First ever National Cadets Week – inspiring young people to connect with the Armed Forces | Latest news

Webchat

First ever National Cadets Week – inspiring young people to connect with the Armed Forces

Graphic for National Cadets Week, 5 to 11 October 2026. Text ‘First ever National Cadets Week’ and ‘Inspiring young people to connect with the Armed Forces’. Arun District Council logo top right.Today sees the launch of the UK's first National Cadets Week, running 
until 11 October. The new national campaign from the Ministry of Defence 
(MOD) aims to celebrate the incredible contribution made by cadets and adult 
volunteers, while encouraging more young people to discover the opportunities 
cadet forces can offer. 

Opening doors to new experiences and opportunities

Cadet organisations help thousands of young people develop valuable life skills, 
including teamwork, leadership, confidence, resilience and first aid. Across 
the week, cadet units will be opening their doors to schools, families and 
local communities, showcasing everything from STEM (Science, Technology, 
Engineering, and Mathematics) activities and fieldcraft to climbing and 
emergency response training.

You can join as a cadet from the age of 12, provided you are in year eight (or the regional equivalent) and can remain a member until your eighteenth birthday. 

The week is also an opportunity to recognise the many adult volunteers who give their time to support young people and help cadet units thrive. 

The MOD hopes the initiative will strengthen links between communities and the Armed Forces, while inspiring a new generation to get involved. 

For more information on joining the cadets and local opportunities in the Arun district, see the links below:

First-ever National Cadets Week to celebrate cadets and reconnect young people with the Armed Forces - GOV.UK

Sea Cadets, Littlehampton

Sea Cadets, Bognor Regis

Army Cadets

Royal Air Force Cadets

.