Why Join the Army Cadets?

The most obvious benefit of being a cadet is that you get to take part in lots of thrilling and enriching activities, such as:

• Fieldcraft
• Adventurous Training
• Shooting
• First Aid
• Music
• Keeping Active

You can learn more about the training and activities you’ll get involved with in the Army Cadet Syllabus, or, if you’re looking for a full list of the courses we offer, have a look at our Adventurous Training activities. 

When you join as a cadet, you’ll make plenty of new friends who may not share your background, culture, or heritage but will share your aspirations and drive. We believe camaraderie is one of the most valuable aspects of being a cadet, so our activities are designed to help you form strong connections with your peers. Building a sense of community is important in all areas of life, and with the Army Cadets, you can expect to make lifelong friends.

At the Army Cadets, you’ll have the opportunity to attend weekend and annual camps, where you will meet cadets from other detachments in your county, region or nationally. You may even get to go on expeditions to amazing places in the UK and sometimes even abroad! Army Cadets have been all over the world, from Italy to Antigua and from Belgium to Kenya. Here are some highlights: 

• India: Army Cadets have participated in unforgettable exchange trips to India with India’s National Cadet Corps (NCC). During these experiences, they’ve explored iconic landmarks such as the Taj Mahal, the Red Fort, and the Amber Palace. In addition to sightseeing, they have had the opportunity to attend major national events like the Republic Day parade, where they showcased their marching skills. Cadets have also been honoured with formal dinners, visits to government officials’ residences, and audiences with key leaders, enriching their cultural understanding and building international friendships.
• South Africa: Groups of cadets and adult volunteers have embarked on community engagement tours of South Africa. Cadets have camped in bush settings, encountered local wildlife, and visited orphanages and schools to engage with local communities. There have also been opportunities to take part in safari and battlefield tours of Isandlwana and Rorke’s Drift.
• Norway: Cadets have had the opportunity to take part in exciting activities such as cross-country skiing, cold-weather survival training, and team-building challenges. They learned valuable outdoor skills, including downhill skiing, while also exploring historic sites like coastal fortifications, offering a mix of adventure and history.
• Canada: Cadets and CFAVs have visited Canada for a four-week Rocky Mountain expedition course, combining leadership training, cultural visits, and outdoor adventures like hiking, biking, and paddling.

Sound like a dream come true? Learn more about our expeditions.

The Army Cadet Syllabus will teach you leadership skills, discipline, and give you self-confidence you never thought possible. You will learn a wide range of transferable skills as a cadet, including, the ability to command tasks, make decisions under pressure, plan and organise tasks, and work effectively as an individual and a team player. These skills will set you up, giving you an edge when it comes to competing for college or university spots and job opportunities. 

Through your cadet training, you can also gain valuable qualifications such as:

•  The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award: A youth program that encourages young people to develop skills, physical fitness, and a sense of adventure and community service. It has three levels—Bronze, Silver, and Gold—each requiring participants to complete activities in Volunteering, Physical, Skills, and Expedition.
• BTEC First Diploma in Public Services or Music: A vocational diploma awarded by the Cadet Vocational College (CVC) to cadets. The college provides practical skills and academic qualifications that can improve your career prospects and encourage personal development.
• The ILM Certificate in Team Leading: A qualification designed to develop the leadership and management skills of aspiring team leaders. It focuses on key areas such as managing people, building relationships, and improving team performance.