During the start of the global pandemic in 2020, the Youth Cadet force was formed to allow young people the opportunity to engage in outdoor learning experiences during the various lockdown procedures that were unprecedented to the world.
The Youth Cadet Force today is a national youth organisation that closely follows the military training, life style and experiences of the modern cadet forces across the United Kingdom. While we are not affiliated to the Ministry of Defence (MOD), we closely follow the Army Cadet training programme to give an adapted programme of learning and development for children aged 8 to 18 years. The focus of the YCF is to allow all children an opportunity to learn new skills, make new friends and develop new friendships that will allow an authentic experience and to develop transferable skills that will last a life time!
The Youth Cadet Force uses a traditional proficiency star model of progression where cadets are taught at different levels that results in a proficiency level being awarded at the end of the training programme. Throughout the various levels additional badges are achievable that closely line the relevant level of training so cadets are able to showcase their learning, abilities and achievements.
The governance of the Youth Cadet Force follows the traditional military structure, where the ranks of the staff and cadets mirror the British Army but are exclusive to the YCF alone and also through a ‘Community Interest Culture’ with civilian staff. Details of our staff team can be found on the staff pages.
Executive Staff:
Major Ben Chapman B.A (Hons), QTS, Commanding Officer & Executive Managing Director
Clare Brown, Director of Finance, People & Resource
Chloe Newman, Commercial and Communities Director
Operational Staff:
Major Ben Chapman, Commanding Officer
Regimental Sergeant Major Pete Newton, Operational Commander
Sergeant Major Jules Corin
Staff Sergeant Lucy Johnstone
Staff Sergeant Jason Start
Volunteer Staff:
Samantha Russell, Administration & Social Media Officer