Come on the Micks Come on the “Micks” The History of the

Come on the Micks Come on the “Micks” The Army Cadet Force Not part of the Army The Army’s sponsored Youth Organisation Open to ALL Boys & Girls Cadets can join now in the year they are 12yrs to 18yrs 9 months And leave when they like

Come on the Micks Come on the “Micks” When did it all start? Can trace its existence back to 1859 French threatened to invade Britain Army heavily involved in India trying to quell the Indian Mutiny Few regular units in UK Volunteer companies from at least 8 schools,

Come on the Micks Come on the “Micks” Senior boys and masters Some companies started their own cadet companies From younger boys The invasion never came When did it all start?

Come on the Micks Come on the “Micks” Social Workers Seen benefit of Cadet Companies for young boys Conditions at home were very bad A dirty environment Children getting caught up in crime

Come on the Micks Come on the “Micks” Miss Octavia Hill Pioneer Social Worker Worked hard for the National Trust Not a military person She formed the first Cadet Company East End of London

Come on the Micks Come on the “Micks” Miss Octavia Hill’s Aim Important Character Training Teamwork Cleanliness Self reliance To introduce boys from the slums to:

Come on the Micks Come on the “Micks” Miss Octavia Hill Today’s ACF stems from Miss Hills idea Our Aims are still the same To Inspire To Achieve

Come on the Micks Come on the “Micks” First World War Big expansion in Cadet Forces War Office (now MOD) took control All administration and finances 1923 handed back control to TA

Come on the Micks Come on the “Micks” 1930 Government ceased to recognise “Cadet Force” Withdrew all financial support Everything had to be provided privately Cadet Forces had to raise their own funds Wearing of Regimental badges and buttons forbidden Units had to become self sufficient

Come on the Micks Come on the “Micks” Second World War Big expansion of Cadet Force 1942 War Office took over control Named “Army Cadet Force” Supplied accommodation, equipment, uniforms Cadets joined Armed Forces at age of 18yrs With a good knowledge of military

Come on the Micks Come on the “Micks” 1945 Army Cadet Force Association (ACFA) Report direct to Ministry Of Defence ACFA still effective today Report on all cadet matters

Come on the Micks Come on the “Micks” 1959 Army Cadet Force get official reconciliation Appointment of “Cadet Training Centre at Frimley Park, nr. Aldershot, Hants Centre for training of Adult Instructors Use of ACF & CCF Leadership Courses for Senior Cadets

Come on the Micks Come on the “Micks” 1960 Centenary Year of ACF HRH The Duke of Edinburgh Colonel in Chief, Army Cadet Force Presents ACF Banner at Tower of London Banner now housed at CTC Frimley Park

Come on the Micks Come on the “Micks” Weapons and Equipment Females joined the ACF 1980’s Received new Rifle Version of Army’s SA mm Single shot Cadet General Purpose Rifle Known as “LA98A1 Cadet GP Rifle”

Come on the Micks Come on the “Micks” Army Proficiency Certificate replaced “Part 1 & Part 2 Certificates” Changes made to suit Modern Day Army and civilian life 1999 saw us get new 90 Pattern Webbing Uniforms and equipment are modern Combat 95 clothing issued to cadets Weapons and Equipment

Come on the Micks Come on the “Micks” With socks and tee shirts New weapon “Self Loading Rifle” based on British Army SA80 A2 BFA can be fitted (with blank magazine) New assault vest issued for cadets Cadet Gortex Jackets issued for cadets New MTP Clothing will be issued to ACF shortly Weapons and Equipment

Come on the Micks Come on the “Micks” Army Cadet Force We are a modern Youth Organisation With many options for all cadets Qualifications (BTEC/NVQ) Changes in the Syllabus Up to date Manuals for The Cadet Forces Westminster record data base for cadet units

Come on the Micks Come on the “Micks” 40,000 cadet in the UK 1,700 Platoons/Troops Better Detachment accommodation Better trained adult staff Cadets better trained and having fun We need 30 cadets in each detachment Supporting our cadets with “Action – Fun – Adventure” Army Cadet Force

Come on the Micks Come on the “Micks” Cadet Battalions thrived through the troubles Some detachments closed due to trouble in that area Most remained strong due to the determination of the Officers and Adult Instructors who over came many challenges 1 st (Cadet) Bn Royal Irish Rangers 1980 The ACF in Northern Ireland

Come on the Micks Come on the “Micks” The ACF in Northern Ireland Consists of 2 Battalions 1 st (Northern Ireland) Battalion ACF 2 nd (Northern Ireland) Battalion ACF ACF NI restructured in 1992 Antrim & Belfast Bn and 1 st (Cadet) Bn Royal Irish Rangers Became 1 st (NI) Bn ACF 4 Companies A-B-C-D

Come on the Micks Come on the “Micks” The ACF in Northern Ireland 1 st Bn covers an area from: North Belfast, Co. Antrim, Co. Londonderry, City of Londonderry. Co. Tyrone and Co. Fermanagh Headquarters of ACF NI is in Carryduff Belfast Administered by Reserve Forces and Cadets Association (Northern Ireland) RFCA (NI) ACF Sub Committee within RFCA

Come on the Micks Come on the “Micks” RFCA employ all civilian staff within the ACF e.g. CEO, CQM, CAA’s & Clerks New Cadet Training Centre at Magilligan Camp opened September 2007 (Cost £4.8m) The ACF in Northern Ireland

Come on the Micks Come on the “Micks” 2nd (Northern Ireland) Bn ACF Headquarters Carryduff with a CEO Restructured in 1992 Made up from Old ACF Bn’s of Antrim & Belfast Bn and Armagh & Down Bn Bn Covers: Greater Belfast, Co Down, Co Armagh Training Centre at Ballykinler opened May 2000

Come on the Micks Come on the “Micks” The End Presented by “Come on the Micks” The End