“To Inspire to Achieve”
“Swift and Bold”
BUCKINGHAMSHIRE
(THE RIFLES)
ARMY CADET FORCE
COMMANDANT’S
TRAINING DIRECTIVE
FOR
2013 - 2014
by
Lieutenant Colonel John H.T.SHEARER
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BUCKINGHAMSHIRE
(THE RIFLES)
ARMY CADET FORCE
COMMANDANT’S TRAINING DIRECTIVE 2013 – 2014
The Directive sets out our priorities as a County. Summary page is to be displayed on each Platoon’s Notice
Board.
Summary
Objective 1 - Qualifications
There is the obvious APC syllabus, but there are many more qualifications available to cadets and adults. To obtain a
level of achievement and qualification(s) recognised by industry. You never know; it may well be that qualification
gained through ACF movement, which gets you that dream job!
Target
a. 80% of eligible cadets in each Company achieve completion of their current Star award in each training year.
b. 10 cadets per Company achieve BTEC in each training year.
c. 85% of eligible cadets in each Company are enrolled in the Duke of Edinburgh Award either through school or
ideally through the ACF.
i. 40% of enrolled cadets achieve completion of their Duke of Edinburgh Award each training year.
d. 20% of cadets achieve their County Colours for a qualifying subject (Shooting, Sports, First Aid, etc) each training
year.
Objective 2 – Officer and CFAV development
The development of CFAVs and in particular Officers; CFAVs are the life-blood of the ACF, without these we would not
be able to provide the range of challenges or deliver the achievements of the cadets. Officers are the future leadership
of the ACF, to take forward as a baseline that which has been set before and raise the standard to the next level,
keeping the ACF modern and relative to the youth of today.
Target
a. Full complement of officers and CFAVs in our County.
b. A minimum of 4 CFAVs become commissioned officers in each training year.
c. An officer or CFAV in the officer development programme in each Platoon by 2016.
Objective 3 – Honours and Awards
There are many honours and awards available to cadets and adults. It is only right that public recognition acknowledge
that which you and your cadets achieve. These awards give encouragement not only to those cadets/adults who
achieve the award but provide a standard for others to set themselves by.
Target
a. Each Company achieves an award or honour for a Cadet, Platoon or CFAV each training year.
b. Nominations are submitted at least 1 month before nomination deadline.
Objective 4 – The Cadet experience
Our primary role is to ensure every cadet gains the maximum positive benefit from their cadet experience. Be that a
sense of worth, qualifications, confidence or opportunity. Whilst this is my fourth objective, it is this objective that the
others are built on.
Target
a. 85% of cadets attend at least 2 of County training events each training year.
b. Each Company has 70% of their Cadets attend Annual Camp each training year.
c. 85% of cadets in every Company shoot at least 2 of the ACF weapon systems at least 6 times in each training year.
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Introduction
1.
This is the Commandant’s Training Directive. It sets out the primary objectives for all Cadet Force Adult
Volunteers (CFAVs). Company Commanders and County Training Officer will be assessed and measured
throughout the training year on how well their Company/County specialist officers, staff and cadets achieve these
objectives. It is to be freely available in Platoons and Company Headquarters, with the “Summary” page displayed
on Platoon notice boards. It should be brought to the attention of all Cadets and Parents/Guardians.
2.
This directive covers the period of Annual camp 2013 to Annual Camp 2014.
3.
The Commandant welcomes comments from any rank on the contents of the directive at any time. This may lead
to amendments as the year progresses.
4.
As one of the leading youth, organisations in the country the ACF’s first concern is ‘Childcare and Safeguarding’ looking after the young people in our care. This requirement is paramount and any adult or cadet who is aware of
any action by anyone of any rank that is contrary to the law, welfare or good practice of the ACF is to report his or
her concern to a superior at earliest opportunity.
The Basis of Our Organisation
5.
Buckinghamshire (The Rifles) ACF (aka Bucks ACF) is part of an MOD (Army)-sponsored national voluntary youth
organisation.
6.
The ACF charter decrees that we should offer challenging military, adventurous and community activities to our
young people.
7.
The ACF’s aim is to inspire young people to achieve success in life with a spirit of service to their Queen, their
country and their local community, and to develop in them qualities of good citizens.
8.
