Cadets and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers from the Combined Cadet Force headed to government as part of a special Whitehall Takeover this week to celebrate National Cadets Week 2026. The participants met with senior leaders to discuss the cadet experience and how it is helping them and their peers across the UK to develop and navigate issues facing young people today.
Throughout the day, cadets and volunteers met senior Defence leaders including the Chief of the Defence Staff, the Chief of the General Staff and the Vice Chief of the Defence Staff, along with ministers and senior officials including Calvin Bailey MP, Minister for Veterans and People, Luke Pollard MP, Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry, and Wes Streeting MP, Secretary of State for Defence.
Combined Cadet Force takeover Whitehall
CCF Cadets and volunteers join MOD-sponsored Cadet Forces to meet with Ministers.
The programme included networking sessions, discussions and a question-and-answer event, giving participants the opportunity to ask questions, share their experiences and learn more about Defence and government.
The cadets explored Whitehall, the Ministry of Defence, the Department for Education and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, where ministers and senior officials learnt first-hand how the Cadet Forces help young people build confidence, develop skills and prepare for future careers, as well as building stronger communities.
The Whitehall Takeover formed part of National Cadets Week 2026, the first national celebration of the UK's Cadet Forces. National Cadets Week shines a spotlight on the contributions of cadets and adult volunteers across the country, while highlighting the opportunities available through MOD-sponsored Cadet Forces in both schools and communities.
The initiative also supports the government's ambition to grow cadet participation in the years ahead, while strengthening the connection between the Armed Forces and the communities they serve. Activities taking place throughout the week showcase everything from leadership and adventure training to STEM, cyber, first aid and community service, demonstrating the positive impact the Cadet Forces have on young people across the UK.
For those who attended the Whitehall Takeover, the visit offered a unique opportunity to see how decisions are made at the highest levels of government while sharing first-hand the value of cadet experiences with ministers, officials and Defence leaders.
What an amazing opportunity and experience!
National Cadets Week
National Cadets Week takes place from 5 to 11 October, the week offers schools a chance to showcase the experiences, skills and opportunities provided through the CCF. Find out more and download the National Cadets Week toolkit.
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