New cadet took steps (5)
I believe the answer is:
acted
'took steps' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
'new cadet' is the wordplay.
'new' is an anagram indicator.
'cadet' with letters rearranged gives 'ACTED'.
(Other definitions for acted that I've seen before include "Behaved or performed" , "exerted influence" , "took part in simulation" , "participated in panto maybe" , "did something!" .)