Cadets

Adventure awaits

Whether they’re looking to learn first aid skills, try their hand at flying a plane, or want to make new friends and have some fun adventures, the Cadets has a lot to offer for young adventure seekers.

Sponsored by the Ministry of Defence, the five different Cadet Forces offer young people the opportunity to step away from their screens, escape their everyday lives, and enjoy a wealth of new experiences.

The Cadet Forces also have an exciting future. Plans to increase the number of Cadets by 30% before 2030 were outlined in the 2025 Strategic Defence Review.

You can choose to join...

The Army Cadets

With almost 40,000 members nationally, the Army Cadet Force’s mission is to help its members develop both personally and physically. It provides a wide range of fun, exciting, challenging and adventurous opportunities.

The Sea Cadets

Open to 10 to 18-year-olds, the Sea Cadets work in partnership with the Royal Navy to help young people take part in a range of water-based activities, from sailing and canoeing to windsurfing and power-boating.

The Royal Marines Cadets

Part of the Sea Cadets family, Royal Marines Cadets enjoy the same water-based activities as Sea Cadets, as well as some serious adventure training too. Specialising in orienteering, field craft and weapons handling, youngsters can join between the ages of 13 and 18.

The RAF Air Cadets

The Royal Air Force (RAF) Air Cadets is a national youth organisation that promotes a practical interest in aviation for 12 to 20-year-olds, offering young people the chance to take to the skies and partake in a wide range of adventurous pursuits.

The Combined Cadet Forces

Based in schools, the Combined Cadet Forces feature a combination of the best of each of the Cadet groups listed above. Members can take part in a wide range of activities and learning opportunities.

All Cadet sections offer members the chance to gain vital life skills and opportunities, such as first aid and leadership training. This is delivered at a mixture of weekly parade nights at local Cadet Centres, as well as special weekend events and annual camps at locations all over the country.

Although it is not part of the recruiting process for the Armed Forces, Cadet Forces promote an understanding of the Armed Forces’ roles and responsibilities and provide assistance to Cadets who express an interest in joining the Armed Forces later in life.

Ready for real-life adventures?

Joining the Cadets provides you with access to a whole host of exciting experiences, as well as equipping you with vital life skills. These are just some of the benefits:

New adventures

From fieldcraft to shooting, sport and music, being a Cadet gives you the chance to try dozens of new activities, both locally and further afield.

New friends

When you join the Cadets, you’ll make plenty of new friends who may not share your background, culture, or heritage but will share your aspirations and drive. Camaraderie is one of the most valuable aspects of being a Cadet, and activities are designed to help you form strong connections with your peers.

New skills

Being a member of the Cadets has been shown to have significant positive impacts on performance at school, as well as employment prospects. Cadets develop confidence, resilience, social skills, leadership skills and the ability to work in teams.