CADET, MILITARY (Fr. cadet, younger, junior in service—aliied in derivation and meaning to cadency (q.v.) in heraldry), is a term applied in a general sense to a junior member of a noble family as distinguished from the eldest; and in France, any officer junior to another is a C. in respect to him. In a strict military sense, however, a C. is a youth tudying for the public service.
In England, military cadetship has presented two aspects, according as it is related to the East India company's or to the royal service. When the company possessed political and military authority in India. there were about 5000 English officers in their pay. Those who commanded the company's own regiments had professionally educated by the company. A youth, nominated by the directors, was examined as to his proficiency in an ordinary English education, and admitted between the ages of 14 and 18 to Addiseombe school or college, near Croydon. If a probation of 6 months
resulted satisfactorily, he entered upon years' course of study. If he passed through this ordeal well, he became a C. in the company's service, receiving pay or salary, and being available for service in India, as opportunity might offer. The system of Indian cadetship underwent various modifications by the introduction of competition in the appointments, and by the transference of the company's powers to the crown; and ceased in 1861, when the accession of fresh officers to the local Indian armies was stopped.
The second aspect of military cadetship in England, adverted to above, is that of the royal or queen's cadets. The arrangements in operation until recently will be found noticed under SANDHURST COLLEGE; and the present arrangements are given under STAFF COLLEGE, and MILITARY ACADEMY, ROYAL.