The University of Northampton recently released its four year study into the positive impact of being in a cadet force has on young people. 

• Four-year university study provides extensive assessment of cadets
• Huge well-being and career benefits
• Defence Command Paper outlines commitment to invest in the Cadet Forces

The UK currently has 130,000 cadets and almost 30,000 adult volunteers supporting them. This follows the Cadet Expansion Programme launched by HM Government in 2012 which saw the number of school cadet units double to over 500 by last year.

During a visit to a local cadet unit based in a South London all-girls school, Defence Minister James Heappey explained that the study found participation in the Cadet programmes led to greatly improved communication and leadership skills.

“I AM DELIGHTED TO READ THE POSITIVE CONCLUSIONS FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTHAMPTON’S REPORT INTO OUR CADETS, WHICH EMPHASISES THE IMPORTANCE OF THIS PROGRAMME FOR BOTH YOUNG PEOPLE AND ADULT VOLUNTEERS.

“CADETS FORM A VITAL PART OF THE COMMUNITIES THEY REPRESENT, BUILDING CONFIDENCE, RESILIENCE AND FRIENDSHIP IN A UNIQUE SETTING. THIS REPORT CLEARLY DEMONSTRATES HOW CADET FORCES BENEFIT OUR YOUTH BY BROADENING THEIR HORIZONS AND UNLOCKING THEIR POTENTIAL.” Minister for the Armed Forces, James Heappey

Education Secretary Gavin Williamson, added: “I have seen for myself how the values of our Armed Forces – those of resilience, self-discipline and perseverance – can benefit so many of our young people with skills they can rely on well into adult life. That, for me, is one of the biggest benefits of this growing programme and why we are expanding it into even more schools.  This study confirms the positive impact that being a Cadet can have, by levelling up outcomes in education, employment and health for young people.”

Not only were these positive attributes developed within the Cadet Forces; the study found the skills gained through cadets’ experiences are reflected in other aspects of life. For example, participation was directly linked to increased social mobility, improved educational outcomes and greater employability.

Additionally, improved mental and physical well-being and strong community links are included in the findings, particularly for those who experience economic or other disadvantages. The well-being benefits from participation may result in fewer visits to the GP or less use of mental health support services.

“OUR RESEARCH HAS CONCLUDED THAT THE CADET FORCES PROVIDE STRUCTURED CHALLENGE, DISCIPLINE, TRAINING, EDUCATION AND, IMPORTANTLY, FUN. CADETS AND THEIR ADULT VOLUNTEER INSTRUCTORS GAIN NEW SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS WHICH INCREASE THEIR EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES. THE POSITIVE IMPACTS ON SOCIAL MOBILITY ARE, FRANKLY, AMAZING. THE CADET FORCES REPRESENT A VERY GOOD USE OF TAXPAYERS’ MONEY.” Professor Simon Denny, Institute for Social Innovation and Impact, the University of Northampton

The report outlines a significant return on investment in the Cadet Forces, with the cadet experience offering potentially life-changing opportunities for career progression and vocational qualifications. This results in increased career prospects for those who may not hold traditional educational qualifications.

Earlier this year, the Defence Command Paper outlined a refreshed commitment to invest in the Cadet Forces, and the MOD will continue to work jointly with the Department for Education to develop and expand the programme to provide this opportunity to more young people.

The Ministry of Defence and Department for Education also announced a further £1.1 million of funding for the Cadet Expansion Programme (CEP) in April 2021. The CEP builds on the Government’s support for children’s wellbeing as they make the transition back to the classroom, as well as its £1.7 billion investment in programmes targeted at young people who may benefit from additional help with academic, social or emotional skills.

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.

The Volunteer Cadet Corps is fortunate enough to be supported by a number of organisations but we are particularly proud of the relationship with The Connaught Trust.

The Trust has graciously awarded a number of grants in support of VCC activities and recently contributed towards the funding new instruments for our Cadet Band in Gosport, which would have a hugely positive impact on our cadet’s musical development and allow younger members to embark on their musical journey but also to procure handheld radios and an associated VHF licence which will be used during weekend field exercises and other occasions such as when the VCC attends summer shows and charitable events, as well as Duke of Edinburgh Award expeditions and when in convoy on long journeys.

Please visit their website to learn about the fascinating history of the Trust but also see how they have helped so many cadets and reservists in the Hampshire and IOW area achieve their potential over the years.

We extend our continued thanks to the Trustees of the Connaught Trust and look forward to developing our partnership further.

Capt (VCC) Louis Colpitts, Executive Officer (Support) said “We at the VCC passionately believe that children should have the opportunity to become involved in music and reap the benefits of playing an instrument, with all of the educational positives that follow. The generous grant allows our young people the opportunity to learn a musical instrument provides them with many important life skills, such as patience, perseverance, confidence, and self-discipline, all of which will put them in good stead well into their adult lives.”

The Volunteer Cadet Corps is looking for a new Senior Logistics Officer (SLO) to join its headquarters.

The VCC is now taking applications for a new Senior Logistics Officer to join its headquarters. This adult volunteer role is responsible for managing the HQVCC central stores (ensuring that items are secure, maintained and issued properly) and assisting with the sourcing and procurement of articles in support of HQ and VCC units.

For more information about this volunteer role, please visit: https://volunteercadetcorps.org/volunteer-vacancies or contact us.