The Combined Cadet Force - A unique educational partnership

Since the 1950s, however, the CCF has been recognised as a voluntary youth organisation, the aim of which is to provide an opportunity for young people to exercise responsibility and leadership in a disciplined environment.

Today the CCF contingents form a vibrant, inclusive youth organisation for pupils aged between 13 and 18, offering significant developmental opportunities in a unique educational partnership with the schools in which they are based. Through the use of military-orientated and adventurous training, cadets also have the opportunity to develop their sense of responsibility and the qualities of self-reliance, resourcefulness, endurance, perseverance and a sense of service to the community. The acquisition of these personal attributes at a formative stage will remain of value throughout the cadets' lives and will be relevant in whatever career they pursue.

There are currently 257 CCF contingents based in both state and independent schools and colleges throughout the UK. The CCF contingent may comprise up to 3 Service sections – Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force. Some RN sections also include Royal Marine detachments.

The CCF is not part of the UK Armed Forces. While adult volunteers and cadets do wear uniform, they do not incur any liability for service or compulsory training in the Armed Forces as a result of being a CCF member.

Each school contingent is run by a team of enthusiastic adult volunteers drawn, in the main, from teachers within the school, although outside volunteers are often invited to help. Schools may also employ a School Staff Instructor, either full or part-time, who is usually a retired Senior Non-Commissioned Officer. Adult volunteers have the opportunity to gain nationally-recognised qualifications in leadership, management and outdoor pursuits.

Training opportunities for cadets occur during weekly parades in school, whole day and weekend training periods (field days), at annual military camps, on courses run by the Armed Forces specifically for cadets and through adventurous training expeditions arranged on an ad hoc basis.  Cadets follow the syllabus appropriate to the section they join but all include drill, skill at arms and use of map and compass. Adventurous training opportunities include mountain walking, canoeing, gliding and offshore sailing. Cadets also have the opportunity to gain BTEC qualifications in Public Services and Music.

The success of any CCF contingent is due to the educational partnership that exists between the MOD and the school. A school cannot run a successful CCF without the full support of the Head. It is the Head who must nominate the Contingent Commander and identify the members of staff who are willing to become adult volunteers. However, adult volunteers may also come from outside the school. The CCF works best when it is fully integrated into the school curriculum. Time for CCF activities must be scheduled into the school programme.

In return for the school's commitment, the MOD gives significant support to the CCF by providing uniform, weapons and ammunition, training advice and assistance, loans of stores and equipment, access to military transport and remuneration to SSIs and officers.

To summarise this educational partnership:

The MOD Provides:

• Uniforms
• Weapons and ammunition
• Training for adult volunteers
• Training assistance
• Access to military facilities
• Access to military transport
• Loans of stores and equipment
• Remuneration for adult volunteers

The School Provides:

• Time within the curriculum
• Accommodation and storage
• Adult volunteers
• Young people
• Enduring commitment and enthusiasm