What are the Army, Air and Sea Cadets, how many forces are there in the UK and are they overseen by the Ministry of Defence?
There are more than 130,000 British kids are involved in the Army, Air, Sea and Combined Cadet Forces.
MORE than 130,000 British kids are involved in the Army, Air, Sea and Combined Cadet Forces.
Here's everything you need to know about the youth organisations, which promise to teach children "valuable life skills".
What are the Army, Air and Sea Cadets?
Army Cadets
Approximately 41,000 children aged 12-18 make up the Army Cadet Force - a national youth group.
It is one of the oldest organisations of its type, dating back to 1859.
The explains: "Many young people are missing out on the challenges and adventures that could transform their lives but joining the Army Cadets can change that.
"We welcome boys and girls (aged over 12 and in at least year eight at school) of all abilities and backgrounds.
"When they join us we encourage them to learn more, do more and try more.
"We inspire them to aim high and pursue their goals, no matter what they aim to do in life.
"Some of our activities have a military theme, others have more of a community focus but they all inspire young people to challenge their limits, become more independent, confident and able to step up to any challenge."
Air cadets
Each year, over 44,000 air cadets and volunteer staff get involved with events.
claims that the organisation's aims are to...
- Promote and encourage a practical interest in aviation and the Royal Air Force among young people
- Provide training which will be useful in the Services and civilian life
- Encourage the spirit of adventure and develop qualities of leadership and good citizenship
Sea Cadets
The Sea Cadets were established in 1856.
The national youth organisation uses nautical-themed activities to help boost youth development.
The official website states: "Whether at sea or on land, the Sea Cadets offers young people across the UK amazing opportunities for personal development - by learning new skills and working in teams - we offer an environment where young people find new confidence and inspiration."
Combined Cadet Force (CCF)
The CCF is largely a school-based branch of the Cadets that offers children military-style activities that encourage personal development.
The youth organisation boasts around 42,000 Cadets.
It was established in 1948 and "offers young people a broad range of challenging, exciting, adventurous and educational activities."
The official website adds: "Our aim is to enable the development of personal responsibility, leadership and self-discipline...
"CCF units in schools give young people the life skills and self-confidence to take charge of their lives so they can reach their full potential at school and beyond, including in employment."
How many forces are there in the UK?
Army, Navy and Sea Cadet detachments are scattered across thousands of different locations in the UK.
Here's how you can find one local to you...
Army Cadets
More than 41,000 cadets and 9,500 adult volunteers gather at 1,600 locations in Britain.
Click
Air cadets
Kids from 13-17 are encouraged to sign up to the youth group, which has over 1,000 bases in the UK.
and fill in the interested in joining form online.
Sea Cadets
More than 19,500 cadets and volunteers make up the Sea Cadet Corps.
You can find your nearest unit using the
Combined Cadet Force (CCF)
More than 350 secondary schools in the UK offer CCF training.
Find out more about how the scheme works on the
And
Does the Ministry of Defence oversee the Army, Air and Sea Cadets?
The Ministry of Defence sponsors and supports the Cadets.
Other military forces also back the initiatives.
The Royal Navy are heavily involved in the Sea Cadet Corps, the British Army sponsor the Army Cadet Force and the RAF offer their support to the Air Training Corps.
Why were the Army, Air and Sea Cadets in the headlines in Summer 2017?
A Panorama investigation found evidence that sex abuse was covered up at cadet forces.
explained: "The MoD has paid more than £2m to cadet abuse victims, and says it has 'robust procedures in place to protect cadets'.
"According to Freedom of Information requests, in the last five years 363 sexual abuse allegations - both historical and current - have been made across the UK for the Army, Air and Sea Cadets.
"Some 282 cases have been referred to the police and 99 volunteers have been dismissed."
