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The Combined Cadet Force (CCF) is a voluntary, school-based programme, linked to ‘our Armed Forces’ - the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, Army, and Royal Air Force - and supported by the Ministry of Defence. It helps young people develop confidence, leadership, and resilience through structured, challenging activities. New polling shows strong public support for expanding cadet access in state schools. Yet just 1 in 13 state secondary schools currently offers cadets, with around 80 schools stuck on a waiting list to join. With targeted support, the CCF could become a mainstream offer, especially in schools struggling with post-Covid absence, disruption, and disengagement. This briefing sets out how the Combined Cadet Force, a proven model for building confidence, belonging and resilience, can play a part in a wider mission to Rebuild Britain. As Britain faces the lasting scars of the pandemic and a fraying social fabric, rebuilding must be about more than just economics. It must mean restoring pride, purpose, and opportunity in every school and every community - not just repairing the damage but creating something stronger and fairer in its place.