Dorset Army Cadet Force 3.21

Dorset Army Cadet Force (ACF) is part of a national youth organisation aimed at inspiring young people to achieve both physically and mentally whilst developing self-confidence, teamwork and leadership.

Cadets have the opportunity to take part is numerous activities, including First Aid training (which leads to a nationally recognised award), DofE (The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award), BTEC Certificate in Public Services (equivalent to 4 GCSE A* grades), not to mention the military skills and adventurous training.

Dorset ACF has 22 detachments, including 3 in The Channel Islands, over 650 cadets, 100 Adult Volunteers and 7 members of permanent staff. The detachments are split between 5 Companies, namely A, B, C, D and Channel Islands. Most detachments parade 2 nights per week and each Company has approx. 3 weekends away each year, as well as a 9-day Annual Camp during the school holidays. Each detachment is supported by sponsor unit to which they are cap-badged. These sponsor units include The Rifles, Royal Logistics Corps, The Royal Armoured Corps and The Royal Corps of Signals.

The County Headquarters and Weekend Training Centre are based in the County Town of Dorchester. Weekend training also takes place at both Blandford (Royal Signals) camp and Bovington (Royal Armoured Corps) training areas.

Dorset ACF is proud to maintain very close links with The Devonshire and Dorset Regiment, one of the founding regiments of the modern-day Rifles. In support of the Regiment, Dorset ACF regularly attends parades such as the 43rd (Wessex) Veterans Parade in Mere and the Weymouth Veterans Parade.

As part of the training syllabus, cadets should complete a number of community activities, which they do with great gusto and receive great praise for their efforts.

Companies within Dorset ACF:

A Company

Bridport Platoon
Beaminster Platoon
Dorchester Platoon
Portland Platoon
Weymouth Platoon

B Company

Blandford Troop
Gillingham Platoon
Shaftesbury Platoon
Sherborne Platoon


C Company

Bovington Troop
Christchurch Platoon
Lychett Matravers Platoon
West Moors Troop
Wimborne Troop

D Company

Bournemouth Platoon
Parkstone Platoon
Poole Platoon
Roosmore Platoon
Wallisdown Platoon

Channel Islands

Jersey Royal Militia - Le Quesne and Granville Detachments
Guernsey (Rifles)

If you are interested in joining Dorset ACF either as a volunteer to work with our young people or as a cadet, please Contact Us.