The Volunteer Cadet Corps (VCC) is a national youth organisation managed by the United Kingdom's Royal Navy and sponsored by the UK's Ministry of Defence.

The VCC traces its history back to the formation of the Royal Marines Artillery Cadet Corps (RMACC) in the Mission Hall, Prince Albert Street, Eastney on 14 February 1901.

The RMACC was initially formed with the motto 'Manners Maketh Man', and re-titled as the Royal Marines Volunteer Cadet Corps in the mid-20th century.

Entry was originally restricted to the sons of serving ratings but was later opened up to boys and girls from the general public.

[4][5] There was equally a sad occasion in the Medway area when 24 Royal Marines Cadets from RMVCC Chatham were killed in the Gillingham bus disaster in December 1951.

Each VCC unit is staffed by unpaid adult volunteers, some with former military service, and sometimes with current serving personnel helping the Cadet Corps in addition to their duties.

(which appears in its Latin form on the VCC Crest) whilst the motto of the RNVCC is 'Be Ready' and the RMVCC is 'Be Worthy'.

The VCC is not a pre-service organisation, although any older cadets who show an interest in joining any branch of HM Armed Forces will be given appropriate support and guidance.

Adult volunteers may join from age 18 to 60 (65 for non-uniformed support staff) subject to application, interview, references, enhanced DBS check and a probationary period (during which time they will undergo an induction programme).

Cadets can take part in a variety of activities including: Boys and girls join their chosen VCC unit as 'recruits' and undergo a 4 to 5 month basic training period before 'passing out' for duty during a ceremonial parade in front of family and friends.

Applications are welcomed from all walks of life (subject to intended level of involvement) and previous military experience is not a basic requirement; a willingness to learn and be an example to the cadets very much is however.

[6] He left the position nine months later amidst controversy surrounding a comment he made on Twitter, which appeared to compare Black Lives Matter protesters with the English Defence League as extremists and "scum", though he later said he was not equating the two groups.