In 1904, the first cadet company was formed at The Lodge School and subsequently was followed by companies at Harrison College and Combermere School in that same year.

In 1909, the Barbados Cadet Corps made up of the three existing companies was legislated into the Laws of Barbados – The 1909 Volunteer Act. These three units became affiliated to the Barbados Volunteer Service. The Barbados Cadet Corps is a national youth organisation and is part of the Youth Development Programme of the Barbados Defence Force. The Corps was legislated into the Laws of Barbados in 1904. The Corps is established by the Laws of Barbados Cap 159 Part X1 under the Ministry of Defence and Security and administered by a Cadet Advisory Committee through the Cadet Headquarters.