ROYAL MARINES VOLUNTEER CADET CORPS

The first Cadet Corps in the Royal Marines was formed at Eastney in 1901 and two years later units were established at Chatham, Gosport, Plymouth and Deal, whilst similar naval cadet units existed at their Port Divisions also. Originally RM cadets were all sons of members of the Corps but in 1922 recruiting was opened to other boys. The cadet units were all disbanded during the Second World War but re-formed again in 1945. In 1951 the title of some units changed to RM Volunteer Boys Corps.

Reverting to the original title of RM Volunteer Cadet Corps in 1979, at present there are units at Portsmouth, Plymouth and Lympstone and each one is autonomous. Commanded by a Royal Marines or Royal Naval officer appointed by the Commanding Officer of the parent regular unit, they have serving other ranks and civilians as instructors.

Cadets are aged between 9 and 18, dependent on the rules in each unit and priority of entry is given to children of serving and former members of the RN and RM, but others may be considered if vacancies exist. Although Girls Ambulance Companies had existed alongside the cadets before the Second World War, they were not reformed after the war and so today, in some of the RMVCC units, entry has been opened to girls also.

The aim of the Corps is to provide opportunities for young persons to develop into responsible, dependable and useful members of society; to promote self-discipline and comradeship, and to teach the basic principles of leadership in preparation for adult life.