There are over 4,400 cadets in Wales who enjoy fun with friends at more than 200 unit locations spanning the length and breadth of the country.
They grow through life changing experiences and gain nationally recognised qualifications, such as the Duke of Edinburgh's Award, St John's Ambulance First Aid and BTEC awards.
Through exciting activities and adventurous training, cadets from all walks of life gain new personal and practical skills to use in everyday life, which often takes them to new places.
Each cadet unit is a part of wider national voluntary youth organisation sponsored by the Ministry of Defence (MoD). Click on the links below to find out more.
Cadet organisations combine youth work with military-themed training and community-based activities. They improve the health of cadets through a variety of outdoor activities and sport. Young people can be a part of the cadets from the age of 12-19 years old depending on the organisation they join.
There are over 1,200 volunteers in Wales who spend their spare time inspiring cadets to achieve in the classroom and their future careers.
Volunteers are ordinary people who make an extraordinary impact to their local communities. By spending one or two days a week and some weekends with their local cadet unit, volunteers make an important investment in the future of young people.
Many volunteers have no previous military experience and come from diverse backgrounds. Support and guidance will be provided by their chosen organisation and they must be 18 years old or older.
In return, they will be rewarded with a satisfying role in the community and transferable skills to use in their civilian lives. Volunteers can gain a range of qualifications in areas like team leadership and there are opportunities to become a commissioned officer.
The support provided by RFCA for Wales gives cadets the confidence to overcome challenges, to contribute to their communities and learn the value of citizenship.
The Permanent Support Staff embedded in each Army Cadet Force (ACF) unit are employed by RFCA for Wales. These employees are tasked to provide the staff, logistical, recruiting and clerical support to enable the Cadet Force Adult Volunteers (CFAV) to deliver cadet training.
In Wales, the ACF is organised into three units which are defined by the old preserved county boundaries; Clwyd & Gwynedd ACF, Dyfed & Glamorgan ACF and Gwent & Powys ACF.
RFCA for Wales provide many cadet units with the venues where they work and train to unlock their true potential. Click here to learn more about the estate.
In addition to this, RFCA for Wales also play a prominent role in the provision of material and financial support to the Royal Air Force (RAF) Air Cadets, as well as more limited support to the Sea Cadet Corps.
The UK Government launched the School Cadet Expansion Programme in 2012 and the Welsh Government, in consultation with the Ministry of Defence (MoD), agreed to join in 2016.
There are currently seven state and private schools in Wales who have unique educational partnerships with a CCF unit. Across the UK, over 100 state schools have joined the Cadet Expansion Programme and benefitted from improved pupil-teacher relations, behaviour and discipline, staff development and reputation in the community.
The School Cadet Expansion Officer in Wales is Major Stephen John. Please feel free to get in touch and find out more about the initiative, discuss your particular situation and receive advice on the next steps your school could take.