Military Clothing – Dressing an Island Militia
Military clothing injects a sense of identity, tradition and citizenship into one island's youth thanks to the Royal Alderney Militia ACF.

It's hard not to open up a newspaper or read a columnist without stumbling across a lament for Britain's youth. If it's not crime, it's binge drinking and obesity that blights the nation's youth. But the Army Cadet Force offers something refreshing – an opportunity for young people to experience adventure, challenges, purpose, motivation, discipline and fulfillment. On remote islands like Alderney, a small seven-by-six mile piece of land in the Channel Islands, buying military clothing and investing in the island's militia is important for its young people. Wearing the military clothing stops many teenagers from feeling disaffected or bored and many believe the militia is a crucial, positive force on the island.

Military clothing, German Bunkers
As well as the military clothing instilling army discipline and values, the militia taps into a strong military history. Unlike other army cadet forces wearing military clothing all over the British Isles, Alderney's cadet force has a touch of authentic adventure to it. Alderney was the only piece of territory in the British islands to be occupied by the Nazis in World War Two – it even had its own concentration camp. The island is a visual reminder of its military past, with fortresses dotting the coastlines from the island's long history of military defence – and the more recent German bunkers and underground tunnels really brings the military history of the island into the present day. The military clothing gives the boys and girls of the militia a strong identity, but the fact they are taught out of a Detachment in an old Second World War German Hospital Bunker really adds to their experience.

Island offers unique Military Experience
As well as wearing military clothing, the 13-18 year-olds learn field craft, shooting, drills, map and compass skills, first aid and military knowledge. Thanks to the unique military history and landscape, the teenagers have more than their military clothing to help give them a sense of identity. They are probably the most unique Army Cadet detachment in the UK.

Military Clothing: The Alderney Militia
The Royal Alderney Militia is part of the Army Cadet Force that aims to instill and promote achievement, citizenship and discipline in teenage boys and girls. Alderney's militia goes back to 1657 and it's thought some form of militia has existed on the island for centuries, even if the military clothing and uniforms changed. It's proximity to France means it has always been a strongly defended island and strategic piece of land in the British Isles.

Marching in Military Clothing
The Royal Alderney Militia is part of the Army Cadet Force (ACF) that offers progressive training in a multitude of subjects from military to adventure training, at the same time as promoting achievement, discipline, and good citizenship to boys and girls aged 12 to 18 years. The first official reference to a Militia in Alderney was in 1657 when Captain Nicholas Ling was transferred to Alderney from Sark as Governor and Commander of the Militia. It is quite possible that some form of Militia had existed in Alderney for centuries. Today's Alderney Militia can be seen on drill training on the island wearing their military clothing; it was established by Colonel Walter in 1984, the island's current Vice President and a former Officer with the SAS.

Military Clothing from John Bull Military Clothing
John Bull Military Clothing is a supplier of quality merchandise to the Forces worldwide. John Bull Military Clothing is based at the Catterick Garrison, North Yorkshire. For all your military clothing, outdoor and survival equipment needs you can order from the online shop. For more details telephone 01748 833614 or email: mail@johnbullclothing.com