The King has praised the Cadet Forces for helping generations of young people "discover their strengths, broaden their horizons and develop the confidence to face life's challenges" as the first-ever National Cadet Week begins.
In a letter addressed to the cadets, King Charles said: "In every part of our country, from our cities and towns to our rural and coastal communities, cadets come together to learn new skills, build lasting friendships and contribute positively to the communities in which they live."
From 5-11 October, cadet units from across the UK will open their doors to schools, families and local communities, taking part in outreach activities and delivering presentations to schools and workplaces to help spread awareness of the programme.
Comprising more than 137,000 young people, the Cadet Force is also supported by around 28,000 adult volunteers in more than 3,000 locations around the UK.
In his letter, His Majesty the King highlighted their contribution, as they "so generously give their time, energy and expertise".
"It is now more than ever that we need more willing volunteers to set up and serve future generations of cadets," he said.
Chance to celebrate young people and volunteers
Under the National Cadets Action Plan, the government aims to expand the Cadet Forces by 10% by 2030 and 30% by 2035.
The campaign also includes plans to open new cadet centres and joint facilities across the UK, with one such facility recently opening in Hastings, Sussex.
The new space will enable the sharing of resources and skills in the town, allowing the Army Cadet Force and the Royal Air Force Air Cadets to both make use of the new facilities and return to training in Hastings.
Attending the opening, Minister for Veterans and People Calvin Bailey said: "Our Cadet Forces give young people the chance to discover what they're capable of, have fun, build friendships and develop skills that will stay with them for life.
"National Cadets Week is a chance for us to celebrate the young people who make our Cadet Forces so special, and the volunteers who give their time to help them thrive. Together, we can ensure these opportunities remain for generations to come."
In an article published by BFBS Forces News, Mr Bailey also spoke about how his experience as a cadet gave him direction, a sense of community and a productive focus during his formative years.
Meanwhile, Chief of the Defence Staff Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton emphasised that being a cadet is much more than learning military skills.
"It's about working as a team, stepping outside your comfort zone and having the confidence to take on new challenges," he said. "Cadets are given opportunities to lead and develop their leadership skills at an early age, setting them up for the future.
"I want to thank cadets and volunteers for the contribution they make to communities across the UK. It's fantastic to see their dedication celebrated through National Cadets Week."
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