Parent & Guardian FAQs
WILL MY CHILD HAVE TO JOIN THE ROYAL MARINES IF THEY BECOME A CADET?
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No, there is absolutely no requirement or pressure on cadets to join any of the armed services at any time. However, the experience of being a Marine Cadet certainly increases their options and enhances their future career prospects.
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WILL BEING IN THE CADETS HELP MY CHILD IF THEY WANT TO JOIN THE ROYAL MARINES?
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Yes. Joining the Marine Cadets provides a good insight into life in the Royal Marines, or any of the armed services (it has also helped some of our cadets join the police force), and helps young people decide whether it is the right path for them. Cadets get basic military training and spend time on military training areas and ships during camps. This gives them a great advantage over those new regular or reserve forces recruits that have not had any cadet experience. Our intent, however, is in character building - helping cadets become well-rounded, self-disciplined, positively minded, confident individuals; life-ready! This, as an organisation, is what motivates us most.
As a matter of fact, the quality of self-discipline, teamwork and leadership skills training we provide mean life as a Marine Cadet is a career prospect enhancer for whichever trade or profession they choose, and most certainly an experience to include in their future CV.
HOW DO YOU MAKE SURE MY CHILD WILL BE SAFE?
We have robust and very strict processes in place to keep our cadets safe when they are with the Marine Cadets, and elsewhere. Each adult volunteer undergoes an enhanced disclosure check (previously known as a criminal records check) and other in depth UK Government security vetting procedures when they join the Marine Cadets, which are renewed at regular intervals while they remain with us. We also have strict rules about how cadets are supervised, and every adult volunteer receives frequently updated training in how to deal with safeguarding incidents when they happen.
We do not tolerate any form of bullying or discrimination in the Marine Cadets and have simple and effective methods in place for cadets to report these to our volunteers who are very well trained on how to deal with incidents.
The safety of cadets on events and activities is paramount. Together we make sure that training is conducted as safely as possible while still being exciting and challenging.
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HOW MUCH DOES THE UNIFORM COST?
All cadets are provided with basic uniform while they are in the Marine Cadets which is returned when they leave. There is no charge for this, although you may be asked for a returnable deposit. We do not provide boots and you will need to buy a pair for your child when they join. Your local detachment volunteer team will be able to advise on where you can find approved uniform items. Other training and personal safety equipment needed is loaned to cadets on an "as required basis" issued from the Unit stores.
WHICH DAYS AND TIMES DO THE CADETS MEET?
We meet for two and a half hours on Wednesday evenings throughout the year. These are called parade nights. We start at 7pm and end at 9.30pm. Cadets will also meet for weekend camps, competitions and other training events. Your detachment volunteer team will be able to give you more information on what activities your child can get involved with.
WHAT ARE EASTER AND SUMMER CAMPS?
Each year, cadets are invited to join an Easter and Summer Camp and go away with other cadets for up to two weeks during the school holidays. For most cadets, these camps are highlights of their year. Each Camp is different, but all cadets will get to learn new skills as well as put into practice some of the lessons they have learnt in detachments.
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WHAT DOES IT COST TO BE A CADET?
There will be costs for attending weekend training camps, easter and summer camps, and other activities, but we try to keep these as low as possible. Parade nights in detachments are free, but we may request a small monthly subscription to go towards detachment events and visits.
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HOW DO YOU RESPECT DIVERSITY?
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The Marine Cadets follow the same principles as the Royal Marines, welcoming people from all backgrounds because we know the value that diverse perspectives and experiences bring. From recruitment to training, we make decisions without bias. That means giving everyone the same opportunity to develop, grow and thrive. Taking on new challenges with confidence that they'll be supported by their peers and leaders.
WHEN CAN MY CHILD JOIN?
They will need to be at least aged 12 years old on the date of entry.
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ANY OTHER QUESTIONS?
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We hope to have answered most of the frequently asked questions here and you have found them to be compelling, but if you have any further questions, we will welcome you getting in contact with us using either the Contact page. We look forward to hearing from you soon.
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