The ACF is neither part of the Regular Army nor the Territorial Army (TA) and its members are not liable for any form of military service. Membership of the ACF carries no obligation for cadets to join the Armed Forces. Nevertheless, the ACF is closely linked to the Army, it is organised on military lines and it mirrors the Army's Values and Standards.

Control of the ACF as a voluntary youth organisation is effected by the following:

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) and the UK military chain of command.

	Develops, implements and manages policy relating to the ACF, training and discipline and the provision of equipment
	Provides the Cadet Training Centre at Frimley, which runs courses and conferences for cadets and adult volunteers
	Provides Cadet Training Teams, which comprise members of the Regular Army, whose primary role is to train the trainers in the ACF and Combined Cadet Force (CCF). Their secondary role is to train senior cadets as circumstances allow.

The Reserve Forces and Cadets Association (RFCA) and Council of RFCA's.

	Provide and maintain buildings, equipment and stores
	Recruit cadets and adults
	Select, appoint and manage the permanent staff in ACF counties
	Maintain local contacts

The Army Cadet Force Association* (ACFA).

	Provides national non-military activities to develop cadets' leadership skills and qualities of character and also assist in cadets' citizenship development.
	Provides advice and support to members of the ACF
	Plans and manages national marketing
	Provides Insurance for the areas outside MOD liability
	Acts as the Cadet Forces' Ombudsman

*The Army Cadet Force Association (ACFA) is a registered charity in England, Wales & Northern Ireland (305962) and in Scotland (SC039057).