The ACF is to achieve its aim by:
a. Providing progressive cadet training, often of a challenging and exciting nature, to foster confidence, selfreliance, initiative, loyalty and a sense of service to other people.
b. Encourage the development of personal powers of practical leadership and the ability to work successfully as
a member of a team.
c. Stimulating an interest in Army, its achievements, skills and values.
d. Advising and preparing those considering a career in the uniformed Public Services or with the Regular or
Reserve Forces.
9.
The motto of the ACF is “to Inspire to Achieve”.
10. It is a requirement of all CFAVs’ to promote and adhere to the ethos of the Charter, Aim and Motto. This must be
within the Values and Standards of HM Forces, through all aspects of their actions and training. I would ask all
adults to share these values with their cadets.
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Volunteers
11. We are a volunteer organisation and other than permanent County Staff, our efforts are not automatically subject
to remuneration. That said, MOD recognise time and effort given to the ACF by volunteer staff and will provide
remuneration in the form of Paid Training Days, Motor Mileage Allowance and travel to place of duty for 40% of
CFAV activities. It is acknowledged the other 60% is made up on Platoon evening training, administration, event
coordination and Cadet In Community support activities.
Rules and Regulations
12. As a County within the ACF, nationally we have to accept and adhere to the rules and regulations of the
organisation. This involves adhering to the chain of command from the newest cadet through Cadet NCOs and
CFAVs of all ranks, through the Commandant to 145 (South) Brigade, including HQ Support Command, SE RFCA
and ultimately to the MOD. The chain of command is a key part of the military method and should be fully
appreciated by all who join the organisation.
13. In light of the findings from the Claire Shore and more recently Kaylee McIntosh all aspects of ACF safety
regulations have been reviewed and updated. These have meant major changes as to how we provide safe
training and ensure our CFAVs have the necessary up-to-date skills and awareness to provide that training. At all
times whilst providing a challenging programme to cadets it must be within a safe environment.
14. These requirements are not increased bureaucracy but to ensure the safety of our charges (Cadets and Adults)
and are the way of the modern ACF. All CFAVs have a duty to ensure that Bucks ACF is at the forefront of good
and safe practice and planning in all that it does. This equally means that CFAVs individually have the
responsibility to ensure they are fully qualified and authorised to carry out all aspects of ACF training within their
remit. All staff are to carry out their duties with the aim of setting the safety standard for others to follow.
15. As unbelievable at times as it may seem, there are many in MOD that do realise that CFAVs are volunteers, most
with family and daytime work commitments. Effort is being made to reduce the amount of paperwork and
regulations that affect us all. This aim, however, is balanced by the ever-increasing rules and scrutiny throughout
modern society. In today’s society we must accept, it is an ever-increasing culture of seeking to blame someone in
authority if something goes wrong. Hence why all CFAVs must be aware and regularly apply the “ACF Service
Test” -> “Have your actions or behaviour adversely impacted or are they likely to impact on the efficiency or
effectiveness of the Army Cadet Force” If at any point, even remotely possible – “Yes” then do not do it. If done,
then report it.
16. It is with the above in mind that I have set deadlines for submission of the necessary paperwork for all ACF
activities.
a. For an ACF activity held at Platoon level, a monthly training programme submitted via Company HQ to the
Commandant and TSA (Training Safety Advisor) by the last week of the preceding month.
b. For an ACF activity that supports the Cadet in the Community APC Syllabus, relevant paperwork submitted at
least ten (10) working days before the event.
c. For an ACF activity at Company or County Level, relevant paperwork submitted at least sixty (60) calendar
days before the event.
17. Only the Commandant has the authority to authorise or cancel an event. Where an event has been authorised
and safety may be compromised then the TSA, WO2 Montague has the Commandant’s authority to stop the
event and if necessary, in discussion with the Commandant, amend or cancel the event. However with careful
planning and applying the ACF Service Test, this should never become an issue.
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18. We are, however, a County family and help is available – it does not need every CFAV to have devoured every
regulation and complete every return his or herself. As Commandant and with the support of County permanent
staff, including the TSA, we will simplify, wherever possible, information and regulations that are passed down the
chain of command. Companies and Platoons should themselves ensure that time is saved by keeping examples of
correct and well-prepared documents in electronic format. These should be available to new and less experienced
staff. CFAVs at all levels and where appropriate senior cadets should be encouraged to assist others in the
preparation of lesson plans, documents, letters and the like. Company Commander are to encourage this element
of skill and knowledge transfer. This also is an excellent way of improving knowledge of the organisation of the
County and its activities with an individual’s promotion in mind.
