Cadets Put STEM Skills into Action
Hundreds of cadets had the chance to put their STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) knowledge to the test in exciting real-life military scenarios.
Ex CADET STEM CHALLENGE 24 was organised by the Royal Corps of Signals and supported by ten other Army units. Held at Westdown Camp on Salisbury Plain, the exercise was an illuminating and inspiring learning experience that revealed how STEM can be used in a military setting.
Almost 290 cadets explored the types of challenges soldiers encounter during their day-to-day work and were tasked with figuring out how STEM skills could be used to overcome them. Cadets tried their hands at everything from helicopter design and preparing goods for airlifting to getting hands-on with technical gear.
Practical challenges were held across Salisbury Plain, with organisers setting up scenarios to test cadets’ STEM skills in a range of terrains and encampments.
Confidence Building and New Opportunities
For Cadet Lance Corporal Wayne Stock-Morgan of ہیمپشائر اور آئل آف وائٹ اے سی ایف, who has been a cadet for nearly three years, it was an engaging and stimulating experience. He particularly liked visiting The Tank Museum in Bovington and is now interested in exploring future options with the Royal Tank Regiment.
“It was my first opportunity to apply STEM to real-life activities. The helicopter building with the Army Air Corps was great, and I really enjoyed the clay pigeon shooting. It’s built up my confidence and made me want to keep pushing myself. There was a time when I wasn’t going on camps, but after attending this one, I want to do more.”
Cadet Olivia Alderson, also of Hampshire and Isle of Wight ACF, has been a cadet for nearly two years, and said the STEM camp opened her eyes to new possibilities.
“I wasn’t that interested in STEM before attending, but after hearing about the camp from adults and friends at detachment, I thought, ‘Why not?’ It has definitely opened me up to more options in the future and made me think STEM could be something I actually want to do.”
Olivia was one of 116 girls to attend the camp – a promising number given that current statistics indicate that just 30% of the STEM workforce comprises women.
STEM in Action
Captain James Firth of The Royal Corps of Signals, and exercise coordinator for Ex CADET STEM CHALLENGE 24, highlighted the value of the event:
“It’s important to inspire that passion for STEM subjects in our younger generation, whether in school or outside school, and to develop their skills in these subjects.”
The camp was ideal for those wanting to develop their STEM skills and explore career options with a STEM component. Plus, Army organisers ensured that the tasks were as practical, hands-on and engaging as possible.
“STEM can seem quite intangible and conceptual at times, but it doesn’t need to be. Within an Army context, STEM can be really practical, and this helps to break down any ‘classroom’ barrier that cadets might experience.”
VIP Visitors and Industry Support
Alistair Carns OBE, Minister for Veterans and People at the Ministry of Defence, was among the VIPS in attendance at the cadet STEM camp visitors’ day at Middle Wallop.
During his visit, the minister participated in an activity that involved applying the laws of physics and maths to ensure the safe airlifting of goods by helicopter over a distance.
“This week demonstrates to cadets how STEM is at the heart of our Armed Forces and everything we do. Integrating STEM into the cadet curriculum will help prepare cadets for the technology-driven economy of today and ensure they will be well prepared for adult life.”
Cadets also had the opportunity to speak to local industry experts about STEM-related careers. Representatives from Waterman Aspen, Sanderson Government and Defence, and HORIBA MIRA Propulsion Test and Development Centre were in attendance.