[2][3] In 1863, along with the formation of the Volunteer Force, the first government sanctioned cadet groups were allowed to be formed.

[4] Unlike their modern successors, the first cadet battalions were administered by their local County Territorial Force Associations, and rarely ever came under an "army command".

[4] The first mention of the modern Greater Manchester Army Cadet Force appears in the 19th November 1974 edition of the London Gazette.

It is sponsored by the British Army but not part of it and neither the cadets nor the adult volunteer leaders are subject to military call-up.

Their aim is to inspire young people to achieve success in life and develop in them the qualities of a good citizen.