19. All Platoons have their own ethos and individual character but within a Company much time can be saved by
pooling resources and sharing best practice in respect of records of really successful activities and events. The
advances in ICT provide useful tools allowing records and information to be instantly updated after an event. To
enable future similar events to be run more easily and/or improved upon. All CFAVs and cadets are encouraged to
exploit these technologies. Remaining at all times within the guidelines on use of ICT, especially Social Media. If
you are unsure, check Westminster and/or ask.
The County’s Cadet Training Programme
20. The requirement is to run a challenging programme for all cadets and CFAVs that is differentiated to allow for the
different ages, lengths of service, experiences, past training and qualifications of the individual as they progress
within their Platoons.
21. To run a superb programme, of course, requires enough cadets and adults, plenty of time to plan, prepare, recce
and carry out the activities. That the staff are knowledgeable, trained, qualified and authorised to deliver the
programme.
22. It is appreciated that the County does not have its full complement of CFAVs. That not all of the staff it does have
can either gain places on the most popular courses and/or find time to attend. That said, the expertise does exist
within companies and staff should not hesitate to ask for advice and assistance from others – it will not be taken
as a sign of weakness or incompetence – far from it. This is the type of development all senior officers should be
encouraging.
23. In order to meet the full requirements of a good training programme and maximum Cadet experience. I want the
County to be able to offer all cadets:
a. The full ACF syllabus at all levels.
b. Adventure training in a variety of disciplines leading to the opportunity for cadets and staff to train for and
gain national governing body awards in such disciplines as paddle sport (kayaking and canoeing), mountain
biking, climbing/abseiling/mountain leadership and more.
c. Taster sessions in specialist activities such as Signals, Adventure training including Ski ing (Germany) in 2014
and diving (Malta) in 2015.
d. Opportunities to take core syllabus and taster activities to a higher level by membership of specialist groups
at Company and/or County level such as Signals, First Aid, Competition Shooting and Adventure Training. In
time with the appropriate staff, this will include Music.
e. The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award at all levels - Bronze, Silver and Gold - appropriate to their age and
experience.
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“Swift and Bold”
Citizenship training leading to opportunities for individuals and groups to carry out activities to help their
local and wider communities with assistance, projects and fund-raising activities. This has the added
advantage of promoting the role of the ACF in the community.
g. Opportunities to play ACF sport and for as many as possible to represent Platoon, Company and County at
local, regional and national level and thus gain County colours - future Olympic champions have to start
somewhere.
h. Visits to regular and reserve units, service museums (of all three services), displays, parades and more.
i.
An opportunity for cadets to represent their Platoon, Company and County. In military competitions such as
the RNCC, CADSAM, Ex Rolling Thunder (Signals), First Aid, Orienteering, national and international events such as the Nijmegen Marches and more. Allowing cadets to meet and mix with other cadets and gain
County colours for representing their County – the successful fielding of County teams will require excellent
instruction and practice and inter-Platoon and inter-Company competitions leading to selection for the
County teams.
j.
During 2014; participation in events for the 100 year anniversary of World War 1 in acknowledgement of the
CFAVs and cadets who gave the ultimate sacrifice. This will include at least 1 x Battlefield tour.
24. In addition the senior cadets and NCOs – especially the Cadet RSM and Cadet CSMs should be offered:
a. Leadership and Instructor training, SCIC, CLC, Master Cadet, Champion Cadet etc.
b. Leadership and instructing opportunities according to their rank and experience usually/initially coupled with
their appointment as Section Commanders and Seconds-in-Command of Sections.
c. Opportunities for the best cadets to progress through the cadet rank structure to County Cadet RSMs,
Under-Officers and Lord Lieutenant’s Cadets based on service, training, qualifications and developed
leadership abilities. They are to have and exercise real responsibilities within the Companies and County.
d. The opportunity to assist with local administration according to need and their abilities (and current
regulations) – many senior cadets are highly competent in ICT skills.
e. BTEC in Public Services and/or Music.
f.
Opportunities to apply for and selected for a variety of tri-service courses and camps culminating in the
prestige leadership courses, including overseas such as Camp Argonaut (Canada).
g. Extra support, information, guidance and encouragement if they are contemplating future employment in
the Armed Forces (regular or reserve) or other uniformed public services.
