FREE training, career boosting opportunities and a great deal of fun — sounds too good to be true?

All these are on offer to adults who become part of the thriving Army Cadet Force movement, which is celebrating its 151st anniversary this year.

A national group funded by the Ministry of Defence, each county has a group usually affiliated to the county regiment, and is divided into companies and detachments.

Tavistock B Company is based in the old army barracks at Crelake.

The part of the building that the ACF use was extensively refurbished a year ago, and is a pleasant, light and well appointed place to be — anyone who knew it of old would be amazed at the difference.

Princetown resident Mike Kinsey recently visited the barracks to find out more.

He said: 'I met about 20 cadets with their adult instructors; they paraded, and spent the two hour meeting studying fieldcraft and map reading, as well as some drill, fun and a 'NAAFI' break for some drinks and tuck-shop treats.

'I was impressed by a happy, active atmosphere. There was an evident discipline — but not in any overbearing sense.

'In fact it was a great balance and allowed the evening's activities to proceed efficiently and enjoyably.'

The uniform provided to cadets is the 'Soldier 95' regular Army version, and issued free apart from boots, which people buy for themselves — providing more room for choice, fit and price!

A reasonable level of smartness is expected — but again this is viewed as a positive, and everyone likes it.

Mike said: 'I listened in to Matt Sanders, a 19-year-old former cadet from North Devon, now a civilian instructor and student at Marjons, giving a lesson on fieldcraft.

'I've seen people in the 'professional adult' world do rather less well than Matt at instructing. He has recently achieved a Duke of Edinburgh gold award, and will be off to London soon to receive the award from a royal personage.'

New recruits are always welcome — but what the ACF really needs are more adult instructors.

Mike said: 'You don't have to have military experience, and you don't have to join the army. Uniform is free, and you'd be a part of a really enjoyable team doing great things with great people. You can develop as you wish, with a full training structure.

'Once established you can reclaim expenses and on the training weekends and camps you'll be paid full army rates.

'It also makes a fabulous CV building opportunity, with massive potential for all kinds of benefits – as well as achieving real-world qualifications from BTec to degree level.'

Warrant Staff Sergeant Instructor Sarah Kidman, in charge Tavistock's B Company, said: 'I have been involved in the army cadets for over seven years now and a detachment commander for about three of those.

'I can honestly say I've loved my time working with them.

'As an accountant in my day job, the experiences, knowledge and qualifications I've picked up are things I'd never have got otherwise!

'I get to do things I love and benefit the young people in my local area at the same time — nothing beats it!'

Lt Nicky Kenyon, a sales manager and mother of four, has a role which covers all of B Company's detachments.

Nicky said: 'I joined the ACF 15 years ago, just after my daughter was born. I was in the army previously for a short time and had met several ex- cadets during my service.

'Since then having travelled around as the wife of a serving soldier I have been a member of four different counties cadet forces. It is a wonderful pastime and one which bring many rewards, as you get to see so many young people flourish into disciplined, proud and smart young adults.

'I have not met a single person who has joined as an adult who has not been bowled over by the amazing activities and achievement the cadets have.'

Lance Gregory is a marine engineer from Plymouth. He said he enjoyed the sense of service to young people — as well as the fun they have.

'I was a cadet myself as a teenager, and loved it. My own son was a cadet and is now an army commando – and I came back as an adult instructor 8 years ago,' he said.

'I am so proud of the achievements and commitment of our young people –  and our adults, who I have responsibility for. And I love the annual camp and all the activities we get to join in with!'

Lance has recently achieved a degree qualification in youth leadership via his work and courses with the ACF.

Anyone who would like to find out more about joining the ACF can just turn up at the door at 7.30pm on a Monday or Wednesday evening, or call the number below. Cadets can be from 12 to 18 years of age, and adults 18 and over.

B Company HQ is at the Territorial Army depot at Millbay in Plymouth.

For more information about adult volunteering opportunities with the ACF, call 01752 261525 , or have a look online at http://www.armycadets.com ">www.armycadets.com ;  and http://www.bcompanydevon-acf.org.uk">www.bcompanydevon-acf.org.uk