Hampshire and Isle of Wight Army Cadet Force

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Hampshire and Isle of Wight Army Cadet Force

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The ACF is a MoD youth organisation open to all young people aged 12 from all backgrounds.

The Hampshire & IOW ACF County FB page contains all the information about what the cadets get up to across the 6 Company’s within the County along with the Dettingen County Band. It promotes the events and activities that take place from camps, sporting events, and training as well as talking about the charity and community aspect of the organisation. In Hampshire there are over 40 Detachments including a Band and Corp of Drums, in locations all over the county, from Fordingbridge to Hayling Island, Basingstoke to the Isle of Wight and as far north as Farnborough. If you are over 18, why not consider joining as an Cadet Force Adult Volunteer? We are always looking for quality CFAV who wish to train as instructors. No military experience is needed, just a desire to work with young people and watch them go further in life.

12/10/2026

🇬🇧 Proud to Be a Cadet – National Cadet Week! 💚

As part of National Cadet Week, cadets from Park Gate Detachment, were delighted to visit Tudor Lodge Nursing Home to spend the afternoon with residents and veterans.

The cadets put on a fantastic display, demonstrating their drill skills and showcasing their First Aid knowledge, including CPR. They also took the time to chat with residents and veterans, sharing their experiences, the skills they’ve learned and what being part of the Army Cadet Force means to them.

👏 A real highlight was receiving a Certificate of Appreciation from the residents and veterans, recognising the cadets' visit and the effort they put into making the afternoon special.

The visit finished with tea, cake and a fun quiz, giving everyone the chance to enjoy each other's company and share stories.

Being a cadet is about so much more than wearing a uniform. It's about building confidence, developing teamwork, showing respect and giving back to our local community.

A huge well done to all the cadets for representing Park Gate ACF and Normandy Company with such pride and professionalism. You should be incredibly proud of yourselves!

💚 Proud to be a cadet. Proud to serve our community.

12/10/2026

Congratulations to 2Lt Merrick of Normandy Company!

This week, 2Lt Merrick successfully completed the Army Cadet Commissioning Course (ACCC) at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.

The four-day course forms part of the Army Cadet Leadership Pathway, aiming to develop and standardise the way leadership is taught and developed across the Army Cadet Force.

A special mention to Captain Paddick, Cambrai CTO, who supported the course as a member of the ACCC staff.

Well done, 2Lt Merrick, on this achievement!👏

11/10/2026

NATIONAL CADETS WEEK

On Wednesday evening three cadet teams came together at Sparsholt College for an inter-cadet drill and military knowledge competition, held in support of National Cadets Week.

The event brought together cadets and representatives from the Army Cadets, Air Training Corps and supporting organisations for an evening of friendly competition, learning and partnership.

The evening began with a tour of the college’s zoo, before the teams were pitted against each other in a drill competition. At the end of the evening attendees heard from representatives of Sparsholt College, the cadet organisations and Hampshire and Isle of Wight’s Cadet Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM Nutbeam).

Beyond the competition itself, the evening provided a valuable opportunity for organisations that have signed the Armed Forces Covenant and work with the South East Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association (SERFCA) to strengthen relationships, share experiences and learn more about the work of the Army Cadets and Air Training Corps.

And the competition result? In a performance that may take some time for the Army teams to forget, the Air Cadets secured a thoroughly impressive victory in the drill competition, leaving the two Army teams battling closely for the remaining places.

10/10/2026

09/10/2026

🇬🇧 A Special Visit to Itchen Detachment – National Cadet Week 🇬🇧

As part of our very first National Cadet Week, Itchen Detachment, Normandy Company, was pleased to welcome local MP Darren Paffey to see first-hand what our cadets get up to.

The visit was hosted by Major Hargrave, Commanding Officer of Normandy Company, Captain Munns and SSgt Daykin, who showed him around the detachment and gave him an insight into the opportunities, skills and experiences available to our young people.

During the visit, he saw a range of activities taking place, including fieldcraft, banner drill and first aid. He also watched a first aid fieldcraft scenario being run by our senior cadets, complete with casualty simulation, putting their leadership, teamwork and practical skills to the test in a realistic training environment.

The visit also included a demonstration of how a basha or smock can be used to create a makeshift stretcher, showing how the skills our cadets learn can be put into practice when it matters.

💬 Major Hargrave, Commanding Officer of Normandy Company, said:

“It was a real pleasure to welcome our local MP to Itchen Detachment, Normandy Company and share the fantastic achievements of our cadets. I’m incredibly proud of what they continue to accomplish, and for the local community to see the commitment they show, and the confidence, skills and experiences they gain along the way.”

It was a great opportunity to showcase the commitment of our cadets and adult volunteers, and the variety of activities that make the Army Cadet Force such a valuable experience for young people.

A big thank you to Darren for taking the time to visit Itchen Detachment and see the work taking place as we celebrate our first ever National Cadet Week!

08/10/2026

Inside the Army Cadets UK with Jordan Wylie MBE

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07/10/2026

06/10/2026

A message from HM The King.

A special message for everyone who makes the Cadet Forces what they are. 🎖️

As we celebrate the first ever National Cadets Week, His Majesty The King has shared a message recognising the dedication of cadets, volunteers, families, employers and supporters across the UK.

A moment to celebrate everyone who helps young people build skills, character and confidence for life.

📅 5–11 October 2026

Find out more about National Cadets Week: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/national-cadets-week-2026

Address

Newburgh House, Newburgh Street
Wi******er
SO238UY

Telephone

+441962865711

Website

http://armycadets.com/county/hampshire-and-isle-of-wight-acf/

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