The Ministry of Defence has confirmed that it is exploring opportunities to expand its cadet programmes, though it is currently too early to provide an estimate of projected numbers for the remainder of the current Parliament.
This information was shared in response to a question from Democratic Unionist Party MP Gregory Campbell, who inquired about the projected number of Army Cadets in the coming years.
In a written response, Al Carns, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Defence and Minister for Veterans, stated: “There are currently c. 75,000 cadets and c. 11,000 cadet force adult volunteers involved in the Army Cadets.”
Carns further highlighted the work being undertaken to assess potential growth opportunities across all Ministry of Defence cadet programmes. While no specific numbers are available yet, he emphasised the broader societal benefits of cadet participation.
“Work is currently underway to understand opportunities for expansion across Ministry of Defence Cadets. Although it is too early to make an accurate assessment on projected numbers, the work aims to reflect the important contribution cadets make to society,” he explained.
The value of cadet programmes has long been understood, including their impact on social mobility and the health and wellbeing of young people. According to Carns, these benefits result in an annual return on investment estimated at £95 million.
The Army Cadet Force is one of the UK’s largest voluntary youth organisations, providing opportunities for young people to gain leadership and practical skills while fostering a sense of community and teamwork.
I was a sea cadet, so where my cousins and three of them went on to join the navy.
Very useful investment for the MOD to make, it’s about 2 minutes of the CAPITA budget
My son was in the sea cadets then went on to be a marine cadet, he aged out a corporal and best marine cadet. He is now a civilian instructor with the rank of sergeant. When finishes college he is hoping to be a marine officer. The cadets have given him some focus to the point that at college he is president of the student union and also on the board of governors.
The down side for the sea cadets at moment is that they receive no funding from the royal navy and have to scratch on eBay for equipment. So this could be good news for the cadet units that have to go cap in hand for funding
I had no idea that was the case, the RN should fund the sea cadets for sure.
Not sure if things have changed in recent years but it is/was the same for Air Cadets I believe. Only the Army Cadets are funded by the Army. I don’t understand the inconsistency, the Forces get some good candidates who’ve been cadets beforehand.
Air cadets, aka Air Training Corps (ATC), aka Air Cadets Organisation (ACO)
Is now publicly known with a full name of
Royal Air Force Air Cadets (RAFAC)
They’ve always been funded by the RAF since forming in 1942.
They often share the same buildings as army cadets.
David, Do you know what this new org is, the Marine Training Corps (MTC)? It is different to RM Cadets, spin off from the SCC, I think.
SCC needs MoD(N) sponsorship and funding. No idea why it has bever happened.
Graham , never heard of the MTC but I do know that there is some independent units out there if there a connection I don’t know.
The Royal Navy is the biggest single supporter of the Marine Society and Sea Cadet Corps. Which is the parent charity of the Sea Cadets. See here for details of the arrangement https://www.ms-sc.org/about-us
The Sea Cadets Corps and it’s three distinct youth offerings of Royal Marine Cadets, Junior Sea Cadets and Sea Cadets is organised differently to the totally MOD owned cadets.
I was also a Sea Cadet (TS Implacable) we had our own indoor firing range with as I can remember .303 with the .22 fitting, but they were a heavy piece of weaponry especially for a 13 year old. We had a fairly big whaling boat that we’d take out onto the Thames with about 10/12 on the oars. Loved the uniform of course. Ended up in the army, we used to have 36 Heavy Air Defence Regiment up the road, so I joined up to train as a Radar Op. I still love navy ships and indeed aircraft, there’s something magical about them.
They are no longer to bear arms on public and have had their training SA80 taken away and replaced with air rifles.
This is in stark contrast to what is actually happening in the ACF. Significantly declining budgets, many detachments in disrepair due to lack of long term investment, and little access the Defence training estate that itself is shrinking for no reason but short term expense.
The ACF provides actual real terms benefits to the economy and increases social mobility and better young people, yet we are the last people on the list to get anything. The 2021 report by the University of Northampton quantified the return on investment and benefits it provided, the concluding comments of the report was that the return on investment and I quote “expenditure on the cadet forces is a very good investment of taxpayers’ money”. Where else is the government is that true? The cadet forces should be better supported and promoted at a national level to both cadets and the mostly importantly the adults that run it. A prime case of where national organisations must not be part of short term spending cuts, invest in the future for long term stability and growth.
The report was into all cadets, not just the ACF
This is an old chestnut…previous government loosely recognised the social benefits of the thee Cadet forces but failed to support resources necessary to bring and maintain units and training ships up to equal standards. Interesting to see if our new government has the same hot air.
The senior service.
Cadets are probably the only way they can rebuild the volunteer reserves Into a viable sector again.
But.nobody wants to fight anymore fake US/NATO/EU conflicts anymore.
The new cold war they are so desperate to create is falling on deaf ears because 80% of the population do not blame Russia for any of the current messes.
I’d like to know where you get your statistics from my friend?
The cadet forces are the best resource we have for recruiting and should be properly funded. Not just the army cadets either, air and sea too. Even those who don’t go on to join up have a more positive understanding of the forces role in society and it just generally gives kids a far better skill base for life
Try US diplomatic corp ‘Victoria Nuland’
A bit of digging will give a little insight.
