Member's statement: National Cadets Week

Member's statement by Ms Cheryl Brownlee on 13 October 2026.

MLA: Ms Cheryl Brownlee
Party at the time: Democratic Unionist Party
Date: 13 October 2026
Type: Member's statement
Business: Members' Statements
Heading: National Cadets Week
Assembly identifier: Official Report component 5789436

Text

I rise to celebrate a significant milestone that took place from 5 October to 11 October, which was our first ever National Cadets Week. Across Northern Ireland and particularly throughout East Antrim, thousands of young people are involved in the Sea Cadets, the Army Cadet Force and the RAF Air Cadets. For generations, the cadet movement has been one of our great success stories, and its impact on our young people, their families and the wider community is significant. National Cadets Week provides a really important opportunity to recognise what being a cadet really means, and His Majesty the King acknowledged in his message to the cadet forces that the movement helps:
"young people discover their strengths, broaden their horizons and develop the confidence to face life’s challenges."
Whether learning first aid, developing fieldcraft skills, taking part in aviation activities or learning seamanship and water safety, cadets are encouraged to step outside their comfort zones. They develop leadership, teamwork, discipline and resilience while learning the importance of responsibility and service to others. Of course, none of that would be possible without the dedication of the adult volunteers — the instructors and supporters who give up their evenings, their weekends and probably every inch of their free time to help our young people. Their contribution is often made without recognition, but the difference that they make to our young people's lives cannot be overstated. I pay particular tribute to the cadet organisations operating in my constituency of East Antrim. It was wonderful to see the Sea Cadets joining young people from other units for a tour of HMS Queen Elizabeth. What a fantastic once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the Royal Navy up close, meet some of the young people who serve and perhaps be inspired to consider a career in our armed forces, defence sectors or, of course, public service. In Carrickfergus, our Army Cadet Force attachment in D Company 1st (Northern Ireland) Battalion continues to provide young people with valuable opportunities to learn skills, build friendships and develop confidence, and I welcome its formal link with the Carrickfergus branch of the Royal British Legion, strengthening the connection between our young people, our veterans and our armed forces community.
The subject has a personal connection for me. In my youth, I had the wonderful experience of being a member of the RAF's 2062 (Carrickfergus) Squadron Air Cadets. That gave me a wealth of opportunities, including acrobatic flying, which was unbelievable, although it developed in me a significant fear of flying. That is exactly what the cadet movement is all about: giving young people opportunities and experiences that they would never otherwise have had, helping them to discover what they are capable of and encouraging them to challenge themselves. I would like to thank every cadet, instructor and adult volunteer who makes that work possible. I encourage more young people and potential volunteers across East Antrim to find out what their local cadet organisations have to offer.

494 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.

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