The History of the Come on the Micks

The History of the Come on the Micks Come on the “Micks”

The Army Cadet Force • • Not part of the Army The Army’s sponsored Youth Organisation Open to ALL Boys & Girls Cadets can join now in the year they are 12 yrs to 18 yrs 9 months • And leave when they like Come on the Micks Come on the “Micks”

When did it all start? • Can trace its existence back to 1859 • French threatened to invade Britain • Army heavily involved in India trying to quell the Indian Mutiny • Few regular units in UK • Volunteer companies from at least 8 schools, Come on the Micks Come on the “Micks”

When did it all start? • Senior boys and masters • Some companies started their own cadet companies • From younger boys • The invasion never came Come on the Micks Come on the “Micks”

Social Workers • Seen benefit of Cadet Companies for young boys • Conditions at home were very bad • A dirty environment • Children getting caught up in crime Come on the Micks Come on the “Micks”

Miss Octavia Hill • Pioneer Social Worker • Worked hard for the National Trust • Not a military person • She formed the first Cadet Company • East End of London Come on the Micks Come on the “Micks”

Miss Octavia Hill’s Aim To introduce boys from the slums to: • Important Character Training • Teamwork • Cleanliness • Self reliance Come on the Micks Come on the “Micks”

Miss Octavia Hill • Today’s ACF stems from Miss Hills idea • Our Aims are still the same • To Inspire • To Achieve Come on the Micks Come on the “Micks”

First World War • • Big expansion in Cadet Forces War Office (now MOD) took control All administration and finances 1923 handed back control to TA Come on the Micks Come on the “Micks”

1930 • • • Government ceased to recognise “Cadet Force” Withdrew all financial support Everything had to be provided privately Cadet Forces had to raise their own funds Wearing of Regimental badges and buttons forbidden • Units had to become self sufficient Come on the Micks Come on the “Micks”

Second World War • • • Big expansion of Cadet Force 1942 War Office took over control Named “Army Cadet Force” Supplied accommodation, equipment, uniforms Cadets joined Armed Forces at age of 18 yrs With a good knowledge of military Come on the Micks Come on the “Micks”

1945 • • Army Cadet Force Association (ACFA) Report direct to Ministry Of Defence ACFA still effective today Report on all cadet matters Come on the Micks Come on the “Micks”

1959 • Army Cadet Force get official reconciliation • Appointment of “Cadet Training Centre at Frimley Park, nr. Aldershot, Hants • Centre for training of Adult Instructors • Use of ACF & CCF • Leadership Courses for Senior Cadets Come on the Micks Come on the “Micks”

1960 • • • Centenary Year of ACF HRH The Duke of Edinburgh Colonel in Chief, Army Cadet Force Presents ACF Banner at Tower of London Banner now housed at CTC Frimley Park Come on the Micks Come on the “Micks”

Weapons and Equipment • • • Females joined the ACF 1980’s Received new Rifle Version of Army’s SA 80 5. 56 mm Single shot Cadet General Purpose Rifle Known as “LA 98 A 1 Cadet GP Rifle” Come on the Micks Come on the “Micks”

Weapons and Equipment • Army Proficiency Certificate replaced “Part 1 & Part 2 Certificates” • Changes made to suit Modern Day Army and civilian life • 1999 saw us get new 90 Pattern Webbing • Uniforms and equipment are modern • Combat 95 clothing issued to cadets Come on the Micks Come on the “Micks”

Weapons and Equipment • With socks and tee shirts • New weapon “Self Loading Rifle” based on British Army SA 80 A 2 • BFA can be fitted (with blank magazine) • New assault vest issued for cadets • Cadet Gortex Jackets issued for cadets • New MTP Clothing will be issued to ACF shortly Come on the Micks Come on the “Micks”

Army Cadet Force • • • We are a modern Youth Organisation With many options for all cadets Qualifications (BTEC/NVQ) Changes in the Syllabus Up to date Manuals for The Cadet Forces Westminster record data base for cadet units Come on the Micks Come on the “Micks”

Army Cadet Force • • 40, 000 cadet in the UK 1, 700 Platoons/Troops Better Detachment accommodation Better trained adult staff Cadets better trained and having fun We need 30 cadets in each detachment Supporting our cadets with “Action – Fun – Adventure” Come on the Micks Come on the “Micks”

The ACF in Northern Ireland • Cadet Battalions thrived through the troubles • Some detachments closed due to trouble in that area • Most remained strong due to the determination of the Officers and Adult Instructors who over came many challenges Come on the Micks 1 ston(Cadet) Bn Royal Irish Rangers 1980 Come the “Micks”

The ACF in Northern Ireland • • • Consists of 2 Battalions 1 st (Northern Ireland) Battalion ACF 2 nd (Northern Ireland) Battalion ACF NI restructured in 1992 Antrim & Belfast Bn and 1 st (Cadet) Bn Royal Irish Rangers • Became 1 st (NI) Bn ACF • 4 Companies A-B-C-D Come on the Micks Come on the “Micks”

The ACF in Northern Ireland • 1 st Bn covers an area from: North Belfast, Co. Antrim, Co. Londonderry, City of Londonderry. Co. Tyrone and Co. Fermanagh • Headquarters of ACF NI is in Carryduff Belfast • Administered by Reserve Forces and Cadets Association (Northern Ireland) RFCA (NI) ACF Sub Committee within RFCA Come on the Micks Come on the “Micks”

The ACF in Northern Ireland • RFCA employ all civilian staff within the ACF e. g. CEO, CQM, CAA’s & Clerks • New Cadet Training Centre at Magilligan Camp opened September 2007 (Cost £ 4. 8 m) Come on the Micks Come on the “Micks”

2 nd (Northern Ireland) Bn ACF • Headquarters Carryduff with a CEO • Restructured in 1992 • Made up from Old ACF Bn’s of Antrim & Belfast Bn and Armagh & Down Bn • Bn Covers: Greater Belfast, Co Down, Co Armagh • Training Centre at Ballykinler opened May 2000 Come on the Micks Come on the “Micks”

The End Presented by “Come on the Micks” Come on the Micks Come on the “Micks”