Combined Cadet Force (CCF)

Haberdashers’ Aske’s Federation (Hatcham and Knights)

We will be establishing a Federation CCF in September 2007. 

This will be led by a Contingent Commander (CC) who will be responsible for all personnel in the unit, officers and cadets - Mr Martin Grant-Hudson, who is also a member of the Hatcham Design and Technology department.

In the first three years, the CC will be supported by and take instruction from the Sergeant Major Instructor detailed to the unit by the Cadet Training Team (CTT).

The Contingent Commander will command, train and administer the unit; recruit and select officers; manage the training and development of officers; plan and maintain a key personnel succession plan; ensure safe training for cadets as prescribed in the Army Proficiency Certificate (ACF) syllabus, training manuals and cadet training safety precautions booklet; ensure an appropriate balance between military (60%) adventurous (40%) and citizenship training.

Background

CCF units are essentially Youth movements and are run in partnership between schools and the Ministry of Defence. They meet on weekday evenings around 36 weeks of the year, as well as attending regular weekend training trips, and an annual training camp where cadets from all across the country come together. Cadets are typically instructed in basic drill, navigation, rope work, field-craft, signals and leadership exercises.  Team building and leadership skills are paramount.
130,000 young people currently benefit from serving with cadet forces – 42,000 in CCF units and the others in specialist units managed by the Army (44,000), RAF (34,000), and Royal Navy (13,000). They are supported by 23,000 adult volunteers. There are currently 253 CCF units: 201 in independent schools and 52 in state schools.

The Under Secretary of State for Defence, Derek Twigg, said recently:
"The Combined Cadet Force is a real success story. It gives young people the chance to develop vital life skills; to build self-esteem. It champions qualities like leadership, and the ability to work as part of a team. We want to open up these opportunities to more young people across our communities, and that is why we very much want to expand across the state sector."

Further information about the CCF visit this Ministry of Defence webpage:

http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/AboutDefence/WhatWeDo/ReserveForcesandCadets/

DRFC/TheCombinedCadetForceAUniqueEducationalPartnership.htm