Make friends for life.
Discover new adventures. Learn new skills.
If you’re aged 12 to 18, Army Cadets is your chance to try exciting activities, challenge yourself and become part of a welcoming community. Whether you’re interested in adventure, sport, music, first aid or leadership, there’s something for everyone.
You don’t need any previous experience to join, and becoming a cadet does not mean you’re signing up to join the Army. Army Cadets is a youth organisation that helps young people build confidence, learn practical skills and make lasting friendships.
The first step is simple. Find your nearest Army Cadet detachment and register your interest.
Find an Army Cadet detachment near you
Wherever you live in the UK, there’s a good chance there’s an Army Cadet detachment nearby.
Search using your postcode, city or town to find your nearest location, view parade times and register your interest.
Whether you’re looking for your closest detachment or one that offers specialist opportunities such as music, our search tool will help you find the best option for you.
Trouvez votre détachement local
Pourquoi rejoindre les Cadets de l'Armée ?
When you join as a cadet, vous 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.
L'avantage le plus évident d'être un cadet est de participer à de nombreuses activités passionnantes et enrichissantes :
You can learn more about the training and activities you’ll get involved with in the Syllabus des cadets de l'armée, or, if you’re looking for a full list of the courses we offer, have a look at our Activités de formation aventureuse.
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.
- Norvège : Les cadets ont eu l'occasion de participer à des activités passionnantes telles que le ski de fond, l'entraînement à la survie par temps froid et des défis de renforcement de l'esprit d'équipe. Ils ont acquis de précieuses compétences en plein air, notamment en ski alpin, tout en explorant des sites historiques tels que des fortifications côtières, offrant ainsi un mélange d'aventure et d'histoire.
- Canada : Les cadets et les CFAV se sont rendus au Canada pour une expédition de quatre semaines dans les montagnes Rocheuses, combinant formation au leadership, visites culturelles et aventures en plein air comme la randonnée, le vélo et le canoë-kayak.
Sound like a dream come true? Learn more about our expéditions.
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.
Grâce à votre formation de cadet, vous pouvez également acquérir des qualifications précieuses par exemple :
- Le Prix du Duc d'Édimbourg: Un programme pour la jeunesse qui encourage les jeunes à développer leurs compétences, leur condition physique, leur sens de l'aventure et du service à la communauté. Il comporte trois niveaux - Bronze, Argent et Or - chacun exigeant des participants qu'ils accomplissent des activités dans les domaines du bénévolat, de l'activité physique, des compétences et de l'expédition.
- Premier diplôme BTEC en services publics ou en musique: Un diplôme professionnel délivré par le Cadet Vocational College (CVC) aux cadets. Le collège fournit des compétences pratiques et des qualifications académiques qui peuvent améliorer vos perspectives de carrière et encourager le développement personnel.
- Le certificat ILM de chef d'équipe : Cette qualification est conçue pour développer les compétences en matière de leadership et de gestion des futurs chefs d'équipe. Il se concentre sur des domaines clés tels que la gestion des personnes, l'établissement de relations et l'amélioration des performances de l'équipe.
Take part in camps, competitions, community events, expeditions and national or international opportunities that vous remember for years to come.
What do Army Cadets do?
Every detachment offers a varied programme designed to keep cadets active, engaged and learning.
You could take part in:
- First aid training
- Navigation
- Artisanat de terrain
- Formation aventureuse
- Sport and fitness
- Musique
- Leadership and teamwork
- Community events
- Camps and competitions
- Progression through the Army Cadet Syllabus
Every week is different, and many cadets discover interests and skills they never knew they had.
Who can join the Army Cadets?
The Army Cadets welcome young people from all backgrounds.
You can join if you:
- Are aged 12 to 18 years old
- Want to learn new skills and try new experiences
- Commit to parade nights that are usually one or two evenings a week, plus optional weekend training and annual camps.
- Want to be part of a supportive local community
No previous knowledge is required. Everything is taught by experienced adult volunteers who will help you learn at your own pace.
Joining Army Cadets does not commit you to joining the Army or pursuing a military career. Many former cadets go on to careers in a wide range of industries and professions.
How to join the Army Cadets
Joining the Army Cadets gives you the chance to engage in challenging and adventurous activities, helping you harness the skills vous need to thrive in your personal and professional life, whether that’s through leadership development, community engagement, or something else amazing.
What should you expect when you first join?
Feeling nervous about your first night at cadets? You’re not alone. From meeting new people to trying new activities, taking that first step can feel daunting. Watch this video to find out what you can expect on your first parade night and discover why so many young people quickly find fun, friendship and a place to belong.
During your first visit, you can expect to:
- Meet the adult volunteers and other cadets
- Learn about the activities available
- See what a typical evening looks like
- Ask any questions you or your parents/guardians may have
For your first few sessions, comfortable clothing and suitable footwear are usually all you need. Uniform is normally provided once you’ve joined.
Many detachments also offer prospective cadets the opportunity to attend before deciding whether Army Cadets is right for them.
Information for parents and guardians
Army Cadets offers a safe, inclusive environment where young people build confidence, gain life skills and enjoy accessible activities.
Sauvegarde et bien-être
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Got questions about joining or being part of the Army Cadets? Our FAQ page has the answers! From enrolment to training, uniforms to activities, find everything you need to know in one place. Explore now!
Hear from cadets and their families
Every cadet’s journey is unique and inspiring. From building confidence and leadership skills to earning top qualifications and representing the UK overseas, our cadets have gone on to achieve incredible things.
Here you’ll find real stories from cadets who have challenged themselves, made a difference, and discovered just how far the Army Cadets experience can take you.
Ready to start your Army Cadet adventure?
Find your nearest Army Cadet detachment today and take the first step towards learning new skills, making lifelong friends and discovering what you’re capable of.