U.K. Expands Cadet Forces

A musical display during a Horse Guards Parade in London. Image: Sgt Donald C Todd, UK MOD © Crown copyright 2025

U.K. Ministry of Defence press release

Young people will have more chances to join the Armed Forces Cadets, under a major expansion of cadet forces across the country, announced on Wednesday.  

Under a new ‘30 by 30’ campaign, launched today, the Government is expanding cadet opportunities for a new generation of young people – boosting cadet forces by 30% by 2030 – backed by £70 million of new investment.  

Delivering on the Strategic Defence Review, this would see over 40,000 more cadets across the UK, supporting the Government’s Plan for Change to break down barriers which are holding back Britain’s young people.  

In a sign of how cadet forces can offer valuable STEM skills for young people, the RAF Air Cadets will become the first military youth organisation in Britain certified to train drone pilots. Once the Civil Aviation Authority approves the training manual, the Air Cadets will be able to deliver industry-accredited drone qualifications at the higher levels.   

To read more, please click here. 

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