Georgia MacKay and Tintin Stutter, Year 10, are on a mission to tell other JAGS girls about the fantastic time they have with the Army Cadet Force (ACF). Looking for action, excitement, adventure? Aged between 12 and 18? It could be for you. The ACF helps you to develop personally and physically. There are 1700 ACF units across the country providing an exciting range of structured activities and military-style training for teenagers aged 12-18. The units take the name of the regiment from the British army that supports it, and cadets wear that regiment's specific uniform. There are six training star badges to work towards, as well as first aid qualifications, shooting awards, BTEC qualifications and ranks that follow the British army rank system. Georgia and Tintin train twice a week at the 40-strong unit in Dulwich. The girls joined over a year ago and have enjoyed every moment of it, relishing their challenges and achievements.

Georgia and Tintin may be trailblazing the way for future JAGS ACF cadets. We know there are some keen Air Force cadets here too. Jessica Beattie, who left JAGS in 1996 is coming here to tell them all about her army posting to Iraq. So who knows where this training may lead?

To get a flavour of what could be in store for new cadets, read Georgia and Tintin's Q & A report. Well done to them both.

Why do cadets?

Tintin-The experiences. We’ve met the Lord Mayor, shot rifles, rode in a 4 tonne truck and I've represented my unit in athletics and if you know me, you'll know I'm not usually sporty! (Tintin won the Regional 800m Gold against stiff competition).

Georgia-I wanted to do something different and ACF provided opportunities I wouldn't necessarily have had. I've met some amazing people and learned more about myself and my abilities than I thought I would.  Also the camps are fantastic.

So what is a day at ACF camp like?

Tintin-It starts at 5.30am. What a charming time to wake up! As the room NCO (that's the cadet in charge), I wake up and begin to get ready for the long day ahead. One of the luxuries of being first up is the British Army refreshing cold shower and then waking up the ten groggy cadets in my charge.

Georgia-Then we all get changed for PT (that's physical training), three miles and half an hour of 'Hardcore pilates'. Later we return to the room to get changed into our kit, the well-known camouflage gear. We march to the cookhouse for a traditional, perhaps inedible, fry-up and return for a room inspection.

Tintin-After having all your room scrutinised by an officer with a white glove, we commence the cadets' least favourite activity - drill. This is essentially marching, moving and turning in time to help instil teamwork and a sense of pride in the cadets. It is at this point that it usually starts pouring down with rain and every instructor will recite in unison "It ain't training, if it ain't raining."

Georgia-Once the weather clears up and the drill is done it is out onto the rifle range. I enjoy shooting as it's a great stress reliever and you can't help but get a sense of pride once your patience pays off and you get an excellent grouping.

Tintin-Yeah, it's a definite skill, not shooting the instructor! After another fried lunch we return to our rooms to prepare for my favourite subject on the cadet syllabus - fieldcraft. This is essentially ambushes, section attacks and learning how to camp British Army style.

Georgia-We'd usually head out and spend the afternoon walking a long way with heavy backpacks and rifles, then spend the evening learning and then practising. We'd cook our evening meal from ration packs then use the darkness to do a reconnaissance patrol, an ambush or preparation for battle drills. Bedtime would be about midnight, when we'd hit our bashas (a kind of half tent) and fall asleep.

Tintin-If we weren't staying up to be sentry, that is. It's a long and tiring day, but you get a sense of accomplishment at the end of it that other activities just don't provide.

So what's fun about cadets?

Georgia-Well, it's mainly the people there. I thought I'd met some funny people till I joined cadets. Even in some stressful moments out in the field, there are always people to make you laugh. And there are things that only your unit understands and it becomes like a family.

Tintin-The atmosphere, everyone has chosen to be there and they all care. I've made some great friends and had some amazing experiences.

What next?

Georgia- I've always wanted to go into the military, and given that women are not allowed in the infantry, I want to go in the Royal Logistics Corps.

Tintin-I've been interested in pursuing a career in medicine and going to cadets has made me want to find out about joining the Royal Army Medical Corps.

www.armycadets.com