The UK Government has announced a £70 million investment to expand the Armed Forces Cadet forces by 30% by 2030, aiming to add over 40,000 new cadets nationwide.
This initiative will enhance youth development and skills training, particularly in STEM fields like drone piloting, benefiting young people across the UK.
Expanding Opportunities for Young People
The ’30 by 30′ campaign marks a significant step in youth development within the UK. By increasing cadet numbers by over 40,000, the government aims to provide more young people with access to structured opportunities that build confidence and skills.
This expansion is backed by £70 million in funding and focuses on inclusivity, ensuring that barriers related to postcode or family income are minimized.
With the introduction of new joint Army and RAF Air Cadet Centres, this initiative will support school-based cadet units across the country.
The expansion also includes streamlined volunteer recruitment processes, making it easier for veterans and adults interested in volunteering to get involved.
Innovative Training Programs
- RAF Air Cadets will be certified to deliver Civil Aviation Authority-approved drone pilot qualifications.
- The program emphasizes STEM skill development relevant to both defence and civilian industries.
- A National Cadet Champion role is being created to promote awareness among diverse youth groups.
Social Mobility and Community Impact
This initiative not only enhances technical skills but also supports social mobility by providing young people from diverse backgrounds with qualifications that improve employability.
Schools will benefit from increased availability of cadet units, fostering positive social outcomes in communities, especially those facing disadvantages.
History and Future Goals
The ’30 by 30′ campaign builds on previous efforts such as the MOD/DfE Cadet Expansion Programme launched in 2012. This earlier initiative nearly doubled the number of school-based cadet units by 2020.
The current funding continues these efforts with a long-term goal of reaching 250,000 cadets nationwide by 2030.
Voices from Leadership
“Every young person deserves the chance to discover their potential,” said Alistair Carns MP, Minister for Veterans and People.
“The government is kickstarting a new era for the cadets through this major expansion.”
Additional Reading
Food for Thought
This ambitious expansion of the Armed Forces Cadet forces represents a transformative opportunity for young people across the UK.
By focusing on inclusivity and skill development in emerging fields like drone piloting, it promises not only personal growth but also broader societal benefits through enhanced community engagement and future workforce readiness.
Sources: UK Government, UK Defence Journal, Ministry of Defence Sponsored Cadet Forces Statistics, Ministry of Defence, Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Associations (RFCA) and Alistair Carns DSO OBE MC MP.
Prepared by Ivan Alexander Golden, Founder of THX News™, an independent news organization delivering timely insights from global official sources. Combines AI-analyzed research with human-edited accuracy and context.
