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 11 contingents in the North East, are based in Barnard Castle School, Castle View Enterprise Academy, Darlington School of Maths and Science, Durham School, Dyke House College, Northumberland Church of England Academy, Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College, Royal Grammar School Newcastle, Walker Technology College, Wolsingham School 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 4th Infantry Brigade and HQ North East 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.