CADET ORGANISATIONS IN LONDON

All Cadet units share common ground in being youth organisations with training designed to promote teamwork, reliability and leadership with the goal of good citizenship. This is achieved through friendship, adventure and fun.

There are over 14,000 Cadets, including the Combined Cadet Force (CCF), from all three Services spread throughout London.  GL RFCA provides both financial and logistic support as well as assistance and encouragement in recruiting both Cadets and Adult Instructors.

The Sea Cadet Corps (SCC) has up to 50 units with over 1,500 cadets. Their training is based upon that of the Royal Navy from whom they receive considerable support.  GL RFCA assists with the maintenance of accommodation and recruitment of Adult Instructors, whilst the general finance in support of each unit comes from the efforts of a civilian committee whose remit is to raise funds for that unit.

The Army Cadet Force (ACF) operates in four Sectors within Greater London: North West, North East, South West and South East with over 100 detachments. The activities of the ACF rely very much on the Regular Army who provide much of their training support.  GL RFCA is responsible for providing logistic and financial support including the provision and maintenance of accommodation and transport, as well as recruiting and financing over 30 permanent support staff.

The Air Training Corps (ATC) is divided into four Wings with over 90 squadrons.  The ATC relies on training support from the RAF, with accommodation maintained by GL RFCA.

Combined Cadet Force (CCF) - There are over 30 CCF contingents in private and state schools in London.  Their aim is “to provide a disciplined organisation in a school so that pupils may develop powers of leadership by means of training to promote the qualities of responsibility, self-reliance and perseverance”. GL RFCA is responsible for the maintenance and security of the ranges and armouries.

CADET INITIATIVES

CADET LINK

In 2005, at the instigation of the then Lord Mayor of the City of London, a scheme was set up by GL RFCA to encourage the City’s Livery Companies to forge closer links, whether financial, educational or social, with London’s Cadet Movement. This initiative is ongoing and as at November 2009, over 60 of the 108 Livery Companies have formed such links. A Cadet Link Newsletter is produced annually.

“…the second (thanks) goes to the Livery Companies in this room who have linked with regular, reserve and cadet units to great mutual benefit. For example, in just five years the Livery-Cadet Link has taken off. You are making a very real difference to the lives of young people who want to succeed, not least children from difficult backgrounds who are crime vulnerable. It is the goal of successive Lord Mayors to expand that link until every Livery Company is in a position to assist a London cadet unit and we are well on the way.“
The Lord Mayor of the City of London, Ian Luder June 25 2009

LONDON CHALLENGE

London Challenge is an initiative launched by the Prime Minister in 2007 to give more youngsters from state schools the opportunity to become a member of the Combined Cadet Force (CCF) within a school nearby. The scheme was trialled in London with six state school/CCF links in 2008 and a further six in 2009. The intention is to introduce this scheme nationwide.

YOU LONDON

YOU London (Youth Organisations - Uniform) is a co-ordinating youth partnership, comprising the Sea Cadet Corps, Army Cadet Force, Air Training Corps, Police Cadets, Community Fire Cadets, Scouts, Girlguiding UK, Boys’ Brigade, Girls’ Brigade and St John Ambulance, encompassing 76,000 youngsters and 15,000 adult volunteers.

It promotes Uniformed Youth Organisations and helps them increase their impact across London. Supporting organisations include the Metropolitan Police Service, The Prince’s Trust, the Greater London Lieutenancy and Greater London RFCA. The initiative has won the backing of Prince Charles, Gordon Brown, David Cameron and Boris Johnson.

The project was launched officially in July in Docklands and at a Buckingham Palace Garden Party at which Their Royal Highnesses, The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall were present together with politicians from all parties and representatives from London Boroughs as well as hundreds of youngsters from each organisation. Prime Minister Gordon Brown said: “I hope that today’s celebrations highlight the power of youth organisations to transform lives and inspire more urgently needed adult volunteers to come forward and be a part of this change.”

OUTREACH ACF

ACF Outreach aims to help crime vulnerable and socially disengaged young people become responsible citizens by using adventurous and challenging activities to raise their self-esteem, build confidence and broaden their perspective about what they can achieve with their lives. GL RFCA works with the ACF and the Metropolitan Police Service to co-ordinate an annual Outreach programme.

To view the Outreach DVD click here