The Combined Cadet Force , The Sea Cadets, The Royal Marine Cadets, The Army Cadet Force the Air Training Corps and the Volunteer Cadet Corps, form a national voluntary youth organisation whose purpose is to develop in youth the attributes of leadership, engaged and active citizenship and physical fitness, all within a safe environment.
The Cadets offers friendship, challenges but most of all fun and adventure. It’s an opportunity to expand horizons, contribute to the community and make friends for life. You will experience activities such as ceremonial drill, first aid, sports and local events that support your community.
These activities are designed to help them to become more self-confident, to develop their leadership skills to improve their physical fitness and communication skills, and to teach self-discipline through challenging training, and to foster community awareness and respect for others.
All MOD Sponsored Cadet Organisations are subject to a Safeguarding Framework which can be accessed at the following link
MOD Cadet Forces Safeguarding Framework
The Combined Cadet Force
CCF units in schools give young people the life skills and self-confidence to take charge of their lives so they can reach their full potential at school and beyond, including in employment. Each CCF is formed of sections from one or more of the Royal Navy/Royal Marines, Army or the Royal Air Force.
The Combined Cadet Force Association (CCFA) Grant Programmes
The CCCFA, through its membership scheme, investments and individual donors, is able to support a variety of grant programmes. These grants are available to all CCF contingents to support a variety of activities that enhance the cadet experience. To find out more click here
To find out more and for a full list of schools across the South East with a Combined Cadet Force unit, CLICK HERE
The Volunteer Cadet Corps
The VCC offers young people a worthy spare time activity and helps them to develop skills and friendships that will benefit them for years to come. Whether our cadets have careers in the military or in ‘civvy street’, what they learn in the VCC could prove useful for the rest of their lives.
Headquarters VCC is based at HMS Sultan in Gosport and it is from here that Commander VCC and his staff oversee the efficient management and compliant governance of the Cadet Corps.
The Sea Cadets
Sea Cadets is different from school. There’s a lot of learning. But it’s done through activities – on the water and off the water – and our volunteers leading by example.
It’s also different from home, a break from screens and being cooped up inside. The platform we offer is built on the customs and traditions of the Royal Navy. It inspires our work and commitment to supporting young people today.
To find your local Sea Cadet unit, CLICK HERE
The Royal Marine Cadets
Part of the Sea Cadets family, Royal Marines Cadets enjoy all the exciting activities on water that Sea Cadets do, as well as branching off into serious adventure training too.
Specialising in orienteering, field craft and weapons handling is what makes Royal Marines Cadets unique and you can join from the age of 13 to 18.
GOSPORT DIVISION
RMVCC
PORTSMOUTH DIVISION
RMVCC
The Army Cadet Force
Becoming an Army Cadet has heaps of benefits. The most obvious being that you get to take part in loads of exciting and challenging activities such as fieldcraft, adventure training, first aid, music, sports and shooting, to name but a few.
When you join as a cadet you will make lots of new friends and get the opportunity to go on annual camp where you will meet cadets from other detachments in your county. You may even get to go on expeditions to amazing places in the UK and sometimes even abroad.
BERKSHIRE ARMY CADETS
BUCKS ARMY CADETS
HANTS & IOW ARMY CADETS
KENT ARMY CADETS
OXFORDSHIRE ARMY CADETS
SURREY ARMY CADETS
SUSSEX ARMY CADETS
The Royal Air Force Air Cadets
Being an Air Cadet is a rewarding and fulfilling experience. You can join for however long you want. We’re not a recruiting organisation for the main RAF, so all the skills you learn and experiences you gain will benefit whatever career path you choose.
To be an Air Cadet you must be 13 years old, or 12 years old if you’re already in year 8 in school or in S1 for those in Scotland. The latest you can join is before your 17th birthday. Most cadets leave when they’re 20 years old and some stay involved as an adult volunteer.
To find your local Air Cadet squadron, CLICK HERE
Meet the Team
Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Rod Gray
Deputy Chief Executive (East) & Head of Cadets and Youth
In June I took over the responsibilities of Head of Cadets and Youth from Peter Ellis. What a summer we have had with cadets receiving the ultimate cadet experience from their Cadet Camps held by all the Cadet Organisations (Army Cadet Force, Air Training Corps, Sea Cadet, Volunteer Cadet Corps and the Combined Cadet Forces). The camps have been far and wide, North to Garelochhead, East to Folkestone in Kent, West to Okehampton and everywhere in between. Some very lucky cadets have had their cadet experience in Canada, Cyprus and Bavaria. I had the great honour and privilege to visit many cadet camps and was blown away by the enthusiasm, engagement, confidence, leadership and skills demonstrated by the cadets. A young cadet achieved a 13mm millimetre group and 45 hits out of 45 firing from different positions at 100 metres, exceptional shooting. The cadets have made great memories, and developed life skills that will have significant positive impact on them for the rest of their lives. I was touched by a letter received by the HQ South East Cadet Training Team from a young cadet who had attended their Annual Camp, a cadet who was truly grateful and inspired by her cadet experience she will never forget, it has been life changing for her.
A massive thank you to all the Cadet Force Adult Volunteers, the Army, Navy and RAF Cadet Training Teams, Regular and Reservist soldiers and of course our Permanent Support Staff in making this happen under challenging circumstances. A superb team effort. Their time, dedication and immeasurable support is simply outstanding.
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