1. Why Do Cadets Leave? Can We Improve Cadet Retention?

2. Strength & Attendance

3. Number of Cadets by Age

4. Length of Service

5. Group Task Split into group of 4 or 5 with others of the same level –County Staff together –Company Staff together –Detachment Staff together Spend 5 minutes making a list why you think cadets leave.

6. Why did you decide to leave the ACF? I left because of the higher rinks cadets and I liked PT Our detachment was poorly organised, for example the lessons were repetitive, kit was scarce and we were lucky to be taught by actual instructors Being bullied being bored doing same old stuff all the time It got a bit repetitive

7. What didn't you enjoy about the ACF? Lacking all the equipment Battle camps; getting up ridiculously early Same Lessons, Long-Term Un- promoted in 2 years of being in cadets PT Drill Map and Compass Not enough PT at detachment and literally no PT on camps

8. Higher rank cadets told us not to do something but they did it themselves and also they thought that that can make fun of us. Doing the same stuff every night a feeling like people is laughing at you Lack of organisation and variety in curriculum Making comments about my father Group punishments

9. The waiting around, how people who were "bumlicks" got promoted faster then people who where actually good but just got on with stuff Poor management of star levels Only 11 cadets were allowed to attend annual camp 2012 from my detachment which meant that I didn’t get on a single annual camp

10. I always taught at detachment as opposed to actually being in 3 star lessons Certain detachments getting to participate in more events Never actually getting to go in the helicopter I was promised in the recruitment PowerPoint

11. Do you feel that you achieved anything in the ACF? If yes what? New Friends for life. Skills that you wont gain anywhere else Yes, I learnt lots in lessons which helped me in future and came away with some good memories Yes, i have more confidence, more friends, better social skills and being able to be in command

12. YES - a great deal. How to parade, look after my uniform ironing how to delegate and give and receive orders. How to speak to people and also more self esteem for myself THANK YOU !! Remember that most young people who have been cadets leave with improved life skills even if they don’t stay with us very long.