An independent report into the cadet forces has hailed their positive impact on young peoples’ development, adult volunteers and wider society.
The four-year study, conducted by the University of Northampton, found that participation in the cadet programmes led to greatly improved communication and leadership skills. Personal resilience, confidence and an ability to work effectively with a diverse range of people were also recognised as attributes of cadets and adult volunteers.
Life-changing opportunities
The report highlights that the cadet experience offers potentially life-changing opportunities for career progression and vocational qualifications. This results in increased career prospects for those who may not hold traditional educational qualifications.
Professor Simon Denny, Institute for Social Innovation and Impact, the University of Northampton, said:
“Our research has concluded that the Cadet Forces provide structured challenge, discipline, training, education and, importantly, fun. Cadets and their adult volunteer instructors gain new skills and qualifications which increase their education and employment opportunities.
“The positive impacts on social mobility are, frankly, amazing. The Cadet Forces represent a very good use of taxpayers’ money.”