Ready to Serve Again? How Veterans Can Fast-Track Their Way to Becoming a Cadet Force Adult Volunteer
The Army Cadets is one of the UK’s largest voluntary youth organisations, providing thousands of young people with opportunities to challenge themselves, build friendships, and develop skills for life.
At the heart of the organisation’s success are Cadet Force Adult Volunteers (CFAVs) – the dedicated individuals who mentor, guide and inspire cadets to become confident, capable young adults.
For Veterans, becoming a CFAV offers something uniquely valuable: the chance to continue Serving, to wear the uniform again with pride, and to put hard-earned Military experience to meaningful use. Better still, the pathway to volunteering has never been more straightforward for those with a Service background.
Your qualifications count
The Army Cadets recognises that Veterans arrive with a wealth of training and experience that translates directly into the volunteer role. Because of this, the induction process is significantly shortened compared to those without Military backgrounds. Depending on your existing qualifications, joining can be as simple as completing a familiarisation and assessment weekend followed by safe person training, spread over two weekends. This streamlined approach means you can be integrated quickly and start sharing your skills with cadets without delay.
The qualities you developed during Service – resilience, teamwork, respect, integrity, loyalty and leadership – are precisely what young people need to see demonstrated by the adults around them. By volunteering, you show cadets what these values look like in practice and encourage them to aim high.
A two-way exchange
The benefits flow both ways. While cadets gain inspiring role models, Veterans rediscover the camaraderie and sense of belonging that can be difficult to find after leaving Service. Many volunteers speak of the pride they feel in wearing green again, being part of a team, and continuing to Serve even after their Military career has ended. For those who left Service for medical reasons, the Army Cadets provides an outlet to enjoy Military-style activities in a supportive environment – making a real difference to mental wellbeing.
Volunteering also opens doors to both civilian and Military qualifications, including first aid and leadership training, strengthening employability and personal development.
Shaping the future
Recent research from the University of Northampton confirms that cadets gain significant advantages in education and employment, with improved attendance, behaviour, and higher rates of university progression. By guiding young people, Veterans invest in the future – ensuring the next generation develops the values and resilience to thrive in whatever path they choose.
If you are ready to use your experience, rediscover purpose, and inspire young people to achieve more than they thought possible, the Army Cadets would be honoured to welcome you.
Find out more and register your interest at: www.armycadets.com
