Cadets and Youth

There are some 5,000 cadets and over 1,000 volunteer adult instructors in the North East.

Combined Cadet Force

The Combined Cadet Force (CCF), of which there are 5 contingents in the North East, are based in Barnard Castle School, Durham School, Royal Grammar School Newcastle, Walker Technology College and Yarm School. They are predominantly run by members of the teaching staff. They can have Naval, Army and Air Force sections. They are administered by Headquarters 15 (North East) Brigade and are members of the Combined Cadet Force Association.

Sea Cadet Corps, Army Cadet Force and Air Training Corps

Within the local communities, there are a total of some 160 Cadet Centres which house units, detachments and squadrons of the Sea Cadet Corps (SCC), Army Cadet Force (ACF) and Air Training Corps (ATC). They are all national, voluntary youth organisations, sponsored by the three Services. They aim to provide opportunities for young people between the ages of 12 and 18 to build their personal skills and self-confidence so that they become responsible and caring citizens. Their mission is not to act as a recruitment tool for the Armed Forces, although the positive experiences many have while with them, lead some to join once they finish their education.