cadet

A cadet is a trainee in a military or paramilitary organization who is training to become a commissioned officer. The term is commonly used for students enrolled in service academies or university officer programs, such as the United States Military Academy at West Point, the United States Naval Academy, or college ROTC programs. It is also used for youth or civilian organizations associated with police, fire, or other public-safety services that provide a structured path toward professional qualification. In many countries, cadets participate in a blend of academic study, military or public-safety training, physical conditioning, and leadership development.

Etymology and history: the word cadet derives from the French cadet, meaning “younger son.” Historically it referred to a younger son who might not inherit the family estate, and in military usage it came to denote a candidate for officer service. In some periods, cadet was also used as a rank within certain corps or as a title for a student in a military academy.

Training and progression: cadet programs vary by country and service but typically combine coursework with drill, field training, and instruction in tactics, ethics, and governance. Completion may lead to a commission as an officer, appointment to a public-safety role, or qualification for further training.

Contexts and examples: in the United States, cadets at service academies receive four-year undergraduate education and are commissioned as officers upon graduation. ROTC cadets undertake university study while training to serve as officers in the Army, Navy, or Air Force after completing their program. In other countries, police and fire cadets serve similar purposes at cadet academies or youth programs, often with age-based entry requirements.

Cadets may be enrolled in formal programs at schools through national services, or in civilian youth organizations that emphasize discipline and leadership. The term covers a range of officer-training pathways across military, police, and public-safety contexts.