The APC Certificate Subjects are the following.
- Drill & Turnout
- Military Knowledge
- Skill at Arms
- Fieldcraft
- Map and Compass
- Expedition Training
- First Aid
- Physical Achievement
- Shooting
- Cadet and the Community
Drill & Turnout
Through Foot Drill Cadets are taught the importance of obedience and discipline as well as learning how to work together and bond as a team.
Whether it be on the parade square or moving around the barracks, its important to be able to move as a large number from point to point whilst making sure they look smart .
Military Knowledge
Through Military Knowledge, Cadets learn about the structure of Kent Army Cadet Force and their own progression through the Army Proficiency Certificate.
At the more advanced levels cadets are introduced to the major points in the history of the Regiment to which they are badged to.
Skill At Arms
Skill at Arms is the instruction of safe and correct handling of weapons. In particular the Cadet GP Rifle and Light Support Weapon together with the Air Rifle and .22 Rifle, and later the Target Rifle.
Cadets learn to be disciplined and safe when handling these weapons and no firing of weapons is permitted until Cadets have demonstrated these skills.
Fieldcraft
Fieldcraft is the good old outdoor life / game of surviving in the field. Cadets learn how to look after themselves when away from the comforts of home as well as the basics of military tactics.
Fieldcraft gives Cadets the opportunity to practice their leadership and teamwork skills.
Map and Compass
Cadets learn to navigate safely from point to point using a map and a compass. This is often taught from a military perspective with the Cadet having to reach certain points on a route, a navigation exercise, where other activities await them.
Expedition Training
As well as offering the Duke of Edinburgh's Award expeditions, Cadets are also encouraged to participate in other expeditions and many opportunities exist for Cadets to go on nationally organised expeditions to places like Canada and South Africa.
Expedition Training encourages cadets to be self-reliant and to look after themselves.
First Aid
In today's world the basic skills of First Aid could be the most important skills anyone ever learns. The ability to save life cannot be priced.And is usefull ouside of Cadets.
Cadets are required to progress through a syllabus of First Aid instruction throughout all levels of the Army Proficiency Certificate, with the added excitement of participating in Regional and National competitions.
Physical Achievement
Whilst no-one expects every member of the ACF to be an athlete, competition against yourself is taught via Physical Achievement.
Cadets are encouraged to constantly better their previous performance as they progress through the levels of the Army Proficiency Certificate and compete in organised sporting events.
Shooting
Once a Cadet has demonstrated his or her ability to control a weapon safely and with discipline, they are given the opportunity to practice their skills on a range.
The Army Cadet Force competes regularly at Bisley and CADSAAM with many other competitions running throughout the year.
Cadet and the Community
No youth movement would be complete without its supporting the Community in many local activities.
Cadets assist at large events such as the County Show, Military Odyessey, War and Peace Show as well as more town or village specific activities like Summer Fetes. Cadets are encouraged to to be good citizens.
The Star System follows this order.
- Basic Badge
- One Star Badge
- Two Star Badge
- Three Star Badge
- Four Star Badge
- Master Cadet Badge
The Rank Structure System.
The ranks which are obtainable by cadets are as follows.
- Lance Corporal / Lance Bombadier
- Corporal / Bombadier
- Sergeant
- Colour Sergeant / Staff Sergeant
- Warrant Officer Class 2, Sergeant Major
- Warrant Officer Class 1,Regimental Sergeant Major
The adult staff are able to reach higher ranks as well, and become Commissioned Officers.
Duke Of Edinburgh Award.
In the ACF you are able to take part in the well known Duke of Edinburgh Award which is recognised by potential employers
The Duke of Edinburgh Award has three levels Bronze, Silver, & Gold.
The Bronze Level
Age Requirement 14 - Equivalent to 2 Star
The Silver Level
Age Requirement 15 - Equivalent to 3 Star
The Gold Level
Age Requirement 16 - Equivalent to 4 Star
BTEC
Cadets are now also able to gain an actual qualification which is nationally recognised. This qualification is known as:
"The BTEC First Dipoma in Public Services"
This qualification is considered equal to 4 GCSE Grades A* - C