Army Cadet Force - Ranks - Cadet Ranks

Cadet Ranks

As well as learning new skills by working through the APC syllabus, experienced cadets can be awarded a rank. As the Army allows its soldiers to take on responsibility and leadership as NCOs, so too does the ACF give a greater role

The titles of some ranks may vary as cadet detachments are affiliated to Army regiments and adopt their terminology.

There is usually only one Cadet RSM per county. In many counties there is the opportunity for appointment to Cadet Under Officer(CUO), an appointment rather than a rank allowing the holder to stay in the officers' mess.

Although promotion is based on merit rather than progression through the APC syllabus, the following criteria must be met before a cadet is eligible for promotion:

• Cadet Lance Corporal - Passed APC 1 Star - In most counties, must complete a Junior Non Commisioned Officer Course to allow promotion
• Cadet Corporal - Passed APC 2 Star - In most counties, must complete an M.O.I course, which helps the senior cadets to teach junior, or lower stared cadets. In some cases you do not have to pass two star training to be allowed promotion to Cadet Corporal
• Cadet Sergeant/Staff Sergeant - Passed APC 3 Star - In most counties, Cadet Corporals must have an interview with the cadet Commandant to see if they are able for promotion to Sergeant, promotion to Staff Sergeant follows after a period of time as Sergeant
• Cadet Sergeant Major - Passed APC 4 Star - In most counties, must hand in a copy of their CV, along with an essay on why the cadet believes they are able for promotion to Cadet Sergeant Major, Cadet Regimental Sergeant Major follows if a Cadet Sergeant Major shows exceptional skills in their role In exceptional circumstances, a cadet not meeting these criteria can be promoted with the agreement of the ACF Cadet Commandant.

Cadet NCOs wear reduced size khaki chevrons on their brassard. NCOs from detachments affiliated to those regiments that do not wear khaki chevrons may wear the pattern worn by that regiment. Cadet sergeant majors wear the same crown badge as worn by WO2s of the Army.

Some cadet Battalions use Rank Patches rather than chevrons, an example is Yorkshire North and West ACF. On the Brassard they have olive green, square patches with black Chevrons or Crown on them (Units Affiliated the Rifles have Rifles Green Backing on there Chevrons or Crowns).