THE ARMY CADET FORCE (ACF) IN NORTHERN IRELAND CELEBRATES 80 YEARS OF AMAZING YOUTH ORGANISATION

The ACF marked a very important date in their calendar recently as they organised and took part in a parade through Ballyclare in Co Antrim.  There were over 200 cadets from across both the 1^st and 2^nd Cadet battalions and 50 adult volunteers took part in the town which holds a special place in the organisation as the very first unit was established there back in 1943.

The parade was led by the spectacular sounds of the band of the Royal Irish Regiment and the route followed from Ballyclare High School to the Town Hall.

Visitors to the event were able to enjoy a cadet village with many stands including interactive activities, which also demonstrated the achievements of the ACF, and to top it off there was a musical display of pipe and drums band at The Square and the Town Hall.  One of the adult volunteers on parade was Regimental Sergeant Major

(RSMI) Robby Thompson, who has served over 42 years both as a Cadet and as an adult instructor, said “Over the years the ACF has changed in many ways but what hasn’t changed is that we, as a youth organisation, bring young people off the street, provide them with a place to train, in still a set of core value and standard which offer them the ‘The Cadet Experience’ which fundamentally is fun, friendship and belonging.  I am both honoured and privileged to parade as party the ACF’s 80^th anniversary celebrations”.

The event was supported by 38 (Irish) Brigade who have had a close affiliation with the Army cadets since its inception in 1943 onwards. Recently Cadets have travelled to Normandy, Holland, Canada and Poland for both educational and cultural visits and opportunities for cross-community and national and international friendships.

ACF “Inspire to Achieve”

Selfless Commitment, Respect for Others, Loyalty, Integrity, Discipline, Courage

Inspiring young people to achieve success in life with a spirit of service to the King, their Country and their local community, and to develop in them the qualities of a good citizen. 

Speaking afterwards Cadet Sergeant Holly Adrain, from Larne Detachment, explained why the organisation means so much to her. “The army cadets have given me so many opportunities, I have made friends and memories for life and have developed skills which I would never have gained,” she said. “I had the opportunity to attend the 80-year commemorations in Normandy on D-Day and have taken part in shooting and first aid teams. The Army Cadet Force means a lot to me and I am privileged to be part of this anniversary”.

Mr McCorkell LL Antrim with cadets in Ballyclare as part of 80th celebrations © Ministry of Defence 2024

1. The Lord Lieutenant of Antrim, Mr David McCorkell meets with Sergeant Major Addison, Lance Sergeant Ashe and Sgt Beckett of the Army Cadet Force in Ballyclare Town Hall.
2. Images of ACF parade in Ballyclare

Recently Cadets have travelled to Normandy, Holland, Canada and Poland for both educational and cultural visits and opportunities for cross-community and national and international friendships.