Are these trainees little bounders? (6)

I believe the answer is:

cadets

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'bounders?' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both people as well as being plural nouns.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?

I cannot understand how the rest of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for cadets that I've seen before include "Trainee army officers" , "Army officer trainees" , "Casted as young army men" , "Officers potentially" , "Military trainees" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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