Building Belonging: Inside the Army Cadets Multicultural Network

The Army Cadets is an organisation founded on the core values of respect, integrity, loyalty, self-discipline and courage. At the heart of efforts to embed those values into everyday cadet life is the Multicultural Network, a dedicated Diversity and Inclusion network established in July 2025. Leading that network is Uashar Badakhshan, a Feachd Chaideataich Arm Devon (ACF) Instructor and the inaugural Chair of the Multicultural Network, whose own journey through the organisation reflects the very transformation the network aims to enable for others.

Introducing Uashar Badakhshan

Uashar first joined the Army Cadets in 2015, serving for six years as a cadet and a further two years as a Staff Cadet. During that time, he progressed to Maighstir-Cadet and was appointed Staff Cadet Regimental Sergeant Major with ACF Northumbria. He also took part in a wide range of national and international opportunities, including the India Exchange Programme in 2023.

When he aged out later that year, stepping away was never really an option, as he explains, “The Army Cadets had a profoundly positive impact on my development, building my confidence and leadership skills, to opening doors to opportunities I would never have imagined. Volunteering felt like a natural progression, allowing me to give back and support the next generation of cadets access those same opportunities.”

Alongside his cadet journey, Uashar moved to Devon to study Medicine at the University of Exeter and is due to graduate in July 2026. He was awarded a scholarship by the University of Oxford to develop his research skills, with a focus on ethnic disparities in health, and has since contributed to published research presented at international conferences. In August 2026, he will begin his career as an Academic Foundation Doctor at the Royal Devon University Hospital. He credits the leadership, resilience and values developed through the Army Cadets as having played a role in those achievements.

What is the Multicultural Network?

Established in July 2025, the Multicultural Network is the newest of the Army Cadets’ Diversity and Inclusion networks. Its purpose, as Uashar describes it, goes beyond simply making people feel welcome.

“The Multicultural Network exists to promote inclusion, understanding and opportunity across the Army Cadets, ensuring that cadets and adult volunteers from all backgrounds feel represented, supported and able to thrive. Not just accepted but that they truly belong within the organisation.”

The network addresses the real and varied challenges faced by cadets and adult volunteers from diverse backgrounds, including barriers related to culture, religion and identity. This includes practical support, such as adapting dress, raising awareness of dietary requirements such as fasting and ensuring that religious observance is recognised and accommodated. As Uashar puts it: “These considerations may seem small but they make a significant difference in ensuring individuals feel understood and respected.”

Activities and Initiatives

The Multicultural Network delivers a range of national initiatives designed to educate, connect and inspire. These include regular network meetings open to all adult volunteers, providing a platform to share experiences, discuss challenges and exchange best practices in inclusive leadership.

It also delivers webinars open to both cadets and adult volunteers, featuring inspiring speakers from across the organisation. One recent example is the ‘From Cadet RSM to Brigadier’ webinar, which highlighted the leadership journeys and breadth of opportunities available through the cadet experience.

More recently, the network recently delivered its first Cultural Awareness Workshop, equipping volunteers with the knowledge and confidence to better support cadets from diverse backgrounds. “Through these initiatives, the network aims to inform, inspire and empower,” says Uashar, “ensuring inclusion is not just discussed but actively embedded across the organisation.”

Real Impact, Real Stories

The network’s impact is already being felt. At a Multicultural Network meeting on 21 October, Corporal Bah and Corporal Derosa from 146 Detachment, Greater London Southwest Sector, shared their personal journeys in front of cadets, adult volunteers and Commandants from across the UK. They spoke candidly about initially feeling a lack of representation as Muslims within the organisation, before finding a welcoming environment that enabled them to grow in confidence and contribute meaningfully. A particularly significant moment for them was the provision of a designated prayer space, something they had not expected. That small gesture left a lasting impression not only on them but also on their families.

Another standout moment for Uashar came during the ‘Leading Change’ webinar, when Cadet RSM Marina Erturk from North West London and Middlesex ACF shared her journey to becoming a Cadet Regimental Sergeant Major. As Uashar reflects, “Her story was both inspiring and aspirational, particularly for younger cadets, demonstrating what can be achieved through commitment, resilience and leadership. Many cadets left the session feeling motivated and empowered, with a clearer vision of what they could achieve within the Army Cadets.”

Get Involved

The Multicultural Network is open to everyone across the Army Cadets, whether you are a cadet or an adult volunteer. There are a range of ways to get involved, from attending webinars and joining national events. Resources and updates are shared through established communication channels and the network can be contacted directly at any time.

“Get involved,” says Uashar. “Your voice, experiences and perspectives matter. You don’t need to have all the answers or be an expert in inclusion to take part. The network is a space to learn, share and grow together.”

For anyone who has ever felt unsure of where they fit, his message is clear: “If you’ve ever felt unsure about where you fit, this network exists to show you that you do belong. We are here to support, empower and ensure that every individual can thrive and reach their full potential within the organisation.”

We also have a closed Facebook group for the network. To join, please click an seo.