Army cadet volunteer questions

[isitmee]

This isn't AIBU but I can't find the chat thread!

I've got an Interview to become an army cadet youth volunteer. I was really excited but I was googling what to wear to interview 🙈 and came across a lot of newspaper articles about cadet officers abusing the young cadets and female officers and it's freaked me out. Is this a true representation or am I just letting a bit of fear creep in?

Oh and I still don't know what to wear if I go!

1. I suggest smart casual. No need to wear a suit, but don't get in your PJ's either.
2. How did you find these articles? Did you type "army cadets" followed by "abuse" into Google? If so you will find those articles about any group of people. What I can say is the ACF take safeguarding very seriously and all volunteers are DBS checked. I don't personally know any cadets or officers being abused by instructors - it certainly isn't a regular occurrence. Statistically, you are safer in cadets than in school.

Comfortable and practical. Cadet huts are often freezing in winter so make sure you have your warm coat on.

Like any youth organisation the cadets have had some bad apples among the staff. It’s rare but it happens. It’s not a widespread issue but you have to make your own mind up. Go along, ask questions about ethos, observe how everyone interacts, decide if you’ll be happy there.

Thank you for the replies. Well I went for the interview and it went really well. Definitely priority is the kids safety and well being so that's reassuring. I guess it's a case of the internet shows you the small negative but not the millions of positives.

I would love to hear from anyone doing this to hear about the training etc as it's all going to be happening?

That is a very general question, there is a lot of training involved. Do you have any specific questions?