A new report has revealed what many in the world of adventurous training already know—experiences like those offered through cadet forces can be life-changing for young people.
According to The Impact and Value of School-based Cadet Forces in the UK, published by the Ministry of Defence in partnership with the University of Northampton, joining a cadet unit significantly boosts young people’s academic performance, school attendance, and behaviour. Cadets are also more likely to go on to further education, including university, making the programme a powerful force for social mobility and personal growth.
But the impact goes well beyond the classroom.
Cadet forces—and the adventurous training opportunities they offer—help develop vital life skills that young people carry with them into adulthood. Activities such as fieldcraft, expeditions, leadership exercises, and resilience training foster independence, confidence, and teamwork. These are the very qualities employers and universities look for, giving cadets a real edge when they take their next steps in life.
Headteachers are seeing the results firsthand. An overwhelming 98.9% reported that having a cadet unit in their school has helped build resilience in their pupils. This is no small feat in a world where mental wellbeing and the ability to overcome adversity are more important than ever.
The Ulysses Trust supports these life-shaping experiences by enabling cadet (and reservist and Officer Cadet) units to undertake adventurous and challenging activities that push boundaries and build character. From mountain trekking to water-based expeditions, our mission is to help young people discover their potential and rise to challenges they never thought possible.
In short, cadet forces and adventurous training aren’t just about learning to lead—they’re about learning to believe in yourself.