Our mission is to develop young people into confident, dependable members of society by immersing them in the traditions, standards, and values that have shaped Britain’s naval forces for generations.
The Volunteer Cadet Corps (VCC) is a proud, Royal Navy-sponsored youth organisation offering young people aged 9 to 18 the opportunity to develop confidence, discipline, and leadership in a uniquely military environment.
Across our Royal Naval Cadets, Royal Marines Cadets, and Royal Marines Band Cadets, we help cadets challenge themselves, learn practical skills, and take part in unforgettable experiences — from adventure training to ceremonial parades.
We are lead by a team of incredible volunteers, who guide and inspire our cadets whilst building their own skills and qualifications.
The VCC is more than drill and discipline — it’s a pathway to achievement and personal growth.
From earning Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards to taking part in historic traditions, we offer young people the opportunity to learn and try a whole range of new challenges in a supportive environment.
Learn more about our history, find answers to common questions in our FAQs, or explore how cadets can earn their DofE Awards alongside their VCC training.
2026 will be remembered as a landmark year in the history of the Volunteer Cadet Corps, as the organisation completed its transition to a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) and laid the foundations for a stronger, more resilient future. While many cadets and volunteers may have noticed little change in their day-to-day activities, an enormous amount […]
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Historic Portsmouth plaque unveiled as Volunteer Cadet Corps celebrates 125 Portsmouth Guildhall plaque marks the VCC’s historic roots as Portsmouth100 continues and the inaugural National Cadets Week begins. Portsmouth, Monday 5 October 2026 – A piece of Portsmouth’s military and youth history has been permanently marked at the heart of the city, as the Volunteer Cadet […]
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Gosport Youth Citizen of the Year Recognised for Outstanding Service to the Volunteer Cadet Corps The Volunteer Cadet Corps is delighted to congratulate Zoë Malam on being named Gosport Youth Citizen of the Year 2026, recognising her exceptional commitment to volunteering, leadership and youth development. Zoë joined the Royal Marines Volunteer Cadet Corps Band Gosport […]
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Hundreds Attend Cadet Fest 2026 as Volunteer Cadet Corps Celebrates 125 Years The Volunteer Cadet Corps (VCC) welcomed hundreds of visitors to Portsmouth Historic Dockyard on Saturday for Cadet Fest 2026, a major public event celebrating the organisation’s 125th anniversary and showcasing the positive impact of the cadet experience on young people. Held within one […]
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Historic First as Volunteer Cadet Corps Conducts Ceremony of the Dues at the Tower of London The Volunteer Cadet Corps (VCC) made history on Tuesday 21 April 2026, becoming the first youth organisation ever to conduct the Ceremony of the Constable’s Dues at the Tower of London, as part of its 125th anniversary celebrations. The […]
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Volunteer Cadet Corps Marks 125th Anniversary in 2026 The Volunteer Cadet Corps (VCC), one of the United Kingdom’s oldest uniformed youth organisation, will proudly mark its 125th anniversary in 2026, celebrating more than a century of service, discipline and youth development. Founded on 14 February 1901 at the Mission Hall on Prince Albert Street, Portsmouth; […]
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Volunteer Cadet Corps Signs the Armed Forces Covenant aboard HMS Victory The Volunteer Cadet Corps (VCC) has today (10 Feb 2026) formally signed the Armed Forces Covenant, reaffirming its commitment to supporting the Armed Forces community and marking a significant milestone during its 125th anniversary year. The signing ceremony took place in the Great Cabin […]
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Congratulations Chris Spratt MBE! Former Commander VCC, Lt Col (VCC) Ret’d Chris Spratt has been recognised by His Majesty The King in the New Years Honours List and is awarded an MBE for Services to the Volunteer Cadet Corps.Chris Spratt MBE’s retirement from his role as Commander VCC in March 2024 marked the end of […]
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The University of Northampton’s full report, entitled ‘What is the social impact and return on investment resulting from expenditure on the Cadet Forces in the UK?’ can be viewed here.
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Volunteer Cadet Corps 120 years old and still going strong with new Commanding Officer. The Volunteer Cadet Corps (VCC) celebrates 120 years on 14th Feb 2021. The VCC has units operating in Portsmouth, Gosport, Fareham, Plymouth, Lympstone (nr. Exmouth), Arbroath (Scotland) and have expanded this with a new unit set to open in Chivenor, North […]
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