Word is, the Strategic Defence Review will ‘drop’ (I’m told that’s the modern phrase Your Honour) on Monday
Cyber command just announced
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I assume the cyber direct entrants will be part of this?
Possibly; though that scheme seems to have gone a bit quiet.
Either that or they’ve all been seconded to M&S under MACA.
Been told by numerous sources the SDD encourages investment and expansion of the cadet forces
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So it bloody should. By all metrics what we do is positive. In so many ways, and with measurable ROI too. Invest more in us and allow us to give more back.
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Article about this here - Plans to expand Cadet Forces in state schools
It was also something the Comdt spoke about at the recent town hall.
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It’s not a great article, and it only mentions the CCF.
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It’s talking about expansion in schools in relation to a report on the impact of school-based cadet forces, so it would only mention CCF.
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So anything of interest in the SDR?
The word ‘cadet’ appears 5 times. But, I asked ChatGPT for a summary, focusing on cadets, it has given me this:
Strategic Defence Review 2025 – Summary: Cadet Forces
Expansion Goal:
The UK government aims to expand in-school and community-based Cadet Forces by 30% by 2030, with a long-term ambition to reach 250,000 cadets.
“Expand in-school and community-based Cadet Forces across the country by 30% by 2030, with an ambition to reach 250,000 in the longer term.”
Skills Focus:
Cadet programmes will place a greater emphasis on STEM skills (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) and modern technologies.
“There should be greater focus within the Cadets on developing STEM skills and exploring modern technology.”
Support and Funding:
The expansion will require “appropriate leadership, support, and funding” from the Ministry of Defence, wider Government, and private sector partners.
National Resilience Role:
Cadet Forces are seen as a tool to enhance national cohesion and home resilience, and to reconnect Defence with society.
“Expanding the Cadet Forces… will benefit all four nations of the UK.”
Educational Integration:
The MOD is tasked to work with the Department for Education to build greater understanding of Defence in schools.
“Work with the Department for Education to develop understanding of the Armed Forces among young people in schools.”
Public Engagement:
Cadet associations are highlighted as important for public engagement and national conversations about security and service.
So the last 2 Astute’s aren’t even in service yet and we are announcing the replacement from 2030 if I’ve read it right?
Slow build to keep the pipeline going, skills fresh, account for delays etc I suppose
Given e only have one submarine building ‘barn’ at Barrow and that is also building the Vanguard class replacement, the Dreadnought, space will be at a bit of a premium.
Then there is the question of the people to do the job.
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It’s an interesting summary:
- Where do all the extra staff come from?
- How do you try to get to that target?
- Where are the facilities coming from?
- What is this ‘home resilience’ idea?
- Is this a step back into history, when the ATC was seen as a pre-service training organisation?
Is that the construction phase, or the crewing phase??
All of this surely has one simple answer. More money. Undo things like the VA changes, get more perm staff, buy in better equipment and buildings. Without more funding, your 3 things, and their plan won’t work.
This is where it comes from in the SDR:
A renewed focus on home defence and resilience is vital to modern deterrence, ensuring continuity in national life in a crisis (Chapter 6). Reconnecting Defence with society should be the starting point, as part of a national conversation led by the Government on defence and security. This can be achieved in part through expanding Cadet Forces by 30% by 2030 (with an ambition to reach 250,000 in the longer term) and working with the Department for Education to develop understanding of the Armed Forces among young people in schools.
Which leads on later to:
Building society’s understanding of what the Armed Forces do and increasing their visibility is imperative. This can be achieved through:
…
Expanding the Cadet Forces, which provide skills and qualifications to young people, inform and inspire future Defence personnel—from diverse backgrounds across the country—and support economic growth. This will benefit all four nations of the UK.
…
So I guess the logic is the more cadets we have, the more society might feel ‘connected’ to what is going on. And more cadets mean more young people, and CFAVs, with training in things like first aid etc, which aids resilience in times of war.
I’d say it’s certainly not moving further away from that. But not a step back into proper pre-service training.
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Both parts. Something I’d never be is a submariner, they are all mad. The idea of being in a steel tube 4 to 500 feet underwater with no way out, at least on an airfield you have a chance of surviving enemy action, unless a ‘bucket of instant sunshine’ is used as was the scenario for the V Force.
Having been inside an O Class diesel submarine and seen inside a U Boat, and nuclear submarines whilst having three decks are not much bigger inside given their size.
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All this has to be got past the Treasury first, otherwise it will never happen. Remembering that the government does not have any money of its own as such, that has to come from the tax payers.
We can sell the still in life astutes to Australia or even the US.
Possibly Canada too.
The US Cant meet its sub manufacturing requirements, so even a handful of astutes would ease their deficiency.
However i imagine 2nd hand units to Oz or Can.