25. There is no reason whatsoever why Bucks ACF cannot be at the forefront of innovation in the ACF and a leading
county in respect of safe training, qualifications, sports and military competition success and the organiser of top
drawer weekend, Easter and summer camp training.
26. The safe training is to be delivered by CFAVs and senior cadets – with the appropriate use of CTT staff and other
outside military or civilian qualified instructors where necessary.
27. Allowing senior cadets to act as assistant instructors is good for their own development. Though it is appreciated
that it takes time to build up experienced, trained, qualified, authorised CFAVs and keep them in the County for as
long as possible but this should not deter CFAV from using cadets as assistant instructor in appropriate ways
according to the stage of knowledge, skills and training they have at any particular time.
28. To plan and run a comprehensive and ambitious County training programme is a mammoth task for all involved
and acknowledged that staff have a life outside the ACF. For adults, family life and main employment must take
precedence before ACF activities. In addition, as adults and senior cadets progress through the organisation, the
time that they are able to devote to the ACF will vary from time to time. Nevertheless, early planning and by
pooling resources, sharing expertise and examples of good lessons, exercises and weekend training programmes
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time can be utilised within the County. So long as shared templates are reviewed and amended appropriately to
reflect the additional users and revised dates and locations.
APC Star Passes
29. Progressive APC star passes in individual subjects leading to completions of the different star levels are important.
Through testing cadets, prove they can demonstrate the competence. They take pride in the award of the
different star badges that are then displayed on their brassards/right arm, together with other qualifications and
awards gained. As Commandant and with support from Company Commanders I will endeavour to have a Star
award certificate and badge passed to the cadet within 2 weeks of completion.
30. The APC individual test passes and complete stars awarded can only serve as one way of comparing effectiveness
of Platoons and Companies. Through Westminster Database achievement of APC Star Awards are one of the tools
used as a way of judging the quality and effectiveness of ACF training. Partially complete awards are not
considered. Only complete Star Awards are analysed.
31. We therefore have to encourage cadets in the achievement of these APC awards. With the right focus on the right
training opportunities there is no reason why we cannot do this. Hence directive objectives 1 & 4.
32. If a particular Platoon has difficulties with delivering a particular subject and the subsequent testing and the
problem cannot be solved by making use of expertise elsewhere in the Company then County HQ should be
informed and arrangements will be made to solve the problem as soon as is possible.
33. To assist with this emphasis on star passes, we will continue with the previously agreed policy that Company
Commanders should take on the responsibility for the planning and overseeing up to two (2) star training and
assessment and training of three (3) and four (4) star cadets.
34. In the same way, the County Training Officer is to continue to be responsible for planning and carrying out of
three (3) and four (4) star testing boards. A programme of star level cadres at Annual camp will support this
effort. Company Commanders with agreement and authority (in writing) from the County Training Officer may
carry out three (3) star level assessments.
35. The overall syllabus is designed as a progression over four years allowing cadets to reach and gain a new star level
each year. By the time, the cadets have served for four years they should be ready to progress to the four star and
Master Cadet Awards thus completing their ACF journey in respect of core training and achievement.
Duke of Edinburgh’s Award
36. The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is open to anyone Cadets and CFAVs between the ages of 14 and 25.
37. Its structure, with emphasis on self-motivation, self-planning and working alone and in groups and requiring
commitment, challenge and determination, is well understood by further and higher education establishments
and employers. It therefore ‘adds value’ to any young person in terms of their future employability as well as
giving them an additional sense of achievement whether they achieve the award through the ACF, their school or
college, or through any other organisation.
38. The four main sections of the award – Volunteering, Physical, Skills and Expedition (with the addition, at Gold
Level, of a Residential (Project)) allows the cadet or CFAV at all the three levels – Bronze, Silver and Gold – to
choose from a wide range of areas and activities. Choosing those, they may wish to try - or progress an interested
subject.
39. All of the APC syllabus and other ACF subjects can be utilised to qualify for the award. In addition the
cadets/CFAVs can choose other activities and disciplines unconnected with their existing ACF activities. Including
a mixture of both.
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40. The County Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Officer (Captain McVean), Deputy Commandant and a number of other
staff have attended the relevant training over the past couple of years and have gained all the necessary
qualifications to run and develop the award in the County. Hence why I have set directive objective 1.
