Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson welcomes a report highlighting the positive effects of Cadet Forces
Image Shows: Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson presenting Cadets with their Class 1 badges. Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson has visited Aston University Engineering Academy on Friday 28 September to discuss a new report looking at the benefits being a cadet can bring to individuals and their local community. He also announced the latest round of approvals for the Cadet Expansion Programme and witnessed a cadet unit exercise. Photographer: Corporal Tom Evans (RLC) / MoD Crown
Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson has welcomed an independent report highlighting the positive effects of Cadet Forces as dozens of new units across the UK are approved.
The University of Northampton’s independent report, published today, finds that joining the cadets offers a range of benefits to individuals and the wider community. Following research across the entire cadet organisation, the report outlines the huge positive impact that Cadet Forces have on social inclusion, mobility and the mental wellbeing of young people.
Speaking today at Aston University Engineering Academy, a state school with an RAF Cadet Force, the Defence Secretary also announced the approval of 30 new cadet units in schools across the UK. Part of the Cadet Expansion Programme, these latest approvals bring the total of units up to 472, benefiting approximately 43,000 cadets.
Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson has visited Aston University Engineering Academy on Friday 28 September to discuss a new report looking at the benefits being a cadet can bring to individuals and their local community.
He also announced the latest round of approvals for the Cadet Expansion Programme and witnessed a cadet unit exercise.
Photographer: Corporal Tom Evans (RLC) / MoD Crown
Speaking at the academy, Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson said:
Being a cadet offers students unrivalled opportunities to develop new skills, enjoy unforgettable life experiences, and be inspired by our world class Armed Forces.
This report confirms that joining the cadets gives people from all communities the confidence to succeed in life and I’m pleased these latest approvals for new units will give even more young people the opportunity to join the cadets.
The report concludes that being a member of the Cadet Forces:
- increased an individual’s belief in their ability to complete specific tasks;
- improved their motivation;
- improved school attendance and led to better behaviour and attitudes; and
- may lead to greater academic success which can contribute to increasing social mobility.
