PM backs state school cadet force

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The review of civil and military relations by Labour MP Quentin Davies will say an expansion of cadet training would improve both discipline among teenagers and the public perception of the armed forces.

Mr Davies told The Observer that the proposal had the the enthusiastic backing of Prime Minister Gordon Brown.

He said: "The Prime Minister is very, very keen on the opportunities represented by cadet forces and we will be making a number of recommendations to increase the use of this superb national asset."

Currently only there are only 60 cadet forces in the comprehensive school system in England and Wales, compared with 200 in the grammar and independent sector.

However, the proposal to expand them - which would see pupils who sign up given weapons training - is likely to prove highly controversial.

Only last month, teaching unions denounced schools-based cadet forces as a questionable recruiting tactic.

Elsewhere, the review is said to encourage the wearing of military uniform by troops when they are off duty.

"There is a definite move back in that direction and there is overwhelming support within the military for this," said Mr Davies.

He is also said to be calling for a re-examination of the way that the military is portrayed in the schools curriculum.