- For over 150 years, cadet forces have provided young people with opportunities to develop teamwork, leadership and problem-solving skills needed to succeed in education, employment and training
- Labour committed to growing the MOD-sponsored cadet forces by 30% by 2035, creating capacity for around 180,000 young people to participate in cadet programmes
- First National Cadets Week to celebrate contribution made by cadets and volunteers to young people, their communities and the country
Stephen Morgan MP has welcomed the UK’s first-ever National Cadets Week and paid tribute to cadets and volunteers who make a difference.
As Britain marks the first-ever National Cadets Week, beginning on 5 October 2026, cadets and volunteers across the country will be celebrating the positive impact cadet forces have on young people and local communities. The week will showcase the work of cadets and the dedicated adult volunteers who help equip the next generation with the skills, confidence and sense of service needed to make a positive contribution to society.
Cadet forces help young people develop confidence, teamwork and problem-solving skills that support them in education, employment and later life. Through the cadets, young people can also achieve nationally recognised qualifications such as BTECs, first aid certificates and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. Increasingly, cadets are also gaining valuable experience in STEM, cyber and technology subjects, helping prepare them for the jobs and industries of the future.
There are five Ministry of Defence-sponsored cadet forces, including the Army Cadets, RAF Air Cadets, Sea Cadets, Combined Cadet Force and Volunteer Cadet Corps. Together, they support around 137,000 cadets and 28,000 adult volunteers across the UK. The Ministry of Defence has set an ambition to increase cadet participation by 30 per cent by 2035 and will shortly publish its first Cadet Action Plan.
National Cadets Week will place a particular emphasis on recognising the contribution of adult volunteers and highlighting the practical skills, including first aid skills, that cadets develop through their service. Each day of Cadets Week has a different theme, and on Saturday 10, many cadet units will be holding open days for interested young people, families and future volunteers.
To mark National Cadets Week, Mr Morgan will also be attending the Royal Navy Cadets Day at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard on Saturday 10 October, a day-long event which celebrates the achievements of and opportunities provided by the Cadet Forces.
Bringing together cadets from the Royal Navy, Army and RAF Cadet Forces, the event will showcase the skills, experiences and opportunities that make being a cadet an exciting and valuable adventure.
To find out more about the event, click here.
Commenting, Stephen Morgan, MP for Portsmouth South, said:
“National Cadets Week is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the dedication, achievements and community spirit of cadets and volunteers across Portsmouth. Cadet forces help young people build confidence, resilience and skills that will benefit them throughout their lives, while also making a valuable contribution to our communities.
“I would like to pay tribute to Portsmouth’s own courageous cadets and thank the volunteers across our city for the difference that they are able make whilst encouraging more young people to consider getting involved in the cadet movement.”
Calvin Bailey MBE MP, Minister for Veterans and People said:
“I joined the Air Cadets as a young person, and I loved it. I learned to fly before I could drive, and those experiences expanded what I believed was possible and played an important part in my social mobility.
“Being a cadet is so much fun, but it would not be possible without the thousands of adult volunteers who give their time to support our young people, and I am so grateful for their service.
“I know National Cadets Week will inspire people, both adults and young people, to get involved with their local cadet force. You don’t need a military background to get stuck in, just a commitment to young people and our country.”
