Speech by Under Secretary of State for Defence and Minister for Veterans, Derek Twigg MP.
Under Secretary of State for Defence and Minister for Veterans, Derek Twigg MP
Good evening Ladies and gentlemen. It's an honour to be here this evening as your Guest of Honour.
Often when I go home on a Tuesday night I see teenage boys and girls in military uniform hurrying to be somewhere. Somewhere that they are keen to get to. That fills them with enthusiasm. Their cadet parade night.
As one of the biggest youth organisations in this country today - some 133,000 young people strong - and growing - supported by over 26,000 adult volunteers the Cadet Forces are a huge success story. I happen to think they are an unsung one. We hear a lot about problems with our youth nowadays. It would be great to hear a bit more about the positives. I know Andrew [Lord Adonis] will agree with me on this. Cadets are the flagship of the MOD youth agenda - and actually, I'm proud to say - a flagship for all the other Government departments committed to opening up opportunities for our young people.
Cadets play a hugely important role in keeping the young people of today in touch with our military past and traditions. Individual cadet units have close links with the Services - the kinds of links that really build relationships across the generations.
At the local level, in many communities up and down the country Cadet Units are the most - sometimes the only- visible defence presence. It brings a lump to my throat to see them on duty - as I did a few weeks ago - at my local Remembrance Service.
Of course each of the Services has its own Cadet movement with its own history. They all do wonderful work. Bringing opportunities to our young people to develop their skills and confidence, to become more rounded individuals, and - most importantly - to have fun. At the centre of our commitment to youth is the CCF. Based in over 250 schools across the land, the 42,000 or so CCF Cadets and nearly 2,200 adult volunteers in are something to be proud of.
Over the years the CCF has shown that it can change with the times. Your values and ethos - of leadership, commitment and teamwork - are increasingly important in a society that is itself changing.
Actually, the more I learn about the Cadets and the sheer scope of your activities the more I'm convinced that it's definitely a case of 'If you want to get ahead - be a cadet'. The opportunity to get qualifications, and develop social and technical skills is proving a real boost for young people. The fact that the BTEC Diploma in Public Service is worth four GCSEs is remarkable, and proves the Cadet Forces offers something unique that is the envy of many other youth organisations. Not only have they been passing, they've also been gaining top marks. I think that’s a pretty amazing result. In fact Cadets are increasingly finding their membership a definite plus as far as employers, colleges and universities are concerned.
And of course some Cadets go on to great things, including in the Forces. The Current First Sea Lord, Admiral Band is an excellent example; He was a Petty Officer in the CCF during his school days.
Our thoughts are, as ever, with our people on operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, and the Balkans and throughout the world, and their families and loved ones waiting for their safe return. Many of the men and women currently serving in these operational theatres are former Cadets - indeed a number of them may well be known to you personally. You have every right to be proud of these men and women. As indeed we are all justly proud of our Armed Forces, who acquit themselves with distinction across the world as a genuine force for good.
Encouraging young people to realise their potential is absolutely central to the ethos of the CCF. I think we'd all agree that Laura Jane's performance this evening (Laura Jane Lawson from the Royal School, Armagh CCF) was absolutely outstanding. The Cadet Forces places a very high value on promoting and nurturing talent. And in fact I believe one of your particular strengths is your commitment to making sure each and every Cadet has the opportunity to make the most of themselves.
Personal qualities - of leadership, courage and self reliance - just can’t be taught in a classroom. Young people love challenge and adventure, and they benefit most when they can gain this kind of experience in a structured way. All of us need goals and something to work towards - the Duke of Edinburgh Award; the Cadets in the Community and of course the BTEC qualification give young people a real sense of achievement.
Cadets are young men and women who really taking the lead in contributing to their communities. Raising money, working with local charities - they are building social capital. And they are role models to their Peers.
Of course these are exciting times for the CCF. Its potential and importance has been recognised across government. At the moment around 40% of the more than 250 schools with contingents are in the State sector. We want to increase that level of participation. So that more young people can benefit from what the CCF has to offer. That is why, earlier this year; the Chancellor put his support behind expanding the CCF presence in State schools.
Earlier this year he announced our intention to launch a pilot scheme in six state schools across the UK. Haberdashers' Aske Federation of Hatcham College and Knights Academy in London has been named as the first school - and I hope to be announcing the remainder - five schools including in Wales and Scotland - early in the New Year.
Running a CCF - as all of you here this evening are aware - calls for proper dedicated resources. And of course that means proper funding. The Treasury has earmarked £800,000 of funding to be allocated to the pilot scheme, which I hope will not only benefit many more young people that will be taking part but will also give us a true picture of the demand and our capacity to expand further. Personally, I think it’s going to be a huge success - in fact, I'm absolutely sure of it.
And why am I so confident? Because each and every CCF is based on a strong and really effective partnership. The partnership between the MOD and the school. It's a relationship that says - in the words of the DFES Vision that Andrew (Lord Adonis) is playing such an important role in taking forward - 'Every Child Matters'. A relationship that aligns care, support and excellence for young people.
The CCF is a success story and one we will reinforce. But let us not forget that this success owes much to a very special group of people. The adults who devote a huge amount of time and energy to running Cadet Forces in schools up and down the country. Many of you here tonight are volunteers, giving up your time in the evenings and the weekends, accepting responsibility. Each and every one of you is deeply committed. We are very grateful for everything you do. The work you do is important and makes a difference.