More than 50 local Army and Royal Air Force cadets came together on Tuesday to share how their voluntary service is helping them develop valuable life skills while making a positive difference in their communities, as part of the first national Cadets Week.
They were thanked for their community spirited service as part of an event in Bracknell Forest on Tuesday 6 October that focused on cadets in the community. Army and Royal Air Force cadets usually meet separately in Bracknell Forest, but they joined together for the event as a special showcase of all our cadets do. They collectively spoke to people about what being a cadet means, how it benefits them and the whole community, and why volunteering as a cadet is important.
Invited guests, including the borough’s armed forces champion, Cllr Georgia Pickering, were also able to participate in a range of activities with the cadets. These included first aid, map reading, outdoor skills, and an aircraft flight simulator. Music was provided by the Band of the Royal County of Berkshire Army Cadet Force.
The event was organised by the Royal County of Berkshire Army and Royal Air Force Cadets with guests from Bracknell Forest Council, Involve Community Services, the Royal British Legion, and Bracknell MP, Peter Swallow.
The first national Cadets Week is taking place from Monday 5 October to Sunday 11 October 2026, marking a national celebration of the Cadet Forces. It is sponsored by the Ministry of Defence. It is part of the work to thank cadets, showcase the valuable work they do and the important role of cadet adult volunteers.
Cllr Georgia Pickering, Bracknell Forest’s armed forces champion, said:
“Cadets make a really valuable contribution to our community and society. It was an honour and privilege to meet so many of our local cadets at the celebration evening in Bracknell and say thank you for their hard work and service.
“Cadets also learn valuable skills and take on exciting challenges to help develop confidence, develop leadership skills and contribute to the community – helping Remembrance Day activities, fundraisers and other important civic events. I want to say thank you to all the brilliant cadets, including the Brakenhale School Combined Cadet Force and the local Police Cadets, as well as the many adult volunteers for their contribution to Bracknell Forest and our wider society.”
The Executive Officer Major Eamonn Coogan MBE, said:
“The Commandant, Colonel Sally Oakley, and all members of the Royal County of Berkshire Army Cadet Force wish to thank Bracknell Forest Council and Peter Swallow MP for their support during their celebration of national Cadet Week.
“They visited the Cadet Training Centre Bracknell on Tuesday 6 October, receiving a detailed briefing and demonstrations from the Army and Air Cadets, which also included a musical interlude by the Band of the Royal County of Berkshire Army Cadet Force.
“Bracknell Forest Council and the Cadet Forces, by working together, are able to make a major difference in a young person’s life. The Cadet Forces are national voluntary youth organisations, they are sponsored by the Ministry of Defence and provide challenging military, adventurous and community activities. With the aim to inspire young people to achieve success in life with a spirit of service to the King, their country and their local community, and to develop in them the qualities of a good citizen.”
Local cadet forces are actively seeking adult volunteers. Find out more on the Royal Air Force Air Cadets' website and Army Cadets' website. No experience is necessary.
More information about becoming a young Army Cadet (age 12 to 18) or Air Cadet (age 12 to 17) can also be found on their websites.
