National Cadets Week: Honoring Cadets and Inspiring Youth

National Cadets Week will provide tens of thousands of young people across the UK with a unique chance to explore cadet forces. Scheduled for 5-11 October 2026, this inaugural week aims to celebrate the UK’s vibrant cadet community—one of the country’s most impactful youth organizations—and to recognize the countless young recruits and adult volunteers who contribute to its success. Throughout National Cadets Week, cadet units in the UK will welcome schools, families, and local communities. Cadets and their supporters will engage in outreach initiatives, delivering informative presentations in schools and workplaces to increase awareness of the cadet program. The week will emphasize essential first aid training and showcase the myriad opportunities available, aiming to inspire potential new cadets, attract volunteers, and illustrate how cadet experiences equip young people for their future. Aligned with the Strategic Defence Review’s societal approach to defense, National Cadets Week seeks to strengthen the connection between the Armed Forces and local communities throughout the UK. Louise Sandher-Jones MP, the Minister for Veterans and People, stated: "Cadet forces exemplify a whole-of-society approach to defense. They unite young individuals from diverse backgrounds, equipping them with confidence, skills, and a sense of purpose that ultimately benefits both their communities and the nation." She expressed gratitude to the many adult volunteers who dedicate their time and encouraged others to get involved: "You don’t need a military background, just a commitment to young people. It is one of the most rewarding experiences available." Under the government’s ‘30 by 30’ initiative launched in August 2025, the MOD aims to broaden cadet opportunities for a younger generation, boosting cadet participation by 30% by 2030. This initiative will yield over 40,000 new cadets in the UK, supporting the government’s efforts to dismantle barriers faced by young people. Royal Navy cadet Lila Unlu, aged 14, mentioned: "Being a cadet has opened up amazing opportunities that I wouldn’t have encountered otherwise. It’s taught me resilience, teamwork, and leadership, and I’ve formed incredible friendships. The memories and skills I’ve gained will last a lifetime." National Cadets Week will highlight opportunities within the MOD-supported cadet forces, including the Royal Navy Cadets (Sea Cadet Corps and Volunteer Cadet Corps), Army Cadet Force, Air Training Corps, and Combined Cadet Force. During this week, a Cadets Action Plan will be disclosed, detailing the government’s long-term vision for enhancing high-quality, accessible cadet options to ensure that more young people from diverse backgrounds can reap the benefits. This plan will focus on modernizing the cadet experience, creating appealing offerings to attract and retain adult volunteers, as well as ensuring necessary resources and support for both cadets and volunteers. Minister for Schools Standards, Georgia Gould, remarked: "National Cadets Week will be a momentous occasion to honor the profound impact of cadet programs on the lives of young people throughout the UK. We are working towards ensuring that more youth than ever are acquiring confidence and life skills through cadets in schools." As part of enhancing national resilience, the week also aims to recognize the dedicated network of adult volunteers who lead local cadet groups. Cadet programs enable young people to develop crucial life skills, such as leadership, teamwork, and resilience, and they engage in activities ranging from adventurous training and fieldcraft to flying, sailing, and obtaining Civil Aviation Authority-endorsed drone qualifications. Participants also have the opportunity to pursue nationally recognized qualifications, including BTECs, first aid certifications, and The Duke of Edinburgh Award. The Cadets Action Plan will bolster the growth of these forces, facilitating pathways for young individuals to enter careers in the Armed Forces, public services, and the broader defense sector, while enhancing national resilience. For more information, visit the UK Government announcement here: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/first-ever-national-cadets-week-to-celebrate-cadets-and-reconnect-young-people-with-the-armed-forces.

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