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So is it part of the army?
No, it is not a part of the army. It is a voluntary youth organisation funded in part by the army. There is no obligation to join the army on the part of the cadet.
So what does the army get out of it?
Many cadets do go on to join the army. There is no obligation or pressure to do so though enough do so to make it worthwhile. Even if they do not join it is good for them, making them better citizens.
What do the cadets get out of it?
Quite a lot. Arete, self reliance and self discipline, the ability to work in, and organise themselves as a team are important and the self confidence they can gain is amazing.
If they are considering a carrier in the armed forces, emergency services or any hierarchical organisation this is a superb chance to test the water and see if they like that sort of thing. It also looks very good on their curriculum vitae.
BTECs?
With very little additional effort a cadet can get a BTEC which is the equivalent of four additional GCSEs. Effectively free qualifications as they do the work without noticing during their time in the cadets and at a special weekend.
What do they do?
Lots of things. At the highest level they will cover much of the same ground as a junior soldier would including sports and drill though without the aggression and pointy things.
They can do their Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme through the cadets as well.
Is it dangerous?
Probably less so than many other activities. Safety is very, very important and is constantly emphasised. One benefit of the army connection is access to very well trained staff and many excellent facilities.
Shooting?
Yes, again very well supervised and safe. It is a popular sport, one Britain does well at. They start with air rifles and move onto small bore and later full bore rifles using army ranges. They also use indoor combat simulators, the same facilities used by the troops themselves and some may go clay pigeon shooting.
Where?
Weekly in the school itself. Inside or, in better weather, outside in the surprisingly spacious school grounds.
There are new, purpose built facilities at Magilligan where they spend four or so weekends a year. These are luxurious compared with the old facilities at Ballykelly.
There are also evenings and Saturday trips to other venues and activities such as Palace Barracks.
Camp in July is in England or Scotland, a different place each year for roughly a fortnight. There are also courses or competitions in England and occasionally some cadets can go abroad, to Canada or elsewhere.
What do they need?
Not much. Uniforms are provided though they will need boots as well. Sleeping bags and a few necessities are needed for the weekends away.
What about girls?
Girls are welcome and they can do everything the boys can, often doing it better.
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