Hong Kong Adventure Corps

The Hong Kong Adventure Corps is a voluntary uniformed group subsidised by the Hong Kong government and the Hong Kong Jockey Club. Created in 1995 with ties to the British Army's Combined Cadet Force. Patrons of the HKAC are Anson Chan and Tsang Yam Pui.

History
The HKAC replaced the Royal Hong Kong Regiment (The Volunteers)'s J Corps or Junior Leader Corps. The RHKR(V) J Corps was created in 1971 by then colonial government and provided the same mission as the current HKAC. The J Corps had a maximum strength of 300 members was divided into two units, J1 Squadron and J2 Squadron. Unlike the HKAC, the RHKR J Corps accepted boys only. Girls are admitted as recruits in the HKAC.

Training
It is an army-orientated, disciplined youth organisation, which aims to promote qualities of responsibility, self-reliance, resourcefulness, endurance, perseverance and a sense of service to the community, and to develop their leadership and social awareness through the community.

The Corps HQ is in High Island near Sai Kung and was given to the Corps by the HK government. The camp was formerly a British Army Camp. Another Training Camp, also located in High Island, was formerly a corrections facility and detention centre for Vietnamese refugees

Training activities at the camp include:

They are divided into 4 wings:
 * General/Basic Training
 * Drill & Parade
 * Fitness & Adventure Training


 * 1. Junior Leaders Wing consist of cadet squadrons:
 * A Squadron
 * B Squadron
 * C Squadron
 * D Squadron
 * E Squadron
 * F Squadron
 * Training Squadron


 * 2. School Wings consists of the individual troop units


 * 3. Central Training Wing provides the actual training and skill development training.


 * 4. Special Project Wing


 * 5. Guard Troop


 * 6. Band

Qualifications
The qualifying age for joining HKAC is between 11 and 18 and given the rank of Recruit. As the cadet progress, they will become a Cadet. Therefore, they can promote to the various ranks as follow:
 * Cadet Lance Corporal
 * Cadet Corporal
 * Cadet Sergeant
 * Cadet Staff Sergeant

Like the Hong Kong Sea Cadet Corps and Hong Kong Air Cadet Corps, HKAC's purpose is to serve the Hong Kong Community for their services. The HKACC symbol is based on two lines facing each other. The Bahunia above the two lines replaced the crown in 1997.

Customs and Courtesies
The HKAC custom is based in the values of the British Army, a tough, challenging, training with a distinctive military tone of discipline and esprit de corps.

The main goals of the HKAC are:


 * Challenge to stimulate potentials
 * Discipline to cultivate autonomy
 * Demand to initiate growth

HKAC members cannot wear uniform when:
 * Engaging in a paid employment not associated with HKAC.
 * Engaging in political activities.
 * Participating in sports events (unless authorised by HKAC).

Cadet must wear the beret/headgear at anytime, except:
 * Sitting
 * Eating or Drinking
 * At work and on board public transport
 * In a hangar

Dress Code/Uniform
The HKAC has similar dress uniform with the British Army. They are very strict with standards, every "meeting", there is an "Open-Formation" where officers and instructors check the uniforms.

Uniform

 * British Army uniform
 * No.3: Warm weather ceremonial uniform (white jacket, black pants) - for cadets
 * No.8: Temperate combat dress - camouflage - cadets
 * blue berets
 * Disruptive Pattern Material 94 shirt Field Dress
 * Khaki General Service Dress and Barrack dress

Organisation


CHQ/ Council
 * Chairman of Council and Honorary Commandant - Mr Ecnoh Lam
 * Commandant - Colonel Joseph Pau MBE
 * Deputy Commandant - Lieutenant Colonel Matthew Wong
 * Chief Staff Officer - Lieutenant Colonel PC Keung
 * Adjutant - Captain Savin Won
 * Corps Liaison Officer - Captain Charlie Lee
 * Corps Sergeant Major - WO1 MK Mak
 * Senior Warrant Officer - WO1 Kenny Ho

Junior Leader Wing
 * OC A Squadron - Major WY Lam
 * OC B Squadron - Major CK Kwong
 * OC C Squadron - Major CK Chung
 * OC D Squadron - Major YH Ng
 * OC E Squadron - Major Kent Cheuk
 * OC F Squadron - Major Patrick Chan
 * OC Trg Squadron - Major KM Cheng
 * OC MKP Squadron - Captain Moses Mok
 * OC SL Squadron - Major PS Lam
 * OC HD Squadron - Major YH Ng

Equipment
The Corps uses equipment handed down after the disbanding of the Royal Hong Kong Regiment in 1995:

Two BTR-60 APCs are located at the High Island training camp, but it was not handed down by the departing British Army.
 * Land Rover Wolf
 * Colt M16A2 rifle
 * Colt M177 "Commando" assault carbine
 * Inactive FN FAL (L1A1), also named "SLR" (self-loading rifle)

Exchange Trips
The HKAC cadets are often visited by fellow army cadet corps from other countries and they in turn visit corps in other countries from time to time.