Opinions lay between knowledge and ignorance.
Well just came on UKDJ to see whats what not done for long time , and we have Russian troll in the ranks Daveski , I would say the stats you say 80% UK population believe Russia innocent of war is more realistic to say 90% of the UK population believe Russia is the cause , Daveski we in the UK are not the US , we are not easily led like MAGA is, try again Ivan lol.
My friend, you sound like Starmer and Macrons love child.
No one with a brain wants war with a nuclear power.
We will fight them on the beaches, on the landing grounds, on the land sea and air, we shall never surrender.
Ivan has to get past Poland, ze Germans and le French before he gets here, unless he uses the Tsar bomb.
Make peace you idiots. ❤️♾️
So with your thinking there have been No Russian Aircraft in British Airspace? No Russian Navy Vessels sailing down the Channel on our side and No contacts in our Waters with Russian submarines. because they have to go through Germany Poland & France to get here!!!
NoPutin poisoning in Salisbury? And the rest.
The stench of Kremlin spoils this site today.
Is Putin’s cock tasty?
Quabs ?
👍❤️✌️
Funny how countries that are closely tied with NATO or the EU are the ones who do not face conflict and war. Your statement is very naive and spouts the Kremlin narrative.
Conflict like the war to invade Ukraine is solely down to Russia and Putin only.
I like the analogy of a mugger beating up and stealing a old ladies handbag, and blaming the old lady for fighting back.
Dave, The SCC needs to be adopted by MoD(N) and funded.
An expansion can only be a positive thing. I was in the cadets – my state school was lucky enough to have an armoury and firing range on site, had some fun firing off some rounds from a Lee-Enfield after school! Unfortunately it was a badly run cadets group and as a teenager it put me off exploring at armed forces as a career.
Cadet corps has never ever been seen as pre-service organisations.
Sea Cadets aren’t an MoD organisation. I really can’t see the MoD(N) taking them on and funding them to the same extent as the ATC or ACF. Though it would solve some of their organisational problems.
What does need a good kick up the b@ckside are the regional RFCA’s. Vile little quangos who seem to put as much effort as they can in tripping up the poor service organisations that have to deal with them. Something straight out of Radio 4 afternoon comedy series but not as funny,
With the recruiting crisis as it stands one would think that the Government would support the Cadet movement as much as possible as surely this would be a prime source of future recruits for the UK Armed Forces, especially if given a boost in resources and finance. The fact that there are as many Cadets as Regular Army personnel speaks volumes.
There are more army cadets in West & East Sussex than Regulars..by far. Only 1 Reg Army unit in these two adjoining counties, thats all.
I joined the sea cadets many years ago, I became a petty officer instructor. One of my mates became an officer another joined the Royal Navy. We still keep in contact with eachother even now at the age of 69.
We also still know of a lot of others who went different ways, some into the Navy and a lot more taking up other carriers.
If asked what benefit would you say the sea cadets gave.
They kept us on the straight and narrow with strong friendships and comaradary, not like a lot of others from my school who joined gangs and left to their own.
I not only learnt to sail and row, knowing how to secure a load which also supported me in my later years. I went on several courses with the Navy and Marines which helped me as an instructor.
Just before becoming an officer at 18, we went away on the Ten Tours on Dartmoor as radio operators. That once I got my driving license, our commander sent me away with marines where I learned how to use 4 wheel Land Rover and other skills like chauffeuring.
So yes I should support any child wishing to join any of the cadet forces.
Its a good thing, sadly i see a lot on here un happy with it. Begs the answer what do some want 5% GDP on defence and a massive Army? etc.
Martin, some of us (not me) are perfectionists and their criticism is sometime not balanced with some ‘good’ points.
I am not sure anyone is lobbying for a large army. We have traditionally been a maritime nation with a strong navy and a small professional army that is capable of being expanded quickly for General War/World War.
The Regular Army was drastically but justifiably reduced in size under the Options For Change defence review which reflected the end of the Cold War. The careful analytical study determined that the army should reduce from 160k to an army of 120k with just 386 tanks and only 179 SPGs. No-one is arguing for an army larger than that.
It’s a really good idea to give teenagers direction and purpose in life. Otherwise they may fall into the narcissistic hell-hole which is Today’s Social Media. Also learning to iron a shirt properly is a good life skill to own.
I joined the ATC (Space Cadets) at 13. I turned up at my local squadron one nigh with a chum. It was film night. They gave us free fish and chips whilst we watched The Battle of Britain. Lots of Spitfires, superb music, and Susanna York in her undies. What was not to like. 🙂
MoD(A) should restore the proper level of funding for the ACF’s Volunteer Allowance (VA) and the Navy should adopt the SCC and properly fund it.
Cadet forces and UOTC should be state funded NOT come from any MOD budget.
Have I missed something here.
Only last week I read that MOD had cut funding for Cadet Forces by just over 50%
Is my original source wrong, is UKDJ wrong, or has there been a U turn ?
Mark, Perhaps you have not met any politicians. They want to increase the size of cadet forces but Reeves wants to save money, so they cut funding. In their mad world, this is very typical.