THIS year marks 150 years since the Cadet Movement was formed to help bolster the country s defence numbers following heavy losses in the Crimean War.

THIS year marks 150 years since the Cadet Movement was formed to help bolster the country's defence numbers following heavy losses in the Crimean War.

The movement comprises the Combined Cadet Force (CCF), the Sea Cadet Corps (SCC), the Army Cadet Force (ACF) and the Air Training Corps (ATC).

The ATC, ACF and SCC are all largely community-based and Sidmouth has its own ATC and ACF units.

The CCF is school-based and exists in 200 independent schools and 60 state schools

To celebrate this historic milestone, 624 Volunteer Gliding Squadron based at RMB Chivenor, will host a 'Cadet 150 Gliding Induction Course Weekend' on the weekend of June 26/7.

During the weekend the Squadron aims to complete 150 Gliding Induction Courses for Air Cadets of Devon & Somerset Wing, Plymouth & Cornwall Wing and the Combined Cadet Force.

The Queen is patron of 'Cadet 150'.

Squadron Leader Gregory North, Squadron Commanding Officer said: "The Volunteer Staff of 624 Squadron wished to make an extraordinary effort for the benefit of affiliated cadets to mark this very special 150th anniversary.

"On June 26/27 we aim to provide a 'hands-on' flying experience for 150 Cadets aged 13 to 18 years, many of whom will never have flown before."

To discover how to join or support the cadet movement, visit www.cadet150.org.

NOTES TO EDITORS:

1. Cadet150 honours the role the Cadet Forces play in assisting young people towards responsible adulthood through learning new skills and developing self-confidence, and celebrates the contribution the young people themselves make to their local communities.

2. The cadet movement comprises the Combined Cadet Force (CCF), the Sea Cadet Corps (SCC), the Army Cadet Force (ACF) and the Air Training Corps (ATC). The ATC, ACF and SCC are all largely community-based. The CCF is school-based and exists in 200 independent schools and 60 state schools.

3. Through largely free training, adventurous and community activities, tailored to the customs and traditions of the Armed Services, each Cadet Force brings its own ethos to the common purpose of helping young individuals flourish and enjoy success in their chosen way of life while becoming responsible citizens.

4. Cadets have the opportunity to attend camps, participate in competitions and join expeditions at home and abroad. The enormous range of activities open to them includes first aid, music, drill, gliding, sailing, kayaking, adventurous training, marksmanship and a variety of sports.

5. The Cadet Forces are about fun and opportunity in a positive, structured environment that encourages the development of leadership and teamwork, initiative, self-confidence, self-discipline and a sense of responsibility. They welcome young people and adults from all backgrounds and abilities.

6. The Cadet Forces are sponsored by, but not part of, the Armed Services. They are entirely voluntary and members are not liable for 'call up'. Members do, however, gain a basic understanding about defence, helping the Armed Services remain connected with the society they serve.

7. Cadets and adult volunteers alike are encouraged to work towards nationally recognised qualifications through the Cadet Vocational Qualification Organisation (CVQO). Cadet qualifications are all entirely free of charge and range from the BTEC First Diplomas in Public Services and Music (each equivalent to four GCSEs at grades A-C or Scottish Standard Grades 1-3) to the Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM) Level 2 Certificate in Team Leading.

8. Adult volunteers can gain a broad range of qualifications including First Aid NVQs, the ILM Award in First Line Management and Awards from City & Guilds ranging from a Licentiateship to a Membership in Strategic Youth Management which is equivalent to a Master's degree.

9. Central to the national commemorations will be a royal review of the Cadet Forces in July 2010, but celebrations will be ongoing throughout the year.

10. 60 specially selected cadets will be embarking on a unique expedition to southern Africa during which they will work with orphans and vulnerable children in Lesotho, while dozens more will be challenging themselves on treks and expeditions all over the world, including one to Mount Everest. Back in the UK there will be competitions showcasing first aid and a wide array of sports, as well as a special residential camp for cadets participating in The Duke of Edinburgh's Gold Award.

11. To represent the lasting legacy of the cadet movement and its continued appeal to young people, cadets across the country will be planting 150,000 trees in partnership with the Woodland Trust. The national events will conclude with formal tributes during Remembrance weekend in November.

12. The centenary of the Cadet Forces was celebrated in 1960 with a royal parade in the grounds of Buckingham Palace in the presence of HM The Queen and HRH The Duke of Edinburgh. The parade involved 700 cadets and took place on 22 July 1960. The adult volunteers, cadets and many of their families attended a service of celebration and thanksgiving in Westminster Abbey later the same day.