The Combined Cadet Force (CCF) is an organisation dedicated to the development of young people in terms of self-discipline, self-reliance, teamwork and the taking of responsibility.
Based on a military framework, supported by the Ministry of Defence, its activities extend well beyond the traditional narrow view of drill, drill and more drill. It also plays an important role in personal and social education as it concerns an important aspect of citizenship:
"It should be the responsibility of every citizen of a democracy to find out how his/her freedoms are defended".
The CCF consists of:
The sections train every Tuesday after school. Students may join either the Royal Navy, Royal Air Force (RAF) or Army Sections whilst they are in Year 9.
There are also group field days and training excursions to various facilities belonging to the Ministry of Defence. Many pupils are accepted onto a variety of courses run by the Royal Navy, the RAF or the Army each year.
The Combined Cadet Force (CCF) Royal Navy (RN) Section
We sail Topper, Laser and Bosun dinghies in the summer and up to half-term before Christmas at Halton Training Camp on the river Lune. Cadets follow a CCF RN Syllabus throughout the winter months. This includes navigation skills and rope work as well as drill and shooting.
Field days are spent at a variety of locations in the North West and CCF RN cadets enter CCF Sailing regattas around the country.
The Royal Navy and Royal Marines provide camps, courses and expeditions during the Easter and Summer holidays which are extremely popular and where cadets may gain qualifications in a variety of activities.
The Combined Cadet Force (CCF) Royal Air Force (RAF) Section
Each year, cadets go flying in Grob Tutors or gliders at RAF Woodvale. This is an incredible opportunity as it allows pupils to learn skills they would be unable to acquire elsewhere including flying an aircraft and aerobatics. Cadets also learn about the RAF, navigation and undertake basic military training.
The skills acquired at CCF are transferrable as they provide leadership, self-motivation and teamwork opportunities. It is also possible to take part in the annual adventure camp at Easter as well as a week spent at an RAF base during the summer.
These camps provide cadets with indispensable qualities including independence, perseverance and patience and are truly a fantastic experience.
It is well worth getting involved with CCF.
The Combined Cadet Force (CCF) Army Section
Cadets in the Army Section focus more on safe weapon handling, shooting and tactical training. In addition to the weekly training and the summer camp, there is the opportunity to attend an overnight training camp once a term.
The overnight camps are organised to give cadets an opportunity to practise the skills and techniques that have been taught over the previous weeks. Whilst some of the training days do take place in term time, dates are arranged to minimise the impact on their studies. The highlight is a week spent at annual camp which usually involves an overnight blank firing exercise, shooting and the assault course amongst other activities. Army Cadets have the opportunity to attend a wide range of courses including adventure training and leadership courses.