NEW REPORT celebrates the positive impact of the cadet forces in Wales

A new independent report outlines the positive impact the cadet forces have on young people, adult volunteers and wider society in Wales. The report, titled ‘Getting an Edge: The Impact and Value of the Cadet Forces in Wales’ was carried out by Professor Simon Denny, Professor Richard Hazenberg and Dr Claire Peterson-Young of the University of Northampton. Commissioned by The Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association for Wales, the study found that participation in the cadet forces led to increased social mobility, improved educational outcomes and enhanced employability.

Professor Denny, lead author of the report, said: “Young people that are or have been in the cadet forces for 2 years or more have developed attributes and gained skills, experiences and qualifications that give them a clear advantage – an ‘edge’ – over their non-cadet peers, in applications for further and higher education and for employment. […] This edge is particularly important for those young people who are economically disadvantaged.” Adult volunteers also benefit from being members of the cadet forces, with the skills and qualifications they gain often leading to better career opportunities.  

The report does however highlights that the number of secondary-school-age children in Wales who are members of the cadet forces is lower than the UK average, and recommends that this be addressed: “The number of cadets in Wales is lower than might be expected, with only 2.4% of eligible children in the cadet forces compared with a UK-wide figure of 4.2%. […]There is scope to increase the number of children that are members of the cadet forces to address this relative under-representation. The more children that are cadets, the more children that will benefit.” 

Another key finding from the report refers to the range of vocational qualifications which can be achieved by both cadets and volunteers as a member of the cadet forces in the UK, suggesting that additional funding would allow for more opportunities in Wales for young people. “Given the significant benefits that are gained by young people with these qualifications and the position of the cadet forces as part of the Welsh learning ecosystem, there is a case for investment (should resources permit) by non-MOD budget holders.” 

Professor Denny adds “The cadet forces in Wales provide outputs and outcomes that help achieve Welsh Government policy objectives in the areas of child poverty, education, preparation for employment, and health and wellbeing. The cadet forces are important for their members, and to the nation of Wales. It is vital that the contribution of the cadet forces to Wales is clearly articulated and understood by policy makers, educational leaders, and employers.” 

Watch Professor Denny talking about the report here https://youtu.be/WCgJnzUoLYo