To let my daughter join the army cadets

11 replies

booboo24 · 07/07/2023 07:15

My daughter will be 16 in 3 months. She has Adhd and ASD and she has recently become very interested in the cadets. I was just wondering if she's too old to join? I know they can stay until they're 18 but has anyone's children joined so 'late' and still gained from the experience? Thanks

OP posts:

Shallistayorshalligo · 07/07/2023 07:34

So what is the risk if she doesn’t like it? She just stop going, that’s all.
Mine has started a few month ago, she is 13, but I could see there are much older kids going in there and she has made friends among different ages. She is loving it at the moment. But the day she stop enjoying it, she just drop her membership. I guess, there is no harm to try

Needanewnamebeingwatched · 07/07/2023 07:37

I run a unit, we have kids join at all ages from 12, but the older joiners still get loads out of it.

She will have 2 full years and may well come back as an adult instructor so will continue to benefit 😊

crumpet · 07/07/2023 07:38

I think ring them and ask about ranks/progression. She’s likely to start at the bottom, whereas many of her age will have been there for a while and have moved up. Would she be happy if that was the case? Or there may be other new joiners at her age.

RoseMartha · 07/07/2023 07:58

I would contact the person in charge and have a chat. At least let dd try it.

Original poster

booboo24 · 07/07/2023 08:04

Thanks everyone. She's definitely going to try it, we've sent the application forms in and she's going to watch next week to see what it's all about. I was just a bit worried about her feeling awkward if all of her age group are separate, but she can only try it.

I wish I'd thought of this sooner, I'm hoping it will help build her confidence so we shall see

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SheepBeepBeep · 07/07/2023 08:08

Definitely go for it. DS goes to Air Cadets and started when he was 12, but in his cohort there were 15 and 16 year olds and they all get on well, age doesn’t seem to matter really.

Dotjones · 07/07/2023 08:14

I don't know if it's changed in the last couple of decades but in the 90s the cadets were horrific for bullying.

Original poster

booboo24 · 07/07/2023 08:28

@Dotjones Yes, her dad was in the air cadets in the 90's, he said a lot of bullying went on but it was quickly stamped out aswell. He really enjoyed it at the time and did him the world of good as he was a bit of a tearaway!!!

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Mabelface · 07/07/2023 08:37

I have audhd and at that age, I got on better with younger kids and adults than my peers. I think it's great that she's shown an interest!

Original poster

booboo24 · 07/07/2023 08:39

@Mabelface Actually that's a really good point, she is exactly the same, she feels judged (her words) by her age group so naturally gravitates towards younger people

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AmenAmin · 07/07/2023 08:39

Dotjones · 07/07/2023 08:14

I don't know if it's changed in the last couple of decades but in the 90s the cadets were horrific for bullying.

I went to see our local air cadets a while ago, although dd decided not to join. I was really really impressed by their attitude. I went in presuming the worst but actually they were kind, thoughtful and including a range of personalities and needs. I totally changed my mind on their ethos

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