41. If signing up for the DofE Award is a financial problem for some of the cadets, in terms of paying the participation
fee then Company Commanders should discuss this with County HQ. No cadet is to be inhibited from taking on
the award due to financial constraints. We now have sufficient equipment available to the cadet that they should
not need to buy any personal equipment required for element of the award.
National Vocational Awards for Cadets - BTEC
42. The increasing recognition of the ACF’s training achievements by the civilian vocational qualification agencies is
encouraging as is the significant growth in vocational training awards gained nationally. It is acknowledged that it
is only available to ACF cadets over the age of 16 because of the restrictions of the Government’s funding for the
project nationally within the ACF. Hence why I have set directive objective 1.
43. The award is available to many cadets in their schools and colleges as an option from the age of 14, if they wish,
and, irrespective of whether it is achieved through the ACF or school or college, it can count for up to four good
GCSE passes – another way in which cadets can ‘add value’ to their personal profile.
44. Those already working for the award in the County generally work on the requirements in intensive weekend
sessions and the reasons for this are well understood. I would, like to see development in this area leading to
including this as part of our Outreach programme. With a week long course for basic level cadets and Outreach
participants during the annual Sharpe’s Rifles event.
45. If signing up for the BTEC is a financial problem for some of the cadets, in terms of paying the participation fee
then Company Commanders should discuss this with County HQ. No cadet is to be inhibited from taking on the
BTEC due to financial constraints.
46. The County’s BTEC Officer (Captain Hoare) is available for advice.
Citizenship, Community Engagement and Projects
47. There is evidence that in the ACF the Citizenship syllabus guidelines are not followed correctly in all quarters,
especially at the APC 3 & 4 Star level. All CFAVs should recognise that this is an important subject, that not only
forms part of the ACF Charter but also mirrors Community Involvement and ‘Engaging the Community’ activities
encouraged in the Regular and Reserve Forces.
48. I would like to ensure that all cadets have the opportunity to take part in a variety of activities in support of their
local, County, and possibly wider, communities.
49. Companies have already established worthwhile links, which have led to regular invitations to sell poppies, man
car parks, take part in parades and fund-raising events and much more, and these have been very successful.
50. These events should be fully utilised to demonstrate and promote the activities of the ACF. This helps bring in
new cadets and more importantly adult staff. There is plenty of recruitment material available; you can even
download flyers and leaflets from our www.BucksACF.com “brand centre”. We also have 2 x recruitment tents
and access to a recruitment trailer from SERFCA.
51. For further details or advice talk to the PR officer (Major Clare-Brown) or County HQ (SMI Bevington).
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Service Knowledge
52. Enabling cadets to gain an understanding of the current, recent and possible future roles of the British Armed
Forces. Especially the impact of Future Forces 2020 (the concept for transforming the British Army by 2020) is a
key aim of the ACF programme and steps are to be taken at all levels for this to be covered and updated
periodically.
53. Suitable activities for senior cadets could involve researching specific aspects and displaying them in Platoons
and/or making presentations to the younger cadets and then sharing their research work and presentations with
other Platoons within their Companies.
54. County will help support this aim by arrangement of Army Youth Engagement and Regimental Recruitment Team
visits during Annual camp.
Cadets with an Interest in a Possible Service Career
55. In addition to making cadets aware of the roles and activities of the Armed Forces, cadets who have declared an
interest in perhaps are joining one of the Armed Forces (Regular or Reserve), or any of the uniformed public
services, to support and encourage with informed advice to support their interest.
56. They should be made aware of opportunities for work experience and specialist advice is available from the
recruiting staff in Viney House and local area recruitment offices. Platoon Commanders are encouraged to build
up a working relationship with their local Armed Forces recruitment offices.
Standards
57. All of the ACF activities whether in uniform or not reflect on the organisation and HM Forces. We are privileged to
wear the same uniform as our Regular and Reserve Forces. Equally any activity that detracts from the highest of
standards and behaviour reflects not just across the ACF but HM Forces. It is a requirement that all aspects of the
County's work and administration to always be of the highest possible standard and, again, staff are reminded of
the “ACF Service Test” and that they should seek advice, opinions and help from others who may have already
experienced or run similar activities in the past. The aim should be to build on the best practice of others and
further improve activities and events as time passes.
CFAV Training
58. The details of adult training from induction, through local training, courses with the CTT and then at CTC Frimley
Park clearly laid out in other documents available via Westminster.
