Evaluating the Uniformed Cadet Forces: benefits, practicalities and realities

operating in the UK through 13 regional Reserve Forces and Cadet
Associations. The cadet forces are volunteer youth organisations that
"offer challenging and enjoyable activities for young people, and
prepare them to play an active part in the community while developing
valuable life skills" (MOD, 2016). The benefits of uniformed cadet
force participation are generally taken to be significant; central
government views youth engagement with the cadets as beneficial
for wider policy agendas concerning children and young people. The
cadet forces, however, also have their critics. Concerns regarding the
militarisation of children have led some to question their role in 21st
century society. However, the positive view of the cadets by
government, and more negative assessments by critics are
inadequate because they both lack a clear evidence base. This
research, conducted by a cadet unit leader, will challenge existing
assumptions about the cadet forces and critically assess the
practicalities and realities of the uniformed cadet force experience. It
will develop a system to evidence cadet activities that provides robust
confirmation of achievement and will explore the value of the cadet
experience from the perspective of cadets themselves. Critically and
for the first time, it will objectively assess the role adult volunteers do,
do not and could play. Government policy will be critiqued against the
views of those who deliver and receive the cadet experience. The
research will contribute to conceptual debates about the role of
military-related experience in youth development.