The Army Cadets provides a variety of training to secondary school children across the UK. (Image: Getty)
s leaders have warned that its budget could be cut by up to 50%.
In an open letter, the heads of 25 across the country have urged the government to ensure the youth organisation’s positive impact is not “degraded or lost.”
teaches secondary school children a range of skills, from camping to marksmanship and leadership.
The programme, which is funded by the , has 371 operating in schools across the UK, with more than two-thirds in state schools.
However, real-term cuts of more than £20 million since 2020 have diminished activities and services and driven volunteers out of the organisation.
:
The Army cadets equips children with vital skills regardless of intention to join the military. (Image: Getty)
offered £26.4 million in funding to the for the 2024-25 financial year, a drop of over 50% from the financial year 2019/20, when the organisation was given £40.6 million.
Supporters of the 174-year-old scheme say it serves as a crucial recruitment tool, allowing youngsters to gain a taste of military life in a relaxed and largely informal setting.
For those who do not join the military, it provides a range of transferable skills to help young people in whatever they do.
In an open letter, the group of Honorary Colonels and the presenter , the National Honorary Colonel, said: “The Army Cadet Force has inspired and transformed the lives of countless young people. Providing essential life skills, a foundation for their adult life and enhanced career prospects.
“For our cadets, the taxpayer and society as a whole, we ignore opportunity cost at our peril, and we implore both the Government and the Ministry of Defence to ensure that funding for our cadet forces is restored and, as we move forward, are increased to match the commitments made.”
Don’t miss… [REPORT]
Lorraine Kelly is the National Honorary Colonel of the cadets. (Image: Getty)
Lorraine added: “Not just because it is in the interest of the taxpayer, but for the enduring benefit of our cadet forces and the societal impact they deliver.”
The letter continued: “Although sponsored by, and funded through the Ministry of Defence, and despite the clear role of defence in addressing the issue going forward, Government too must play a role in ensuring the positive impact of our cadet forces is not degraded or lost.”
The shadow Armed Forces minister blasted the decision, labelling it “as damaging as it is short-sighted.”
He said: “For many cadets, this experience ignites a passion for joining the Armed Forces, turning what might have been a distant prospect into a viable aspiration.
“Cadet programmes introduce young people to the values of service, discipline, teamwork and resilience that are fundamental to military life.”
The shadow Armed Forces Minister has blasted the “short-sighted” cuts (Image: Getty)
said that the concerns raised by the Honorary Colonels were being taken “extremely seriously”.
“We’re proud of the work of the cadets and the opportunities that they offer thousands of young people across the UK,” he added.
“Being in the cadets helps young people learn new skills, enhance their confidence and maximise their potential.
“We take the concerns raised in the letter from the Honorary Colonels extremely seriously and thank them for their continued support.”