59. There is a whole range of courses and qualifications open to the enrolled adult – all at public expense – and most
staff will confirm how rewarding it is to study for and gain a nationally recognised qualification and then clock up
logbook experience in their particular chosen field, be that academic, military skills or adventure training.
60. A key tool that all CFAVs regardless of rank or role must become competent if not an expert in its use is
Westminster. This tool is the key ICT system that is used throughout MOD (Army), HQ Support Command and 145
(South) Brigade to measure our efficiency and capability. It is the statistical information within Westminster
Database that decides what resources, equipment, finance and support we will receive in future years. It is
therefore critical that we keep this database updated with the latest information at all times. From parade night
attendance to nominal roles for ACF activities; Star, DofE Award, BTEC and other relevant achievements;
qualifications, revalidation and authorisation; finally accurate cadet and CFAV details.
61. Whilst acknowledged that attendance at courses is yet another call on a volunteer has limited time. It is hoped
that, with advice and the understanding of family members, it will be possible for all CFAVs to plan a balanced
annual programme of attendance at Platoon, Company, County, Regional and National events and courses that
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will show a steady progressing over the years. Leading to personal satisfaction, qualification, promotion and the
opportunity to take up ever more senior appointments within the County. I have directed the Deputy
Commandant to work with Company Commanders on the development of CFAVs to promote individual
development.
First Aid Qualifications
62. As a service to the community at large and as a safety aid within the County. It is desired that all cadets should
receive training within 6 months after joining to reach British Heart Foundation ‘Heartstart’ standard and that all
adults hold a nationally recognised Basic First Aid qualification as soon as possible after joining with a long-term
aim to get all adult volunteers qualified to First Aid at Work standard.
63. For the adults this will be yet another qualification and course. One with a three-year requalification requirement
to remain current. It is now mandatory that all Staff achieve a Basic First Aid qualification by the time they attend
the Adult Intermediate Induction training.
Bi-Annual Testing
64. There is currently a minimum requirement for all CFAVs to undergo a JSP 535 (Red Book) awareness test; attend
sessions on safeguarding (Duty of Care / Values & Standards) and for those with access to Westminster,
Protecting Information annually. As well as for relevant staff; update driving matrix texts every two years and
update weapon-handling and Pyrotechnic tests every six months.
65. Different ways of achieving these mandatory requirements have been tried and will continue be developed. For
the period of this directive,
a. JSP 535 awareness test compiled by the TSA is to be delivered to staff via Company Commanders.
b. Safe Guarding Cadets, Duty of Care and Value & Standards by presentation overseen by Commandant or CEO.
at one of the following events – Adult Trg Day 13 July, Advance Party 27 July, Main Party 28 July.
c. Protecting Information electronic online with certificate assurance via Company Commanders.
66. Special arrangements will be made to raise awareness and test those who are unable to attend the Adult training
day or Annual Camp sessions.
67. No CFAV is permitted or authorised to carry out or attend any ACF activity without the above requirements (para
64 – 65) being validated and registered on Westminster.
Adult Training – Initial
68. It is vital that initial enquiries are followed up as soon as possible whilst the applicant remains enthusiastic – the
applicant may have even offered his or her services to more than one County or Service. High calibre staff is are
necessary.
69. At the earliest opportunity new potential CFAVs are to have an initial interview by the Company Commander,
with OC report sent to County HQ. They are to be encouraged to attend a local platoon to understand level of
commitment, knowledge and standard they will take on as a CFAV. With attendance at the first available
Familiarisation and Assessment weekend.
70. The potential CFAVs are not formally a member of the ACF until they have attended and passed the
Familiarisation and Assessment weekend and have a current CRB. Hence at no time must they be left alone with
cadets or permitted to provide training. With agreement from the Platoon and Company Commander they can
view training of cadets.
71. On completion and Commandant’s acceptance at the end of the Familiarisation and Assessment weekend, the
new CFAV is to start part 1 of the new Basic Induction Training at local level. This will be under the authority and
direction of the Deputy Commandant or County Training Officer on his behalf.
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72. Further training and preparation for the mandatory Intermediate and Advance Induction training will be under
the direction of the Deputy Commandant or County Training Officer on his behalf.
73. There is still a need for junior CFAVs to have mentoring by CFAVs that are more experienced. It recognised that
this aim is difficult to achieve whilst there is a shortfall of CFAVs against the establishment figure. However
Company Commanders are to implement where and when possible.
