Tens of thousands of young people across the UK will have the opportunity to discover the Cadet Forces as the Government announces the first-ever National Cadets Week, taking place from 5-11 October 2026.
The week will celebrate the UK’s Cadet community – one of the country’s most effective youth organisations – and the tens of thousands of young people and Adult Volunteers who make the Cadets a success.
Throughout the week, Cadet units across the UK will open their doors to schools, families, and local communities. Cadets and Volunteers will take part in outreach activities, delivering presentations at schools and workplaces to raise awareness of the programme.
With a strong focus on first aid training, the activities will showcase available opportunities, inspire new Cadets, attract new volunteers, and demonstrate how Cadet experiences help prepare young people for adult life.
Whole-of-society approach
As part of the Strategic Defence Review’s whole-of-society approach to Defence, National Cadets Week aims to deepen the bond between the Armed Forces and communities across the UK.
Louise Sandher-Jones MP, Minister for Veterans and People, said: “Cadet Forces are one of the best examples we have of the whole-of-society approach to Defence in action, bringing together young people from all backgrounds and giving them the confidence, skills and sense of purpose that benefit their communities and our country as a whole.
“None of this would be possible without the thousands of Adult Volunteers who give their time freely, and I want to thank every one of them. I hope National Cadets Week inspires more people to get involved and support their local Cadet Force. You don’t need a Military background, just a commitment to young people. It is one of the most rewarding things you can do.”
Under the Government’s ‘30 by 30’ campaign launched in August 2025, the Ministry of Defence (MOD) is expanding Cadet opportunities for a new generation of young people.
This will deliver over 40,000 more Cadets across the UK, supporting the Government’s commitment to break down the barriers holding back Britain’s young people.
The initiative will showcase the opportunities available through the MOD-sponsored Cadet Forces: the Sea Cadet Corps, Army Cadet Force, Air Training Corps, Volunteer Cadet Corps and Combined Cadet Force.
Into action
A new Cadets Action Plan will be published during National Cadets Week, setting out the Government’s long-term vision to expand high-quality, accessible Cadet provision and ensure more young people from all backgrounds can benefit. This will include modernising the Cadet experience, providing an attractive offer to retain and recruit Adult Volunteers, and ensuring that Cadets and Volunteers have the right resources and support.
Boosting the whole-of-society approach to national resilience, the week will celebrate the dedicated network of Adult Volunteers who lead local Cadet groups.
Through the Cadets, young people develop essential life skills, including leadership, teamwork, and resilience, taking part in activities ranging from adventurous training and fieldcraft to flying, sailing, and gaining Civil Aviation Authority-endorsed drone qualifications.
Participants can also work towards nationally recognised qualifications, including BTECs, first aid certifications and The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.
The Cadets Action Plan will support the growth of the Cadet Forces, helping more young people to progress into careers in the Armed Forces, public services, and wider Defence sector, while strengthening national resilience.
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