King Charles has written to the Cadet Forces to honour cadets, volunteers and their families.
It comes as the inaugural National Cadets Week launched today, running from October 5 to 11, marking the first nationwide celebration dedicated to the UK’s Cadet Forces.
As one of Britain’s biggest youth movements, the Cadet Forces involve more than 137,000 young people and roughly 28,000 adult volunteers operating across over 3,000 locations in all four Home Nations.
King Charles’s tribute recognised the five military Cadet Forces alongside the National Fire Cadets, Volunteer Police Cadets and St John Ambulance Cadets.
King Charles has written to the Cadet Forces to honour cadets, volunteers and their families
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PA
In his letter, the King said: “For more than a century, the Cadet Forces have helped generations of young people discover their strengths, broaden their horizons and develop the confidence to face life’s challenges.
“In every part of our country, from our cities and towns to our rural and coastal communities, cadets come together to learn new skills, build lasting friendships and contribute positively to the communities in which they live.”
Calvin Bailey, the Minister for Veterans and People, today attended the opening of a new Joint Cadet Centre in Hastings, Sussex, to mark the start of the week’s celebrations.
The facility will serve both the Army Cadet Force and the Royal Air Force Air Cadets, enabling the two organisations to share resources and skills while resuming cadet training in the town.
The inaugural National Cadets Week launched today, running from October 5 to 11, marking the first nationwide celebration dedicated to the UK’s Cadet Forces
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MINISTRY OF DEFENCE
Speaking at the event, Mr Bailey said: “Our Cadet Forces give young people the chance to discover what they’re capable of, have fun, build friendships and develop skills that will stay with them for life.
“National Cadets Week is a chance for us to celebrate the young people who make our Cadet Forces so special, and the volunteers who give their time to help them thrive. Together, we can ensure these opportunities remain for generations to come.”
Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton, the Chief of the Defence Staff, emphasised that the cadet experience extends far beyond military training.
He said: “Being a cadet is about so much more than learning military skills. It’s about working as a team, stepping outside your comfort zone and having the confidence to take on new challenges. Cadets are given opportunities to lead and develop their leadership skills at an early age, setting them up for the future.”
As one of Britain’s biggest youth movements, the Cadet Forces involve more than 137,000 young people and roughly 28,000 adult volunteers operating across over 3,000 locations in all four Home Nations
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MINISTRY OF DEFENCE
Sir Rich also expressed gratitude to cadets and volunteers for their contributions to communities nationwide, describing it as “fantastic to see their dedication celebrated through National Cadets Week.”
Throughout the week, which is being led by the Ministry of Defence, cadets will visit schools, government departments and businesses to raise awareness of the lasting skills the movement provides.
The Government has set ambitious targets to expand the Cadet Forces, aiming for 10 per cent growth by 2030 and 30 per cent by 2035.
Calvin Bailey, the Minister for Veterans and People, today attended the opening of a new Joint Cadet Centre in Hastings, Sussex, to mark the start of the week’s celebrations
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MINISTRY OF DEFENCE
To achieve this, ministers plan to collaborate with industry, local communities and third-sector organisations to widen access for young people throughout the UK.
A Cadets Action Plan will underpin this expansion, including the creation of a new Cadet Partnership Hub designed to bring together partners and bolster the long-term sustainability of cadet units across the country.
Officials have stressed that preserving culture and heritage will be central to the movement’s growth, with the traditions and values that have defined the Cadet Forces for over a century continuing to shape the experience for future generations.