a great honour, as it involves representing both Devon and the wider cadet movement.”

As Lord-Lieutenant’s Cadet, George will have the opportunity to attend remembrance services, parades, award presentations and other significant county events alongside the Lord-Lieutenant, demonstrating the positive impact young people can make within their communities.

His appointment is a fantastic achievement and a testament to the dedication and enthusiasm he brings to the organisation.

Devon Cadet Force Adult volunteers received recognition and Awards at last week's Lord Lieutenant's awards.His Majesty's...
15/10/2026

Devon Cadet Force Adult volunteers received recognition and Awards at last week's Lord Lieutenant's awards.

His Majesty's Certificate of Meritorious Service recipients were:
Major Darral Saw
Lt Stacy Comer
Warrant Officer Class 2 Kenneth Boon

Warrant Officer Class 1 Fredy Elder also received a Meritorious Service award for his role in the Army Reserves.

Ulysses Trust Award:
Captain Matthew Sanders - for his leadership and organisational excellence in coordinating Exercise Pellew Splash.

Well done to each of you 👏👏. These awards are a testament to the outstanding commitment, leadership, and service you give.

B COMPANY BASIC ASSESSMENT WEEKENDAnother weekend done and dusted for B Company, Devon Army Cadet Force!Our Basic Cadets...
14/10/2026

B COMPANY BASIC ASSESSMENT WEEKEND

Another weekend done and dusted for B Company, Devon Army Cadet Force!

Our Basic Cadets took part in their Basic Assessment Weekend, putting their training, knowledge and skills to the test as they worked towards completing their basic training.

The weekend was an opportunity for cadets to demonstrate what they have learnt, challenge themselves and show their commitment to becoming fully trained Army Cadets.

A massive well done to all the cadets who took part, and a huge thank you to the adult volunteers and staff who gave up their time to deliver and support the weekend.

Every assessment is another step forward, building confidence, teamwork, discipline and skills for life.

Well done to everyone involved!

B COMPANY | DEVON ARMY CADET FORCE

Over the weekend, cadets and CFAVs took part in a JCIC (Junior Cadet Instructor Course) course, developing the skills ne...
13/10/2026

Over the weekend, cadets and CFAVs took part in a JCIC (Junior Cadet Instructor Course) course, developing the skills needed to become confident and effective instructors.

From learning the foundations of lesson delivery and exploring coaching and teaching techniques, to taking their first steps into public speaking, everyone embraced the challenge and demonstrated fantastic enthusiasm and commitment.

What a weekend!From 2nd to 4th October, we hosted our October ACS Board, assessing 1-Star Fieldcraft and 3-Star Navigati...
12/10/2026

What a weekend!

From 2nd to 4th October, we hosted our October ACS Board, assessing 1-Star Fieldcraft and 3-Star Navigation.

The cadets showed outstanding commitment, determination, and teamwork, tackling every challenge with enthusiasm and focus. It was inspiring to see their hard work pay off over the course of the weekend.

Well done to all involved. 👏

That’s a wrap for National Cadets Week! A fab week celebrating Devon ACF! 🎉Over the  week, our detachments have been bus...
11/10/2026

That’s a wrap for National Cadets Week! A fab week celebrating Devon ACF! 🎉

Over the week, our detachments have been busy doing what they do best. Helping our cadets develop new skills, take on challenges, all while building friendships and having fun along the way!

Here are a few snapshots (from three of our detachments) to give you a glimpse of what our cadets have been up to during National Cadet Week.

A huge thank you to all our cadets and adult volunteers across Devon.

Didn't manage to get to one of our Detachments this week?

Don't worry, our doors are always open. Register your interest here https://armycadets.com/county/devon-acf/

Poppy Rocks at Ivybridge Detachment – B CompanyOn Tuesday’s parade night at Ivybridge Detachment, as part of National Ca...
11/10/2026

Poppy Rocks at Ivybridge Detachment – B Company

On Tuesday’s parade night at Ivybridge Detachment, as part of National Cadets Week and their programme of Remembrance activities, cadets got creative and painted their own .

Each rock has been painted with a poppy as a small but meaningful way of remembering and honouring those who have served and sacrificed for our country.
With the kind permission of the Royal British Legion, a number of these special poppy rocks will be placed at the Ivybridge War Memorial in the coming weeks, creating a lasting reminder of remembrance within our community.

A special thank you to Steve from for working with us on this project and helping make the activity such an enjoyable and meaningful experience for our cadets.

We would also like to express our sincere thanks to our parents and to Goodman's Pet Cremation, who generously provided sponsorship for the project.

Support like this is incredibly important to us. Without the generosity of our parents and our sponsors, activities such as this simply would not be possible.

Their support allows us to provide our cadets with positive, meaningful experiences while helping them engage with and contribute to their local community.

We will remember them.

09/10/2026

National Cadets Week

This National Cadets Week, we’re celebrating the young people and adults who make up the Army Cadets.

From learning new skills and taking on challenges, to building confidence, leadership, resilience and friendships that last a lifetime – being an Army Cadet is about so much more then wearing a uniform.

Our cadets and adults push themselves, support each other and take opportunities.

From the parade ground to the field, from adventurous training to community events.

Be part of something bigger.

Interested? Register your interest here and see what being a cadet or CFAV can do for you. https://armycadets.com/county/devon-acf/

Address

HQ Devon ACF, Pellew House, Dryden Lane
Exeter
EX25BY

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