Adult Training - Continuation
74. There are mandatory requirements for CFAVs to attend certain courses within certain timeframes in order to
remain current and competent and progress through the rank structure and it is obviously highly desirable for
CFAVs to undergo periodic training to increase and update their knowledge and benefit from mixing with other
CFAVs from across the region and nationally.
75. All the main courses are visible on the Westminster Database, which all CFAV has access. In addition, Company
staff is to monitor the progress of all their staff in respect of career development as well as central monitoring by
County HQ. Request for courses should first be agreed with respective Company Commander and then sent to the
Deputy Commandant for formal approval. On receipt of approval from the Deputy Commandant the County HQ
Admin staff will book the requested course via Westminster.
76. In support of staff development the County will take forward two initiatives; “What does it take to be an officer in
the ACF”; “Pre-CFCB training”. These two training initiatives will be directed by the Deputy Commandant with
support from key personnel within the County. Details and dates will be provided on Westminster and form part
of the County Training programme. It is intended that these courses become a regular feature within the Bucks
ACF annual training programme.
Army Cadet Force Association Outreach Project
77. Outreach projects are highly desirable activities run by the ACF for those who are not already in the cadet
movement but these are a specialist area and a separate document is to be produced to address the subject. I
wish to support the outreach activities fully.
78. As a County we plan to raise the profile of what Bucks ACF can offer the Outreach Project. With an aim to host
10 – 15 participants on the Sharpe’s Rifle week (June 2014).
79. This event will be pre-empted by a “proof of concept” weekend by March 2014.
Evening, Single Day and Weekend Training
80. Like all training in all lifestyles, there should be a steady progression through the regular weeknight Platoon
activities, through single training days and weekends to weeklong Easter and summer activities.
81. The activities on the colder and darker evenings of winter are ideal opportunities to prepare cadets for the
opportunities available out-of-doors in the better weather and longer evenings later in the year.
82. All activities should have clear aims to be achieved and it should decided at what level(s) the activities should be
run – there is nothing worse than senior cadets having to needlessly repeat skills already learned at a lower level
or junior cadets having to be included in activity for which they have been inadequately prepared.
83. As such Platoon Commanders are required to provide monthly training programmes showing their aim and
activity. They are to be submitted via the Company HQ staff to the Commandant and TSA by the last week of the
preceding month. These programmes are to be linked to the Company Training Programme that is to run from
Annual camp to Annual camp. Company Commanders are to submit Company Training programmes to the
Commandant by 9 Aug 2013.
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Easter Activities, Sharpe’s Rifles Camp and Summer Camp
84. These activities are the ‘cream on the cake’ – the activities, which all other activities are leading up to, and these
will be organised by the appropriate County teams.
85. As well as these key activities there are planned a range of other events open to all cadets, although
unfortunately numbers are restricted:
a. Ski trip – Germany – Feb 2014
b. Orkney Exchange – Orkney - Apr 2014
c. WWI battlefield tour – Belgium – May 2014
86. Other possible overseas events are also being considered, but will be dependent on CFAVs being available.
87. Under the overall direction of the Deputy Commandant and County Training Officer the key features of the
Annual camp will be:
a. Recruits who have not attended at least one weekend, or longer event – preferably the Sharpe’s Rifles Camp at
Bicester - prior to 1 July, will not have permission to attend the camp.
b. A selected team of County adult and cadet staff under a selected officer will run a Basic/1 star Cadre – Anzio –.
Ideally, the trainees will have been on the Sharpe’s Rifles camp and the staff will be of the highest calibre. This
cadre is for cadets in their first 6 months and/or need that bit extra time to gain the basics of being a cadet. The
priority of this cadre is a fun cadet experience, with a secondary aim of APC syllabus passes.
c. A Senior Cadre to be coordinated by OC I Company with assistance from selected County adult and cadet staff as
necessary. This will be for the first week, with the second week participation on the Cadet Radio User course or
First Aid @ Work. The priority of this cadre is to complete 3 or 4 star APC syllabus and award of Cadet Radio User
or First Aid @ Work.
d. Each Company will take responsibility for an APC Star cadre with the Company Commander, Second-inCommand and other specified Company HQ staff being responsible for the command and control of the cadre.
