‘Reconnecting’ defence with society: the public outreach aims behind UK’s army cadet drive

Government's defence plans include 30% expansion of cadet forces, seen as critical to understanding' of defence

It is a balmy Thursday evening in north-east London and a dozen teenagers in combat fatigues are practising first aid on each other inside an army cadet training centre.

Remember, never leave a casualty alone as they might freeze to death," an instructor reminds them as a newer group of recruits in the yard outside get to grips with marching under the watchful eye of L/Cpl Erik Hanuschi, a cadet veteran at 17.