Yorkshire North and West Army Cadet Force


The Yorkshire Army Cadet Force is the county cadet force for North Yorkshire and West Yorkshire that operates as part of the Army Cadet Force. Yorkshire ACF is one of the largest Cadet Counties in the UK, its aim is to inspire young people to achieve success in life, to develop them both physically and mentally by improving self-confidence, teamwork, leadership and not forgetting great friendships. We welcome cadets of all abilities and backgrounds that are able to access the majority of its activities.

ACF Mission

The Army Cadet Force is a national, voluntary, uniformed youth organisation. It is sponsored by the British Army but not part of it and neither the cadets nor the adult volunteer leaders are subject to military call-up.  They offer a broad range of challenging adventurous and educational activities, some of them on a military theme. Their aim is to inspire young people to achieve success in life and develop in them the qualities of a good citizen.
The ACF can be compared to their counterparts in the Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps, Hong Kong Adventure Corps, and Canadian Army Cadets, amongst others.

History

In 1950 there is a mention of the Yorkshire Army Cadet Force, but the Yorkshire Army Cadet Force makes its appearance on a supplement to the London Gazette on 25th May 1979. The first distinction between the Yorkshire ACF and their Humberside and South Yorkshire counterparts appears in a supplement to the London Gazette on 22 September 1992, this is more than likely due to the changes implemented by the Options for Change.
Until the Options for Change, the county was controlled by HQ 2nd Infantry Division & North East District, but in 1999 moved to 15th Infantry Brigade. When HQ Support Command was established in 2010, the 15th Inf Bde transferred its Cadet Forces and regional groups to this new command, and in 2014 joined Commander, Cadet Forces North East, also known as North East Army Cadet Force Regiment, itself part of 4th Infantry Brigade and Headquarters North East.

Role

Yorkshire ACF is home to over 1300 Cadets and almost 250 Cadet Force Adult Volunteers in 43 Detachments across North and West Yorkshire.
Prior to 2006, the county was affiliated with the North Yorkshire Regiment and The Duke of Wellington's Regiment. From 2006, following the formation of that regiment, the county was affiliated with the Yorkshire Regiment, unless otherwise noted.

Organisation

Yorkshire Army Cadet Force comprises of five Companies covering the Counties of North and West Yorkshire. A, B, C, and D Companies are affiliated with the Yorkshire Regiment, while E Company is affiliated with The Rifles. The current composition of the county: