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...
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 year East Midlands UOTC hosts a Winter Ball where Staff and Officer Cadets alike can relax, socialise and celebrate the festive season. For OCdts in the Junior (Badajoz) Company, it is their first experience of military dinners and the formalities that come along with them, such as speeches, toasts and many other long-standing traditions. As well as being a...
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...
Cadet Direct presented one of its £500 skiing bursary cheques to a well deserving cadet in December. The bursary is for a weeks skiing course in Bavaria, Germany next February. Courses to Bavaria are run by CCAT and are open to CFAV’s and cadets aged 16 or over from the ACF and CCF. This year, one of the winning cadets was Cadet Corporal Emma...
Air cadets from Sussex Wing ATC have just completed the trip of a lifetime! A NASA expedition, funded by the RAF Charitable Trust, has been run as part of the RAF100 celebrations. This enabled individuals from Air Cadet squadrons to travel to the Johnson Space Centre, Houston and undertake STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) activities. The trip was part...
An Air Cadet has quite literally thrown herself into raising money for the Royal Air Force Association by jumping out of a perfectly good aeroplane! RAF Charity Supported by Air Cadet 18 year old Cadet Warrant Officer Rebekah Oldknow, who is based at 209 (West Bridgford) Squadron, Air Training Corps, has been busy raising money for this important charity...
On Saturday 21st April 1414 (Crowborough) Air Cadet Squadron will meet at Barnsgate Manor Crowborough for their annual dinner. They will be celebrating their wonderful year where 12 new cadets joined 1414. The heart of the evening will be celebrating 100 years of the RAF, of which part is inspiring the next generation and where better to start than with...