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The Combined Cadet Force (CCF) is a unique educational partnership between the MOD and schools across the UK. Through enjoyable military themed and adventurous activities, cadets have the opportunity to take responsibility, develop skills such as leadership, self-reliance, resourcefulness, endurance and perseverance.
CCF units in schools give young people the life skills and self-confidence to take charge of their lives so they can reach their full potential at school and beyond, including in employment.
All pupils at Glenalmond spend one year (IV Form) in the CCF. This activity takes place on Wednesday afternoons. Pupils are given the option to join one of the three services; The Royal Navy, the Army or the Royal Air Force. Cadets may volunteer to stay on longer. In the V Form the senior cadets learn how to instruct and develop their leadership skills in order to gain promotion. As NCOs, in the sixth form they take on more responsibility running the activities under the supervision of the CCF Officers.
The CCF officers are members of staff, some of whom have previous military experience, who have volunteered to support the CCF. They undergo training at the Cadet Training Centre at Frimley and other training establishments to become qualified to run ranges and blank firing exercises as well as being able to run adventurous training activities. They are supported by staff from the cadet training team and the other services to run an exciting training program.
The Royal Air Force Air Cadets’ aims are to promote and encourage a practical interest in aviation and the Royal Air Force among young people as well as to encourage the spirit of adventure and develop qualities of leadership and good citizenship. Membership of the CCF (RAF) is exciting, rewarding and above all fun. You’ll also have the opportunity to challenge yourself with adventurous training, There are regular flying days at Army Station (formerly RAF) Leuchars where cadets can put into practice some of the theory of flight and experience the thrill of aerobatics with every cadet having the opportunity to have at least one flying lesson with a qualified RAF pilot. There are also opportunities to have a go at gliding at RAF Kirknewton where cadets get winched into the air in a glider with an experienced pilot and have a short flight before returning to the runway.
Afloat training is the defining activity of the Naval Cadet Forces. The Royal Navy proficiency syllabus bases its training emphasis on leadership, afloat activities and adventurous training. RN cadets get the opportunity to set sail on a Fleet Tender to Rothesay, Bute, giving them a chance to put their hands to the steering wheel of a picket boat and learn the basics of navigation and steering. Cadets also have access to over a hundred courses throughout the year, many leading to nationally recognised qualifications such as the power boat level 2. These courses are sponsored by the Navy and therefore cost a fraction of the civilian equivalent and provide individuals with the opportunity to experience living away from home on a Military establishment.
The CCF Army aims to set young people up for life long success and inspire cadets to achieve. It promotes the qualities of responsibility, self-reliance, resourcefulness and a sense of service to the community. Activities include; drill, skill at arms, shooting, fieldcraft, first aid and adventurous training. Joining the Army section provides a wonderful and unique opportunity to take part in exciting Army themed training activities and events, all of which focus on building the cadet’s courage, self-discipline, respect for others, integrity, loyalty and commitment as well as developing effective communication skills, confidence, being part of a team with a winning spirit and a sense of pride and achievement. As a youth organisation, the CCF Army strives to give cadets a fun, enjoyable experience in a totally safe environment.
Apart from camps, there is a range of other courses which cadets can attend. These include leadership courses and adventurous training courses at one of the Cadet Adventure Training Centres (there are three in the UK). Cadets have the opportunity to attend overseas training in countries such as Canada. Most of this is free or at very little cost to cadets.
CCF is optional for those in the Fifth Form and above. Pupils in the Fifth and Lower Sixth Forms choose from a variety of activities on a Wednesday afternoon, all involving an element of service to the school or the wider community. These activities include Duke of Edinburgh Award, stagecraft, conservation, community service in Methven and Perth and helping with the Second and Third Form activities.
Contact: Major Andrew Goodall ([email protected]) or 01738 842108
