Why Your Child Should Join The Army Cadets

Tired of hearing them say ‘I’m bored’? Fed up forking out for expensive entertainment? If your teenagers are driving you demented, help is at hand … and here are ten top reasons why you should be bundling them off to join the Cadets!

1. Boredom-busting activity programmes. A constant stream of things to do with their mates, from canoeing to first aid, orienteering to mountain biking; shooting to fieldcraft, citizenship projects to socialising …and plenty more!

2. Duke of Edinburgh Awards scheme. The world's leading youth achievement award famously offers the chance for young people to be amazing. The Cadets provide a great gateway to that scheme.

3. It’s all free or low cost. There’s a family-friendly policy here which means everything is either affordable or, even better, totally free. Even the uniforms are free. You just pay for the footwear.

4. A two-week Summer Camp. Oh the joy of waving your teens off on a fitness-building fortnight of adventure and craic, while you draw up a sun lounger in the garden.

5. Confidence. No-one can be good at everything, but everyone can be good at something. Becoming a Cadet will help your teen to gain skills, tackle challenges and discover hidden talents and strengths. They’ll also learn the value of perseverance and see just how much further they can stretch with a little encouragement. Time to shine!

7. Boys and girls. There’s no glass ceiling here and – just for the record – this is very much an equal opportunities environment on all fronts. No-one cares how much money you have, or what background you come from, it’s all about the individual.

8. Achievements. Courses, awards and training that add up to recognised accreditations and provide something standout to put on the dreaded Personal Statement which is part of the application process for college or university.

9. Facebook friends are fine, but it’s real mates that matter. Everyone is welcome and everyone joins in. Doing fun and challenging stuff together is a fantastic foundation for building long-lasting friendships. Supportive adults are on hand to make sure no-one gets left out and no-one gets left behind.

10. You can relax …. because you know your teenager is being well looked after, supported, encouraged and tutored by people who care; people who commit their time, energy and talents to helping kids achieve more than they ever thought possible.

[kebabmuncher]

I emailed some captain named Andrew asking if I can join, even though I’m 12, and he said “Sorry, but wait until you are 13 and we will be happy to have you!” And I am ready to be 13

[nottmtrucker]

Agree, definitely recommend it. My son absolutely loves it

[aimeewhellans]

Feel like I'd want to join but I dont think I'm physically strong enough...

[milliemckinnon]

I was so nervous to join but I’m now in my 2nd year and I love it so much

[jt-gprm]

I'm going cadets on Monday im so excited!

[bananarama]

Image walking around London and Ipswich when a lot of ppl watching u

[DoorGunnerDcsWorld]

I’ve got loads of military gear at my house that’s mostly in Dpm which was used until 2011 when mtp was used and I’ve got camo face paint and a ghillie suit which I use to try and get camouflaged with by watching camouflage videos on how to camouflage your face with face paint and how to camouflage yourself in natural surroundings and I’m only 9 years old.

[EveSmith-oxvq]

I am in cadets and have been for 2 years now, I’m a girl and I’m a red star and my rank is cpr (corporal). I love cadets because it makes me feel happy and cool haha, most people there are quite mature but they are also very nice and I have many friends. We do drill, marksmanship, and even now biathlon. I recommend joining it, it helps a lot with education and sometimes we go on camps to learn about survival

[RideWithMe]

i’m going for the first time today! 🙈 i’m super excited but nervous at the same time as i have to wear a mask for anything indoors because of vulnerable family (i’m pretty sure i’ll be the only one..) n i hate masks as it is lol. but i’m super excited anyway!

[shearer.]

Im gonna join in September when I go into year 8, I want to join mainly because I am into the army and would want to shape myself into a soldier

[anonymoushunter]

I’m already a CDT. Also why isn’t there any males in there 😂

[itzz_mitch]

I’m pretty sure everyone who joins loves it

[loganmcallister]

Army cadets is beast u took my picture at Easter dawn

[epicambie]

im 11, i wanna join the army cadets, and when im older i wanna join the real army

[Lambdamale.]

I was an Army Cadet when I was a kid. It was....not a good experience. The training was great, and a good intro if you want to join the Military, but if you don't fit in, or there are a bunch of trouble makers that noone in charge will deal with, it becomes a nightmare.

[AdAM_rAwr]

Is this in the UK because I really wanna join?

[samuel]

I'm currently 15 been in the air cadets since I was 12, really wanting to switch but is it worth it

[BeHappy-lwht]

I decided to watch this because i want to join i am going round to join tomorow

[CarGuyLogan]

I left air cadets and I’m 13 cuz there was just no spark anymore, discipline and shouting wasn’t enough, should I join army cadets?

[Waji-xkjx]

Is that Alma, i recognise the cap badge