Although not a direct recruiting arm for the Army, British Army cadets are taught the skills they will need if they are planning to go on and either have a career in the Army or join the TA. To this end, cadets need to be kitted out fully with cadet clothing that will meet all the needs of the tasks they will be expected to do.
The cadets is not like any other type of youth organisation in the country. Having said that, all leaders are youth workers, and young people who attend cadets are likely to gain a lot of extra skills that can be used later in life.
In the cadet force there are qualifications to work towards which can then be linked up with other youth schemes of a similar ilk. The Duke of Edinburgh scheme and the cadet star programme work together very well, for example. Cadets can also do vocational qualifications such as BTECs whilst a cadet, and the exchange and expedition options are practically endless. Cadets get the opportunity to travel places they will most likely never have been to before - countries across the globe. South America, Africa, even the Antarctic, are all places lucky and hardworking cadets may get to visit. The cadets use the uniform, traditions and badges of rank of the British Army. And, as such, cadet clothing is vitally important, just as it is in the Army.
Because the cadet force is for boys and girls between 12 and 18, the chances are they will need to update their cadet clothing on numerous occasions throughout their spell as a British Army cadet. While cadets are not subject to military call up they are still sponsored by the Ministry of Defence meaning that a lot of the training is geared towards full army training. As such, cadets undertake many of the same disciplines including military tactics, target shooting, field craft and navigation skills. There are plenty of items for parents to have to buy for their son or daughter as a cadet. But if parents are worried about cost implications, they should take heart from the fact that much of the cadet clothing can be picked up from army surplus stores for a reasonable price.
As a basic guide, cadets will need trousers, field shirts, dress shirts, pullovers, t-shirts and hats. There is plenty more but leaders will advise bewildered parents on where to go and what to get. And of course, it doesn't end at clothing. Cadets will need all of the equipment to keep you safe when camping or on expeditions. First aid kits, cooking equipment and even sewing kits are all things which will help cadets to become better cadets.
Parents may balk at the initial outlay for their son or daughter to become a cadet and kit them out but should always remember what their child will gain. No other organisation can offer the breadth of experience, exhilaration, team work, independent thinking and responsibility of the British Army cadets.