Cadets

Lack of volunteers biggest concern for cadets, BFBS Forces News audience poll finds

Following our report that Army and Air Cadet units were stood down after several buildings were found to lack sufficient safety certification, we asked BFBS Forces News' YouTube audience to share their views on the biggest issue facing cadets today.

In a poll which received more than 1,000 votes, almost half (49%) identified the availability of volunteers as a top concern, with training facilities and links between the cadets and the regular military receiving fewer, yet comparable, votes.

Among the comments, many highlighted a shortage of training staff, recruitment challenges, and a failure to modernise, but just as many reflected on the transformative impact that being in the cadets had on their lives.

'What an amazing teen's life'

Brian Osborne, a former member of the Air Training Corps (ATC), got in touch to tell us of the "significant benefits" that joining the cadets had on his later life.

He said that through his school's ATC unit, he earned his gliding A and B certificates, marksmanship qualifications, and various mechanical certifications.

He was also invited to participate in the Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) Scheme, achieving bronze and silver, and progressing partway through gold during the initial trial before its wider launch, he told us via email.

"All this got me into BRNC Dartmouth," he said. "And later on in industry, I found rapid promotion where again, my ATC and DofE experience within the squadron gave me a significant advantage over rivals with my employer."

Later joining as an instructor, the 84-year-old said he looks back fondly on what the ATC offered him, praising plans to expand the cadet force that will see young boys and girls kept away from their devices.

The Cadet Forces give young people the opportunity to make new friends, try different things and gain self-confidence — The cadet forces give young people the opportunity to make new friends, try different things and gain self-confidence

Failing to modernise

Yet alongside praise for the benefits of cadet forces, others have raised concerns surrounding facilities, access and recruitment.

One commenter, who volunteers for the Air Cadets, said the training facilities are "completely run down".

"Access to activities off squadron is incredibly limited," they wrote. "Hardly any stations are able to support summer camps this year, and it's quite sad."

Another said cadet forces fail to "reflect how youngsters are nowadays" and pointed out a lack of recruitment opportunities.

"My local cadet unit only has one intake a year, so if a group of kids pluck up the courage to go down on their own and join, they are often fobbed off and put on a waiting list."

They added: "I also think the regular forces need to have more interactions with them."

Late last year, the government pledged £70m in new funding for their "30 by 30" initiative – a drive to increase the total number of cadets by 30% by 2030.

The investment will expand the cadet programme through new Army and RAF centres, increase adult volunteers, and boost STEM skill opportunities, which could address some of these issues.

A formative force

Despite the concerns about challenges facing cadet forces, many commenters reflected overwhelmingly positive experiences being part of these organisations.

"As someone who heavily relied on the Army Cadets growing up for some kind of discipline and a real sense of belonging – this breaks my heart," one person wrote.

"Please fix it, it's great for young people in general, and it's far more important to some than many would realise."

Another said: "As I look back – I loved it. A day when you were out, not watching telly, and the camp's two-week holiday in the summer, and hearing and talking with the Army.