The first National Cadets Week will take place from 5 to 11 October 2026, giving young people across the UK the chance to learn more about the cadet forces.
The Ministry of Defence said the week will celebrate the UK’s cadet community, including cadets and the adult volunteers who support local units.
Cadet units across the country will open their doors to schools, families and local communities during the week. Cadets and volunteers will also take part in outreach activities, including presentations in schools and workplaces.
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The initiative will have a focus on first aid training, while also showcasing the wider opportunities available through the cadet forces. The MoD said the week aims to inspire new cadets, attract volunteers and demonstrate how cadet experiences help prepare young people for adult life.
National Cadets Week forms part of the Strategic Defence Review’s wider whole-of-society approach to defence, with the aim of strengthening links between the Armed Forces and communities across the UK.
Minister for Veterans and People Louise Sandher-Jones MP said: “Cadet forces are one of the best examples we have of the whole-of-society approach to defence in action, bringing together young people from all backgrounds and giving them the confidence, skills and sense of purpose that benefit their communities and our country as a whole.
“None of this would be possible without the thousands of adult volunteers who give their time freely, and I want to thank every one of them. I hope National Cadets Week inspires more people to get involved and support their local cadet force. You don’t need a military background, just a commitment to young people. It is one of the most rewarding things you can do.”
The announcement follows the Government’s ‘30 by 30’ campaign, launched in August 2025, which aims to expand cadet opportunities by increasing the cadet forces by 30% by 2030.
The MoD said this would deliver more than 40,000 additional cadets across the UK.
Royal Navy cadet Lila Unlu, age 14, said: “Being a cadet has given me amazing opportunities I would never have experienced in my day-to-day life. It’s taught me so much about resilience, team building, and leadership. Along the way I’ve made some incredible friends, built confidence and created memories and skills that will stay with me for life.”
The initiative will showcase the MoD-sponsored cadet forces, including the Royal Navy Cadets, which covers the Sea Cadet Corps and Volunteer Cadet Corps, the Army Cadet Force, the Air Training Corps and the Combined Cadet Force.
A new Cadets Action Plan will also be published during National Cadets Week. It will set out the Government’s long-term vision to expand accessible cadet provision, modernise the cadet experience, support adult volunteers and ensure cadets and volunteers have the resources they need.
Minister for School Standards Georgia Gould said: “National Cadets Week will be a fantastic chance to celebrate the incredible difference cadet programmes make to young people’s lives across the UK.
“We’re making sure more young people than ever are building confidence and life skills through cadets in schools and we’re going further to make sure every child and young person at every school and college can access a range life-changing extra-curricular activities like sports, outdoor adventure and civic engagement.”
Through the cadets, young people can develop skills including leadership, teamwork and resilience. Activities can include adventurous training, fieldcraft, flying, sailing and Civil Aviation Authority-endorsed drone qualifications.
Cadets can also work towards nationally recognised qualifications, including BTECs, first aid certifications and The Duke of Edinburgh Award.
The MoD said the Cadets Action Plan will support the growth of the cadet forces, helping more young people progress into careers in the Armed Forces, public services and the wider defence sector.
