How to Join the Army Cadets

Step 1: work out which one you’re joining

There are two routes, and they work differently. The Army Cadet Force (ACF) is community-based: you join a local detachment that meets in the evenings, usually once or twice a week. The Combined Cadet Force (CCF) runs inside a school or college, so you join through the school itself. If you’re not sure which applies to you, our ACF vs CCF guide lays out the differences.

Step 2: find your nearest unit

• ACF: use the detachment finder on the official Army Cadets website to find what’s near you, then contact them. Most counties have a waiting list at some detachments and space at others, so it’s worth asking about more than one.
• CCF: ask at your school — usually a teacher who runs the contingent, or the school office. If your school doesn’t have a CCF, the ACF route is open to you instead.

Step 3: go and look before you commit

Almost every unit will let you come to a parade night and watch or join in before you sign anything. This is the single most useful thing you can do. You’ll see what the evening actually looks like, meet the adults running it, and get a feel for whether you like the people.

Bring a parent or guardian if you’re under 18 — they’ll usually want to talk to them anyway about consent forms and contact details.

Step 4: paperwork and a trial period

You’ll fill in an enrolment form with medical information, emergency contacts and parental consent. Most units then run an informal trial period of a few weeks before you’re formally enrolled, so nobody is committing to anything on day one.

What it costs

Cadet activities are heavily subsidised and designed to be affordable. Expect a small subscription — often a few pounds a month — and occasional contributions towards camps or trips. Uniform is issued, not bought. If cost is a genuine barrier, say so: units are used to this and there is usually help available. It should not stop anyone taking part.

What to bring on your first night

• Comfortable clothes you can move in, and trainers or boots.
• A drink, and something to write with.
• Contact details for a parent or guardian if you’re under 18.

You will not need uniform on your first night. That comes once you’re enrolled, and it’s issued to you.

What happens next

Once you’re in, you’ll start working through the syllabus — drill, fieldcraft, navigation, first aid and the rest — and progressing through star levels. Our training subjects guide explains what each one covers.

Where Cadet AI fits

Cadet AI is an independent study aid that helps you revise that syllabus between parade nights. It’s free to use, built for ages 13 and over, with no ads and no third-party trackers. It is not an official ACF or CCF product — it’s a revision tool, and your instructors are always the authority on anything safety-critical.