Cadets
The UK Cadet movement is one of the oldest and most successful voluntary youth organisations in the world.
The movement comprises the Sea Cadet Corps, Army Cadet Force, Royal Air Force Air Cadets and Combined Cadet Force. There are around 5.000 Cadets in Northern Ireland, supported by around 750 Cadet Force Adult Volunteers.
The Cadets contribute to developing and preparing young people for the transition to adulthood, empowering them to meet the challenges of a changing society through dynamic, military-themed and community-based activities.
The Cadet Forces also aid the personal and social development of young people by instilling in them the attributes of good citizenship, leadership and responsibility, as well as by promoting physical and mental fitness and self-reliance. All the Cadet Forces offer activities that include adventure training, such as caving, hiking, survival training and white-water rafting; a range of sporting activities, such as tug-of-war, football, rugby and swimming; and vocational qualifications, such as the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme, First Aid, Cyber First Qualifications, the Business and Technology Education Council (BTEC) Awards and Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM) Awards.
The Cadet movement also places a strong onus on positively contributing to local communities. As such, cadets play an active part in ceremonial events including public and military parades, local fetes, carnivals and charitable activities. The Cadets accept young people from any background, social group, gender, ethnicity and ability – and it’s not just for those interested in a career in the Armed Forces. There is so much more to it than that.
It’s about challenging limits, expanding abilities and making new friends. It can improve career and employment prospects, often improving school performance. Have a look at this study carried out by the University of Northampton, Institute for Social Innovation and Impact:
Each year, Northern Ireland’s Cadets can apply to be Lord Lieutenant’s Cadets for the County or County Borough where they reside. Northern Ireland has 8 Lord Lieutenants, one for each of the 6 Counties, one for the County Borough of Belfast and one for the County Borough of Londonderry. These individuals have been selected by His Majesty the King to represent the Monarchy at local civil and military events.
Being appointed as Lord Lieutenant’s Cadet is an annual position where cadets will attend their Lord Lieutenant and assist them at high profile events and ceremonies.
Applications can be made through the Chain of Command to RFCA NI who administer these on behalf of Northern Ireland’s Lord Lieutenants.