Volunteers’ Week: Giving Back Through the Army Cadet Force
- Robinson Grace HR
- May 27
- 5 min read
Updated: Aug 8
Volunteers’ Week was launched in 1984 to celebrate and recognise the contributions of volunteers and to highlight the diversity and unity of volunteer work across the UK.
In celebration of Volunteers’ Week, we wanted to share the story of Helen, our very own HR Business Partner, from her incredible time volunteering for the Army Cadet Force.
Helen’s Story
I wanted to give something back to the community. I had been fundraising for the Royal British Legion and the Pilgrim Bandits, but I felt I could do more. My grandfather served in the Army, and I have friends who are ex-forces as well as some still serving. After speaking with them and hearing about their experiences, I decided to apply to join the Army Reserves. Unfortunately, due to my asthma, my application was not taken forward.
Still determined to contribute in a meaningful way, I started researching alternative options and came across the Army Cadet Force (ACF). As an adult volunteer instructor, I would wear the uniform, subscribe to the Army's values and standards, follow a structured rank system, and take part in military-themed training. Most importantly, I would get to mentor young people aged 12 to 18 - helping them develop life skills like communication, teamwork, leadership, and decision-making.
No military background was required - the ACF provides all the necessary training. All I needed was determination, a can-do attitude, and the ability to keep moving forward even when I was well outside my comfort zone.
The process to join was very structured and unlike anything I’d experienced before. I submitted an online application, completed a telephone interview, and then attended a face-to-face interview at HQ. Coming from a background in HR - where everything is process and policy focused - this was something completely different.
After passing an enhanced DBS check, I was allocated to a detachment and began parading. This required regular commitment: two evenings a week, occasional weekends for training camps, one to two weeks off work annually for summer camp, and involvement in fundraising and public engagement events.
I started as an Adult Instructor, and the induction process truly pushed me beyond my comfort zone. Not everyone who joined on day one made it to the end. Only a few of us successfully earned our Sergeant stripes. Later, I went on to complete further training - at a facility where the British Army conducts basic training - to earn my Staff Sergeant stripes. That experience tested me in ways I never imagined: from sleeping outdoors on one of the coldest nights in October, with only a sheep for company, to waking instantly at the sound of flares lighting up the sky.
As part of my role, I both learned and taught a wide variety of skills:
Fieldcraft: Camouflage, silent patrols, communication methods, ambush tactics, simulated combat, and outdoor survival - including shelter building, equipment management, and hygiene in the field.
Weapons Handling: Safe and responsible use of weapons, progressing from air rifles to the Cadet General Purpose rifle. I passed the Weapons Handling Test, learned rifle drills, target shooting, and completed ammunition handling training, allowing me to transport and distribute ammunition.
Drill: Formal parade movements such as marching, saluting, and giving orders. It was more difficult than expected - especially when your voice squeaks or you get your left and right confused!
Military Knowledge: The structure of the British Army, its customs, traditions, and the role it has played in history.
Navigation: How to read a map and use a compass - no Google Maps here! I learned everything from basic symbols to advanced techniques like back bearings and resections.
First Aid: Training in both minor and life-threatening scenarios. I earned a formal qualification in First Aid, including the use of an AED (Automated External Defibrillator).
In addition to training camps and parades, I participated in a range of activities: weekend camps, Christmas events, local graveyard clean-ups, ASDA bag packs for fundraising, and public events such as RAIT, the Cotswold Show, the Doncaster Street Fair, and representing the ACF at the Mayor’s Armed Forces Covenant signing.
One of the most rewarding aspects of my time with the ACF was seeing the impact I had on the cadets. I learned that one of the young people I mentored went on to join the Army and now has a successful career. Knowing I helped set them on that path is something I’ll always be proud of.
Being an instructor in the Army Cadet Force gave me experiences I never thought I’d have. It taught me a lot about myself, developed my resilience, and gave me a range of transferable skills that I’ve used to further my career - skills like leadership, adaptability, confidence, and performing under pressure.
It was one of the most challenging and rewarding chapters of my life.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I become an adult volunteer with the Army Cadet Force in the UK?
To become an adult volunteer with the Army Cadet Force (ACF) in the UK, you do not need any prior military experience. The ACF welcomes individuals from all backgrounds who are passionate about mentoring young people and contributing to their community.
The joining process typically involves:
Submitting an online application via the Army Cadets website
Completing an interview process, including a face-to-face meeting
Undergoing an enhanced DBS check and references
Participating in initial training and induction, including fieldcraft, drill, and safeguarding protocols
Once approved, you'll join a local detachment and support cadet training evenings, weekend exercises, and annual camps. Volunteering with the ACF is a structured but highly rewarding way to give back and build transferable skills in leadership, teamwork, and resilience.
2. What are the time commitments for volunteering with the Army Cadet Force?
Volunteering with the Army Cadet Force (ACF) requires a regular and flexible time commitment. Most adult instructors are expected to:
Attend two weekday evenings per week at their local detachment
Support weekend training camps or exercises several times a year
Take part in a 1 to 2-week summer camp, often during annual leave
Participate in community events, fundraising activities, and parade days
While the commitment may vary by region and role, many volunteers find that the time invested is far outweighed by the personal fulfilment and the chance to positively impact young people’s lives.
3. What skills can I gain from volunteering with the Army Cadet Force?
Volunteering with the Army Cadet Force offers a unique opportunity to develop a wide range of transferable skills that benefit both personal growth and professional development. These include:
Leadership and decision-making under pressure
Communication and mentoring skills through working with young cadets
Resilience and adaptability in challenging outdoor environments
Time management and organisation, especially during training camps and events
First Aid certification, navigation skills, and even weapons handling (within safety protocols)
Many ACF volunteers find these experiences highly valuable in civilian careers, especially in HR, education, public service, and leadership roles.
Check out other Blogs in our series:
The content of our blogs is intended for general information and not to replace legal or other professional advice.
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