Cadets Get Technical at Ex Cadet STEM Challenge 2025

Day 1 – Monday 27 October

The week began with great anticipation as cadets were divided into teams of ten, representing their respective ACF counties and CCF contingents. The first day’s focus was on exploration and teamwork as cadets took part in a round robin of technical challenges led by several of the Army’s specialist corps.

Highlights included the Royal Armoured Corps’ armoured vehicle static line, where cadets had the chance to get up close to some of the Army’s most advanced machinery, and the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers’ vehicle recovery challenge, which tested their precision and teamwork in fault finding and towing operations. The Reifflwyr Brenhinol’s display of vehicles, rockets, and a fast-paced gun run demonstrated the practical application of physics and mechanics in the field. The Royal Logistics Corps  showcased the MASTIFF armoured vehicle and set command tasks that emphasised communication and planning.

One cadet from Dyfnaint ACF summed up the excitement of the day:

“One of my favourite things about STEM is definitely science – that’s one of the main reasons I wanted to come on camp this year. I’ve always been interested in engineering and wanted to be an engineer, so getting hands-on with everything has been really fun, especially since it’s only my first day here. I’m really looking forward to visiting the Tank Museum later in the week – I can’t wait to see all the tanks up close and find out how they work and what’s inside them.”

Day 2 – Tuesday 28 October

Day Two continued the technical immersion with a second series of corps-led activities. The Intelligence Corps challenged teams with cognitive puzzles designed to test analytical thinking. The Royal Engineers’ search lane and aerial ropeway provided a mix of problem-solving and physical skill, while the Sgynau Brenhinol’ “Cyber in a Box” activity introduced cadets to the world of digital defence and encryption.

Meanwhile, the Corfflu Awyr y Fyddin’ flying simulator allowed cadets to take virtual control of an aircraft, exploring the principles of flight and aerodynamics. Cadets also tackled a navigation exercise and ended the day at the Royal Armoured Corps Simulator Hall, where they took turns on the tank driving simulator – a firm favourite among participants.

“STEM Challenge Day 2 has been amazing — we got to explore armoured vehicles, go on a tank, and even go inside the Ajax,” said Cadet Stoppard and Cadet Amos from the Cadetiaid Byddin Suffolk. “It’s really interactive and fun — not many people can say they’ve been on a tank!”

Day 3 – Wednesday 29 October

Midweek brought an opportunity to showcase the Army Cadets, its offering and commitment to developing young people to 28 STEM-oriented businesses from across the UK, such as Systemau BAE, Babcock, National Grid, General Dynamics, SudoCyber, ⁠⁠JP Morgan a Anentum.

Two cadets shared their personal stories, highlighting how involvement in the Army Cadets had shaped their confidence and career aspirations.

Guests were then guided around the activity stands to engage with cadets and adult volunteers. This partnership event underscored the Army’s dedication to linking education, industry, and the armed forces.

“It was a great day to show off what the cadets is to businesses, for them to understand what being a cadet means when I come to look for a job role. What 17 year old outside of the cadets can say they’ve led 500 cadets and gained the level of leadership experience we have. It’s definitely given me an advantage!” – Cadet RSM Alex Bagshaw, ACF Wiltshire

“Lovely meeting the cadets and what an experience – as an ex-Army Cadet myself, the whole event was extremely heart-warming and impressive, MBDA are excited to contribute to inspiring the next generation of STEM-ready cadets to become the next generation of talented work force in STEM industry.” – Andy Allen – MBDA

Day 4 – Thursday 30 October

The focus shifted to the Bovington Tank Museum  where cadets explored the “STEM in Armour” exhibition, learning how engineering and innovation have shaped armoured warfare from the past to the present.

There was also the chance on this day to showcase the offering to cadets across the week to a selection of journalists who travelled down to Bovington to find out more on the Army Cadet offering and the incredible benefits to our cadets, showcasing further to wider society why the Army Cadets is such an incredible organisation for young people aged between 12-18.

Michael Alcock from Telent, who ran a night exercise during the week, commented, “What a week! We had the chance to work with Army Cadets and bring STEM to life in a practical way. Every evening, we rolled up our sleeves and explored mesh networking—using nothing more than off-the-shelf kit. The cadets didn’t just learn theory; they got stuck in, experimented, and collaborated to build their own off-grid communication networks. Watching their enthusiasm grow as they realised how tech can keep people connected in tough environments was incredible. At Telent, we love showing how engineering solves real-world challenges—and this was a perfect example. It’s all about innovation, adaptability, and inspiring the next generation to push boundaries.”

Day 5 – Friday 31 October

The week concluded with the awards ceremony, celebrating teamwork, innovation, and enthusiasm. Prizes were awarded to the top three teams across all corps activities, recognising excellence in problem-solving, communication, and leadership.

Congratulations to the winners:

1^st place: ACF Dorset 2^ac team

2^ac place: King Edward VI School CCF

3^rd place: ACF Suffolk

A proud parent was quoted, “My daughter attended the STEM camp, and described it as ‘the best camp ever’, she is still beaming – she had an amazing time, thank you for making it such a wonderful experience for her and all the cadets.”

Her STEM Cyn-CADET 2025 not only strengthened the link between education and the Army’s technical capabilities but also inspired the next generation of thinkers, engineers, and innovators. This year it was key to showcase the best of Army Cadet STEM to so many leaders in defence STEM but also the incredible benefits which cadets offers to youth when it comes to looking for a role in the future across STEM industry.