Luke Pollard, MP for Plymouth Sutton and Devonport, has welcomed the UK’s first-ever National Cadets Week and paid tribute to the cadets and volunteers making a real difference across Plymouth.
As Britain marks the inaugural National Cadets Week, starting on 5 October 2026, cadets and adult volunteers across the country are celebrating the positive impact cadet forces have on young people and local communities. The week showcases the outstanding work of local units and the dedicated adult instructors who help equip the next generation with the confidence, skills, and sense of service needed to thrive.
For over 150 years, cadet forces have provided young people with opportunities to build teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving abilities that support them in education, employment, and adult life. Through cadet programmes, young people gain nationally recognized qualifications such as BTECs, first aid certificates, and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, while also gaining hands-on experience in STEM, cyber, and technology subjects.
As Britain’s Ocean City, Plymouth boasts a deep military, naval, and maritime heritage. The city is home to active units across the Ministry of Defence-sponsored cadet forces- including the Sea Cadets and Royal Marines Cadets, Army Cadets, RAF Air Cadets, Combined Cadet Force, and Volunteer Cadet Corps.
Nationally, the government has committed to expanding MOD-sponsored cadet forces by 30 per cent by 2035, creating capacity for around 180,000 young people to participate. The MOD will also shortly publish its first Cadet Action Plan to support this growth.
National Cadets Week places a strong emphasis on recognizing adult volunteers and highlighting practical skills like first aid. Local cadet units across Plymouth will also be hosting open days on Saturday, 10 October, welcoming interested young people, families, and potential adult instructors to learn more.
Luke Pollard MP said:
“As the son of a Royal Navy submariner, Plymouth’s military heritage and community spirit mean a great deal to me. National Cadets Week is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the incredible dedication, achievements, and leadership of our cadets across Plymouth Sutton and Devonport.
“Whether they are out on Plymouth Sound with the Sea Cadets, gaining leadership skills with the Army and RAF Cadets, or learning vital first aid, our local young people make our city immensely proud.
“None of this would be possible without the remarkable adult volunteers who give up their time to mentor and inspire the next generation. I want to thank every cadet and volunteer across Plymouth for everything they do for our community, and I strongly encourage local young people and prospective volunteers to get involved.”
Calvin Bailey MBE MP, Minister for Veterans and People, added:
“I joined the Air Cadets as a young person, and I loved it. I learned to fly before I could drive, and those experiences expanded what I believed was possible and played an important part in my social mobility.
“Being a cadet is so much fun, but it would not be possible without the thousands of adult volunteers who give their time to support our young people, and I am so grateful for their service. I know National Cadets Week will inspire people, both adults and young people, to get involved with their local cadet force. You don’t need a military background to get stuck in, just a commitment to young people and our country.”