31/10/2026
𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗠 𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗟𝗟𝗘𝗡𝗚𝗘 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 🚁
Derbyshire’s almost all-female team took on the annual national STEM Challenge, a week showcasing some of the British Army’s most impressive technology and demonstrating how Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) play a vital role in military operations.
In traditionally male-dominated STEM fields, it was fantastic to see so many female cadets embracing the challenge, demonstrating their enthusiasm, confidence and ability while taking on activities across a range of technical disciplines.
Led by the Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME), the programme gave cadets the opportunity to explore the roles of several Army Corps and put their skills to the test.
Here's just some of what they got up to!
🚁 Army Air Corps
Cadets took control of an Apache helicopter simulator, tackling take-off, manoeuvring and landing challenges. They also tackled a cargo transport scenario, prioritising equipment for loading into a cargo net and learning the hand signals used to direct helicopter pilots.
💥 Royal Regiment of Artillery
Cadets explored drone technology and the principles of flight, assembled field radios, completed a communications exercise and discovered the mechanics behind field guns.
📦 Royal Logistic Corps
A diver was guided by cadets using non-verbal signals, while another challenge involved dismantling an engine carburettor from an outboard motor. Bomb disposal specialists demonstrated their equipment and put teamwork to the test with a simulated bomb disposal exercise.
📡 Royal Corps of Signals
Codebreaking, interpreting communications and cyber sleuthing were among the skills cadets needed to succeed in the competitive challenges on the Royal Signals stand.
🌉 Corps of Royal Engineers
After learning about the Engineers' roles and equipment, cadets put their thinking skills to the test in a pressure-filled relay race involving Sudoku. Their ingenuity and leadership were also challenged as they worked together to construct Leonardo da Vinci's famous self-supporting bridge.
🕵️ Intelligence Corps
An evolving, high-threat airport scenario tested cadets' decision-making, teamwork and ability to work under pressure.
🔧 REME
Cadets applied mathematics and towing techniques to plan and execute the recovery of a vehicle. They also tackled a complex planning exercise to safely extract civilians from a natural disaster and diagnosed electrical and mechanical faults on a Land Rover.
A huge thank you to all the Engagement Teams who delivered such an unforgettable experience, and to our hosts, Merseyside Army Cadet Force, for their hospitality.
With STEM opportunities becoming an increasingly important part of the Army Cadet Force experience, the future looks exciting. Experiences like this help inspire the next generation of young people – girls and boys alike – to explore STEM subjects and consider careers in both military and civilian sectors.
Look out for our next post, which will feature the most incredible experience the cadets had at STEM Challenge 2026!
Army Cadets UK
East Midlands Reserve Forces & Cadets Association
