Cadetes
Essex ACF
27 agosto 2026
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Minister Sees How Army Cadets Build Skills for Life

Essex Army Cadets showcased their skills during a visit from Minister for Veterans and People Calvin Bailey MBE MP ahead of the UK’s first National Cadets Week.

Cadetes del Ejército de Essex showcased how the cadet experience helps young people build confidence, resilience and life skills during a visit from the Minister for Veterans and People, Calvin Bailey MBE MP.

Joining them for the day were Brigadier Gary McDade, Deputy Commander Cadets; Colonel Ashley Fulford OBE, National Colonel Cadets; and Colonel Peter Mills, Commandant of Essex Army Cadet Force. Together, they met cadets and adult volunteers taking part in the activities.

The Minister visited their annual camp ahead of the UK’s first National Cadets Week, which will take place from 5 to 11 October 2026 and celebrate the contribution of cadets and adult volunteers across the country.

Army Cadets Put Their Skills into Practice

During his visit, the Minister met Army Cadets and adult volunteers and saw first-hand some of the activities and training available through the Army Cadets.

Cadets demonstrated a range of skills, including trabajo de campo, primeros auxilios, navegación and marksmanship. The Minister also joined cadets on the range and took part in disparando activities.

The visit highlighted how taking part in Army Cadets gives young people experiences beyond the classroom while developing qualities that can support them throughout education, employment and later life.

Building Confidence, Resilience and Leadership

The government has committed £70 million to support the sustainable growth of the UK’s cadet forces, with an ambition to increase cadet numbers by 30% by 2035.

Independent research from the University of Northampton has linked participation in cadet forces with improved wellbeing, educational outcomes and social mobility. The research also highlighted benefits including greater confidence, resilience, employability and leadership skills.

These are qualities Calvin Bailey MBE MP experienced himself as a former Air Cadet.

He said:

“As a former Air Cadet, I know first-hand the difference cadets can make to a young person’s life. I learnt to fly a plane before I could drive a car, and gained the skills and confidence that shaped my future.”

Reflecting on the young people he met during the visits, he added:

“Today I’ve met cadets developing those same qualities: confidence, resilience, leadership and teamwork. These are skills that will stay with them for life, whatever path they choose.

“I want more young people from all backgrounds to have access to the same opportunities and experiences that helped me.”

Creating Opportunities for Young People

More than 137,000 young people currently take part in cadet forces across the UK, supported by around 28,000 adult volunteers who give their time to provide training, activities and opportunities.

Through experiences including adventurous training, fieldcraft, first aid, deporte, música and leadership development, Army Cadets gives young people opportunities to challenge themselves, make new friends and discover what they are capable of achieving.

The visit demonstrated the important role cadet forces can play in helping young people build confidence, discipline and ambition while strengthening links between Defence and communities across the UK.

Looking Ahead to National Cadets Week

The visit came ahead of the UK’s first National Cadets Week, taking place from 5 to 11 October 2026.

Throughout the week, communities across the country will be encouraged to celebrate the achievements of cadets and the adult volunteers who support them, raise awareness of the opportunities available through the cadet forces and inspire more young people and adults to get involved.

National Cadets Week will also provide an opportunity to showcase the skills, friendships and experiences young people can gain through being part of the Army Cadets.

HAGA CLIC EN CUALQUIER IMAGEN PARA AMPLIARLA

A man in a black shirt talks to two people in camouflage uniforms outdoors on a grassy area, with trees in the background. A man in a brown shirt speaks outdoors to a man in a suit as a camera crew films them, with a beige building and grass visible in the background. Six people, five in Army Cadet uniforms and one in black clothing, stand side by side outside on a paved area near a brick building and a white picket fence, smiling at the camera. A senior military officer in uniform talks with four young Army Cadets in camouflage and berets outdoors. The group stands on a grassy field under a partly cloudy sky, holding rifles and listening attentively. A man in military camouflage with a beret speaks with another man in a black shirt outdoors, standing in front of a wire fence and trees. Six people, five in uniforms and one in black clothing, stand outside talking near a brick building. Two of them are shaking hands. There are road signs and a white picket fence in the background. A group of Army Cadets in camouflage uniforms and green berets stand outdoors, gathered in conversation. The background shows more cadets and greenery under a partly cloudy sky. A group of Army Cadets in camouflage talk and laugh outdoors with a man in black. One person wears a yellow vest, another wears a maroon beret, and everyone appears relaxed and happy. A man in a black shirt shakes hands with a cadet in camouflage, surrounded by other personnel outdoors. They all appear to be smiling and engaged in friendly conversation. Four people in Army Cadet uniforms smile and give thumbs up whilst standing in a grassy field as another uniformed person with a rucksack faces them. Equipment is set up nearby and trees are visible in the background. Two senior personnel in camouflage uniforms talk and smile outdoors on grassy terrain. One wears ear protection, while the other, adorned with a beret and various badges, stands nearby. A fence and field are visible in the background. A group of people, some in uniforms and others in civilian clothing, walk and talk along a rural path surrounded by grass and fields on a sunny day. Four young people in camouflage uniforms work together outdoors, assembling equipment in a grassy field under a partly cloudy sky. One holds a small dish whilst others focus on the task. Five young people in camouflage uniforms sit on dry grass, focused on a wooden puzzle box. Two are actively working on the puzzle, while the others watch and smile in the background. A man in black gestures while speaking to a man in camouflage military uniform and green beret, standing outdoors in a grassy field under a cloudy sky. Two men, one in military uniform and the other in a black polo shirt, have an animated conversation outdoors whilst soldiers stand nearby, blurred in the foreground.