Empowering the Youth of the East Midlands
Over 13,000 cadets in the East Midlands are acquiring invaluable life skills through various cadet forces. Calvin Bailey MBE MP, the Minister for Veterans and People, recently visited the Army Cadets at Beckingham Training Camp and the RAF Air Cadets at RAF Waddington. This visit precedes the UK’s inaugural National Cadets Week, highlighting the government’s commitment to fostering youth development through cadet programmes.
During his visit, the Minister observed a range of activities including drone operation, fieldcraft, marksmanship, first aid training, and immersive technology demonstrations. Engaging directly with cadets and adult volunteers, he gained insight into the substantial impact these programmes have on young individuals across the region.
Government Investment in Cadet Forces
The government has pledged £70 million to facilitate the sustainable growth of cadet forces, aiming for a 30% increase in cadet numbers by the year 2035. Research conducted by the University of Northampton indicates that participation in cadet programmes correlates with enhanced wellbeing, educational achievements, and social mobility, producing an estimated £120 million in wellbeing value annually. Cadets are reported to exhibit greater confidence, resilience, employability, and leadership abilities.
At Beckingham Training Camp, the Minister actively participated in shooting exercises, alongside fieldcraft, first aid, and navigation training. His experience continued at RAF Waddington, where he learned to pilot a drone and took part in a flight simulation, engaging with cadets and volunteers about their experiences and plans for National Cadets Week.
Building Community Connections Through Cadet Forces
The visit underscored the extensive network of the cadet movement within the East Midlands, where approximately 13,000 Army Cadets are supported by dedicated adult volunteers. In Lincolnshire alone, there are 714 cadets and 167 adult volunteers working together to foster youth development.
Calvin Bailey MBE MP remarked on his own experience as a former Air Cadet, expressing how participation can profoundly influence a young person’s life. He shared, “I learnt to fly a plane before I could drive a car, and gained the skills and confidence that shaped my future.” He emphasised the importance of providing similar opportunities to young individuals from all backgrounds, enabling them to develop essential skills such as resilience, leadership, and teamwork.
Addressing Youth Disengagement Through Cadet Programmes
Cadet forces represent a vital link between the Defence sector and local communities, fostering closer relationships between the Armed Forces, schools, employers, and families in Lincolnshire and the broader East Midlands. Across the UK, around 28,000 adult volunteers dedicate their time to support over 137,000 young cadets.
As the nation grapples with the challenge of youth disengagement, cadet forces are equipping young people in Lincolnshire with the discipline and confidence necessary to thrive in any chosen path. The recent visits are a significant step towards the upcoming National Cadets Week, scheduled for 5 to 11 October 2026, which will invite communities nationwide to celebrate the contributions of cadets and their volunteers, while raising awareness of the opportunities these programmes offer.