Benefits for your child

The Army Cadets help young people build leadership, resilience, teamwork, confidence, social skills, and respect for diversity—preparing them for success in any path they choose.

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Benefits of Army Cadets for Your Child

The Army Cadet experience contributes to a well-rounded life that prepares young people for success wherever they choose to go after the Army Cadets.

Key benefits of joining the Army Cadets include:

  • Leadership: Cadets learn to lead others to achieve shared goals, plan effectively, communicate clearly, and inspire their teams.
  • Resilience: Members develop the ability to persevere through challenging situations.
  • Teamwork: Cadets work as part of a team, learning to share ideas, support peers, and follow leadership instructions.
  • Social Skills: Through varied interactions, cadets refine social skills that contribute to positive outcomes.
  • Acceptance of Diversity: The Army Cadets foster an understanding and appreciation of diverse backgrounds and talents.
  • Confidence: Cadets build the personal confidence to apply their skills in various settings.

According to research by the University of Northampton, commissioned by the Ministry of Defence and the Cadet Vocational College (CVC), Army Cadets have a profound impact on young people’s prospects and social mobility, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds.

The study highlights how cadet membership can enhance employment opportunities, career progression, and overall mental and physical wellbeing. Belonging to a cadet force has been associated with fewer GP visits and less reliance on mental health services.

Stats from 2025 University of Northampton study

Not being NEET

If every year the cadet experience helps just 1% of cadets change their life outcomes so that they are in employment, education or training, the annual cost of the Cadet Forces is covered.

Wellbeing

In terms of health and wellbeing alone, participation in the Cadet Forces produces an annual return on investment in the region of £120 million each year.

Cadet qualifications

Each year it is estimated that the lifetime value of vocational qualifications gained by the most disadvantaged cadets is well over £130 million.

Adult Volunteers qualifications

Adult volunteers benefit from being in the Cadet Forces and can gain qualifications that can generate a total increase in potential lifetime earnings of around £50 million.

  • The Institute for Social Innovation and Impact

    Proffesor Simon Denny

    The cadet forces offer structured challenge, discipline, training, education, and fun," while providing cadets and adult volunteers with valuable skills and qualifications that improve their educational and career prospects

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