Minister for Veterans, Alistair Carns OBE, joined hundreds of cadets at the Middle Wallop Army Base as they competed to solve military real-life challenges.

Nearly 300 cadets are taking part in a week-long STEM (science, technology, engineering, and maths) camp, where they’re tasked with solving scenarios, that serving soldiers are currently facing, such preparing vital airlift operations.

The week’s challenges have been organised by the Royal Signals and supported by 10 Army Units.

Minister for Veterans and People, Alistair Carns MP welcomed the students on Tuesday October 29 and said that science was playing an increasingly important role:  “This week will demonstrate to cadets how STEM is at the heart of our Armed Forces and everything we do. Integrating STEM into the cadet curriculum will help prepare cadets for the technology-driven economy of today and ensure they will be well prepared for adult life.”

The minister, a former soldier, took part in an activity that involved applying the laws of physics and maths to ensure the safety of an airlift by helicopter.

(Image: MOD)

Representatives from local industries, Waterman Aspin Engineering, Ulysses Trust and Horiba MIRA Propulsion Development Centre were also on hand to answer cadets’ questions about other types of careers STEM offers in the military and wider world.

The government is keen to see more women enter the STEM workforce, currently only a quarter of employees are women (gov.uk). Organisers of this year’s camp reported that over 40 per cent of participants were young girls with a total of 116 taking part in the challenges.

A spokesperson said: “STEM has become increasingly integrated into the cadet curriculum to reflect today’s technology-driven world where STEM plays a key role in future developments. We hope this course inspires the next generation.”

The tasks will be spread throughout Salisbury Plain using a range of terrains and encampments to test their science and maths skills. A winner will be announced at the end of the week.