The priority for these cadres is to complete the relevant 1 or 2 Star APC syllabus. The OC Cadre (Company
Commander) can at their discretion decide to test the cadet at next APC star level.
e. These cadres will be intensive, make use of a number of evening sessions in addition to the days, and strive to
achieve significant instruction, practice and testing to aim to complete a significant number of APC star
completions. This will be made possible by an all-out effort by Platoons and Companies in the months leading to
camp to try and complete the outstanding passes required by certain cadets who are close to completion of one
level and ready to move on to the next.
f.
Other key activities will be organised including regular annual Summer Camp activities and some new ones
including:
i. A variety of adventure training opportunities on water and land.
ii. Shooting practice and competitions with a variety of weapons – leading to qualification for shooting badges
where possible.
iii. Company overnight field training exercises - preferably with two companies in the field at any one time.
With careful planning and coordination between OC Cadres meaningful interaction and the use of live enemy
is permitted.
iv. Specialist activities allowing an element of choice amongst at least more senior cadets. These are to include
Radio and Telephone Communications, Advanced First Aid, Expedition Training.
v. Opportunities for Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Practice Expeditions and, for those who are prepared in
advance, actual Bronze and Silver Level Qualifying Expeditions.
vi. Military and other skills practice, including command tasks, and competitions.
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vii. Sports and sport competitions.
viii. Introductory and continuation work for BTEC courses.
ix. Free time and social activities, including a day out of camp.
x. A visitors’ day (the first Thursday) where the County will host a range of official guests that are able to
support and influence the impact of ACF in their local community. There is no intent to hold a specific
programme and Cadres are requested to continue their programme of training, though make provision for
cadets and adults to talk to the official guests, should they visit your activity.
xi. A disco party for the cadets and Mess Dinners for the CFAVs.
88. If signing up for Annual Camp is a financial problem for some of the cadets, in terms of paying the camp fee then
Company Commanders should discuss this with County HQ. No cadet is to be inhibited from attending Annual
camp due to financial constraints. We now have sufficient equipment available to the cadet that they should not
need to buy any personal equipment required for element of training during camp.
Commandant’s Challenges and County Competitions
89. For 2013 generally, the Commandant wishes to continue with existing competitions such as Best Platoon and the
various skills and sports competitions within the current Annual camp programme.
Competitions
90. The entering of County Teams for as many competitions as possible is to be encouraged following suitable trials
and team selection within the County. Examples include Regional and National First Aid, RNCC Military Skills and
Patrol Competition, CADSAM and Ex Rolling Thunder (Signals) as well as all the usual sports competitions.
The Cream - Master Cadet, Cadet Leadership Courses and the Canadian Cadet Exchange Programme
91. Fantastic opportunities to take part in top-level activities amongst the cream of the nation’s cadet talent in these
top-of-the-range courses exist and recently Bucks ACF has been very under-represented at these events.
92. High-calibre cadets are to be made aware of these opportunities and they should be helped to apply in good time
for places.
93. Each year as a County we should aim to have at least one of our cadets attend the annual Champion Cadet
competition at Frimley. An excellent opportunity for our cadets to show what they have achieved and what Bucks
ACF can offer.
Individual Training Folders for All Cadets
94. A frequent discussion concerns whether or not to issue hand-outs activities and then whether or not the cadets
should be given them to keep and possibly loose.
95. It is suggested that all cadets are issued with a folder in which to keep hand-outs, map extracts, details of the
Country Code, weapon handling tests and much more and that these should be held centrally in Platoons, issued
out, and collected in again as required. If a cadet has a need to revise from them and/or take them to camp then
they can be reissued.
Training Resources, Training Aids and PowerPoint Presentations
96. CFAV and senior cadets are encouraged to create and make use of training aids, models, posters, PowerPoint
presentations and the like to assist with training and the best examples should be shared within Platoons and
Companies.
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97. Some of our staff has more flexibility as to their time and resources and others can be more creative in their
planning of activities. Training aids do not need to be re-invented by every instructor for every subject. As time
passes, the quality and usefulness of training aids should go up as previous efforts are improved upon.
Conclusion
98. The intention of this directive has been to outline some of the Commandant’s aims and objectives for the
County’s Training in 2013 - 2014.
99. Whilst the objectives listed on the summary page are active targets for all to achieve and set by myself. I sincerely
hope they are what all CFAVs in Bucks ACF want to achieve and hence the delivery of them are owned by us all.
With their implementation we can offer the best experience and opportunity to the youth of Buckinghamshire.
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