Blog

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...

We are proud to announce that Cadet Direct has signed the Armed Forces Covenant, reinforcing our commitment to supporting those who serve, or have served, in the British Armed Forces. What is the Armed Forces Covenant? The Armed Forces Covenant is a national promise that ensures those who serve or have served in the armed forces, along with their families...

Every March, the Royal British Legion Industries (RBLI) invites individuals and groups across the UK to participate in The Great Tommy Sleep Out, a national award-winning fundraising challenge aimed at supporting veterans experiencing homelessness. Participants are encouraged to sleep outdoors for one or more nights, choosing their own locations and planning their events to raise funds. In 2024, this initiative...

Training is at the heart of every Army Cadet’s journey, and having the right resources can significantly enhance both learning and performance. The ACF Basic Training Posters, now available at Cadet Direct, offer essential guidance in key areas such as drill and turnout, communication systems, weapon handling, kit preparation, and cadet values. Designed to support cadet development at every level...

The British Army's cap badges have long been a symbol of heritage and tradition. However, a significant update has recently been made to the design of these badges, marking the beginning of a new era. The latest images of the redesigned British Army Crowned Cap Badges have been released, showcasing the King's Crown (Tudor Crown), which is set to replace...

The UK MoD have finally listened to the concerns of the UK cadet forces by launching a range of new British Army ration menus specifically geared towards the tastes of young people. This development was announced amid concerns that traditional 'stews' and 'casseroles' simply don't appeal to a new generation of young people who are used to snacking on fast food...

Another British Army Boot at Cadet Direct The Bates Ultra Light Patrol Boot, one of a current range of British army boots,  has been specifically developed for the UK military. They meet the official MoD specification for “Boots Patrol (BP)”. This specifies that the BP is “primarily for use where the combat threat is medium to low and patrol pack...

After extensive trials involving UK forces personnel, the British Army has announced it will be adopting the AKU Pilgrim as it's newest high liability combat boot. High liability means the boot will be worn by front line operational troops in combat zones around the world. The AKU Pilgrim has many qualities which makes it well suited to this role. AKU...

Quite a surprise last week when Cadet Direct staff received an urgent order from the organisers of the ITV show 'Dancing on Ice'. The customer required a full FAD (Future Army Dress) suit, No.2 Dress shirt, tie plus all the accoutrements for contestant Anthony Cotton, better known as Sean Tully from Coronation Street. Anthony was born and raised in Manchester...

Personnel from the Army, Royal Navy, and RAF can choose from a range of MoD-approved boots depending on their role and location. However, many serving personnel often prefer to privately purchase boots for personal comfort and performance. Whether you're in the military, cadet forces, or a member of the public searching for high-quality brown combat British Army boots, our guide...