The Army Cadet force, which can trace it's history back as far as 1859, is made up of 40,000 boys and girls between the ages of 13 and 18 years of age, from all walks of life, all races and backgrounds.  From the very west of Cornwall to the north of Scotland and Northern Ireland - in fact all parts of the
United Kingdom
 

There are over 1,500 detachments which are to be found in every part of the Land.  Each has it's own identity and like others in it's area wears the cap badge and uniform of a regiment or corps having close associations with the area.  All have one thing in common - the facilities for the Army cadet to take part in activities in which self discipline, leadership and a sense of responsibility to the community are encouraged.

The ACF is not a pre service or paramilitary youth organisation.  It is a voluntary youth organisation whose aim is to offer youngsters a sense of pride and a sense of values, based on the finest traditions and high standards of the British Army.

The aim of ACF training is to produce a self reliant, fit young man or woman with an understanding of basic military subjects, initiated into the art of leadership, aware of his or her responsibilities as a citizen and with a well developed interest in the Army.

The ACF is organised by Counties or Areas in our larger cities with each having officers responsible for organising sporting, Duke of Edinburgh and training activities.  These are supported by  small Cadet Training Teams comprised of regular soldiers.  A number of training weekends are held at army camps throughout the country where full use is made of their modern facilities and training areas.
Many cadets are given the opportunity to stay with units in this country, Germany and Canada.

Most detachments hold twice weekly parades, during which time they undertake military, radio/signals training, .22 shooting, map reading, first aid, adventure training, sport and Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme.
 

ACF Cadets belonging to one of the Detachments in Devon are proud to wear the cap badge and uniform of the Devonshire and Dorset regiment and to be associated with it's long and glorious history.

The Devon ACF, with it's Headquarters in Exeter, is organised in four Companies covering various areas of the County :