Blog

Choosing the right boot for cadet training isn’t straightforward. With patrol boots, waterproof boots and parade shoes all necessary parts of cadet life, it’s easy to get confused. Understanding these different types means you’ll be more likely to find the right shoe for you.

It has been a busy year and Christmas is just around the corner, but there is still time to order your favourite products to make a cadet smile this Christmas. Whether you are looking for the perfect stocking filler or an exciting cadet product, we have something for everyone!

Cadet Direct had the pleasure of attending the Lord-Lieutenant Awards Ceremony at Lancing College in October 2025, where we proudly presented the Best Tri-Service of Sussex Award.

If your child is already talking about parade nights, greens or annual camp and you find yourself smiling and nodding while having no idea what they mean, you are not alone. To help you feel included, here is a guide to the key cadet terms and phrases you are most likely to hear as a parent of a new cadet.

Are you a RAF Air Cadet? Soon, you won’t just be learning how to navigate with a compass or polish your boots for parade, you could be learning how to fly drones and earn a real, recognised qualification while you’re at it.

The new school year has arrived and with it, a new wave of young people stepping into boots, berets and brilliant adventures with the cadets! Welcome to all the new cadets across the country.

Whether you're preparing for a training exercise, a weekend expedition, or building a personal emergency survival kit, having the right survival gear is essential. At Cadet Direct, we've pulled together a selection of must have items, all of which fit neatly into the small Plano Military Storage Trunk. Each item in this list is available individually, giving you the flexibility...

In a move to strengthen the Armed Forces with society, the UK Government has announced plans to expand the Cadet Force by 30%. By 2030, the plan is to grow from 140,000 to 180,000 cadets, with an ambition to eventually reach a massive 250,000! So, what does that actually mean for you, your teenager, or your school? More opportunities, more...

Get ready for Armed Forces Day 2025 because this year, it’s all about showing up sharp, standing proud and celebrating cadets like never before. Taking place on Saturday 28th June, Armed Forces Day completes the Armed Forces Week (starting 23rd June) and it includes Reserves Day, which takes place on 25th June 2025. The Armed Forces Day is the UK’s...

Victory in Europe Day (VE Day), marks one of the most important moments in British Army history. On 8th May 1945, after six years of World War II, Germany surrendered. Across the UK, millions celebrated the end of the war in Europe with street parties, parades and gatherings. This day is still honoured and celebrated every year, and 2025 marks...