06/07/2025
Ranger Cadets: Independent, Inclusive, and Committed to Every Young Person
Ranger Cadets is not your average cadet force. We are proudly independent, fully inclusive, and focused on helping every young person succeed — no matter their background, ability, or financial situation. While many MOD-sponsored cadet organisations claim to be inclusive, the reality for many young people, particularly those with disabilities, mental health challenges, or additional needs, is often different. Some enter those forces excited, but within a few months leave feeling unsupported, misunderstood, and discouraged.
At Ranger Cadets, we change that story. We provide a safe, adaptable, and welcoming space where every young person can thrive. We are here for the children who want to belong, to grow in confidence, learn real-world skills, and feel like they’re part of something meaningful. We don’t turn anyone away because of their physical or mental challenges — instead, we work with them, support them, and help them get the absolute best experience possible. No cadet is left behind. Ever.
We also understand that many families are financially restricted. Some of our cadets come from low-income households or live in care, while others are more fortunate. But that never affects how they are treated here. We don’t prioritise based on money, background, or status. Every cadet is equal — everyone wears the same uniform, learns the same lessons, and gets the same opportunities. Whether they’re rich, poor, or somewhere in between, they’re part of our family.
Our programme focuses not just on military-style training but also on life skills. We aim to give these young people the tools they need to succeed both in and outside of cadets — confidence, resilience, teamwork, leadership, communication, and self-reliance. These are lessons that carry them forward into school, relationships, jobs, and adulthood.
One of the things that makes Ranger Cadets special is our team. Our volunteers come from a wide variety of backgrounds. We have staff with military experience, people who’ve worked in early years education, foster carers, adoptive parents, former cadets who have returned to give back, and professionals in trades and infrastructure. For example, one member installs fibre and communication lines, while others have spent their lives supporting vulnerable children. Some of our instructors were once in MOD-supported cadet forces and made the decision to step away in order to create a more inclusive and independent environment here.
This variety in staff gives us a powerful mix of experience, empathy, and practical knowledge. Each adult brings their own skills to the table, and together they create a rich learning environment where cadets benefit from all walks of life. All volunteers must complete safeguarding training, First Aid at Work, enhanced DBS checks, and training in handling sensitive information before they work directly with cadets. We take the safety and well-being of our young people seriously — and we make sure our staff are properly prepared and supported.
As an independent cadet force, we receive no funding or sponsorship from the government or MOD. Everything we provide — waterproofs, meals to transport — is funded by our own fundraising efforts and the generous support of our community. Every penny raised goes directly back into our cadets. We don’t have admin fees or outside profits. If you donate to us, it’s going straight into kit, uniforms, training materials, or transport.
We’re currently working on designing and producing our own Ranger Cadets beret badge — a symbol of our independence and identity. It reflects our core values: inclusion, community, and resilience. It’s something our cadets can wear with pride.
Right now, we’re raising money for a few big projects. First, we’re hoping to purchase a minibus so we no longer have to rely on parents to transport cadets to training events, camps, and trips. A minibus will make it easier for every cadet to participate, especially those whose families don’t have access to reliable transport. Second, we want to bulk-buy 24-hour ration packs so our cadets can experience what it’s like to live in the field like real soldiers do — an experience many look forward to.
We’re also in need of equipment donations, especially field gear to ensure every cadet is properly equipped, regardless of their home situation. Items we are currently looking for include:
UBAC (Under Body Armour Combat) shirts
Mess tins
Webbing
Bivvy bags and bivvies
KFS (Knife, Fork, Spoon sets)
Cold-weather clothing
Whether you’re able to donate new or good-condition second-hand items, it all makes a difference.
There are many ways you can help us:
You can donate equipment. You can give us unwanted items we can sell to raise funds. You can make a one-off or monthly contribution. You can help spread the word to local businesses or individuals who want to support a good cause. Every bit of help — no matter how big or small — goes toward helping young people feel included, supported, and inspired.
At Ranger Cadets, we’re more than just a training programme. We are a family, a lifeline, and a launchpad for young people who deserve to be seen, heard, and given the chance to succeed.
Thank you for standing with us. Together, we are shaping confident, capable, and compassionate young leaders — one cadet at a time.
Ranger Cadets
CFAV Team
