'Hopefully we are helping society, now and in future'

FORMER cadet Brigadier Gary McDade, inset, is helping expand the 140,000-strong youth force with £70m of extra funding.

- BY CHRIS RICHES

The Strategic Defence Review recommended it should number 250,000.

Military youth groups are not a recruitment arm - but about 25% do go on to serve.

Brig McDade - who did not go to university but joined the Army at 19 - is still inspired by the youngsters.