Combined Cadet Force (CCF)

Introduction

Lancing has a long tradition of Combined Cadet Force (CCF) training and today the sight of 170 Lancing volunteers in their Army and RAF Cadet uniforms undergoing training on Wednesday afternoons is impressive.

Lancing’s CCF programme offers pupils a broad range of challenging, exciting, adventurous and educational activities.

Our aim is to:

• enable the development of personal responsibility, leadership and self-discipline outside the classroom
• build teamwork and problem solving skills
• learn new skills such as first aid, orienteering and life saving
• provide the opportunity to take part in new experiences and challenges

What the CCF involves

The Lancing CCF is an educational partnership between the school and the Ministry of Defence, consisting of Army and Royal Air Force sections. Cadets can choose which section they want to be in.

Alongside the weekly training programme of basic skills (navigation, drill, signals, airmanship, flight simulation and fieldcraft), the Cadets also get the chance to experience all the opportunities the CCF organisation provides beyond the weekly programme. These opportunities include:

• Flying Experience days that run several times per year, where Cadets get to go up in a training plane and experience not only the thrills of flying but also, if appropriate, take control of the plane.
  The days are free and open only to those in the RAF section.

• Three 24hr Exercises that run during term time from 1pm Wednesday to 1pm Thursday. They are as follows:
  – Fourth Form (Lent Term): Self-Reliance focussing on basic navigation and campcraft. All Cadets (Army and RAF) are expected to take part. No additional cost involved.
  – Fourth Form (Summer Term): Basic Fieldcraft focusing on camouflage and concealment, harbour areas, patrolling and a section attack.
  This is only for Army Cadets and those in the RAF going on Summer camp. No additional cost involved.
  – Fifth Form (Advent Term): Advanced Fieldcraft focussing on putting all their Fieldcraft experience together and demonstrating enough competence and confidence to complete their Army Proficiency Certificate (APC). This is for Army Cadets only. No additional cost involved.

• Adventurous Training Camp (Capel Curig camp in Snowdonia, in the first week of the Easter holiday) involving advanced navigation, mountain walking, climbing, abseiling, mountain biking and even – weather permitting – surfing. Cost is usually about £50 for the week. This is open to all Cadets (Army and RAF).
   
• CCF Central Camp (in the first week of the Summer holiday, in various camps around the country) involving some or all of the following: survival, orienteering, life firing, paint balling, shotgun, obstacle course, platoon attacks, ambush, escape room, interest stand, kayaking, climbing, mountain biking and a competition day against other school CCF units. Cost is usually about £40 for the week. This is open to all Cadets (Army and RAF).

 All Cadets are also able to take part in live firing days as arranged with local MoD camps.

How to join the CCF

At the end of the Third Form, pupils get a taster morning of the two options available to them in the Fourth Form in Wednesday’s Service Afternoon: The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme and CCF. They then make their choice ready to start their chosen programme in the September of the Fourth Form. They follow that chosen programme throughout the Fourth and Fifth Form.

New Lower Sixth pupils to the College are also encouraged to join if they have previous Cadet experience or are just willing to get stuck in and give it a go!

As Cadets progress through their time with the CCF, they are encouraged to take responsibility for themselves and, gradually, for others. In the early stages, this will involve looking after their uniform and kit, and developing self-discipline and organisational skills to successfully complete their basic training.

As they develop their own skills, they may also be given the opportunity to take responsibility for a small group of cadets, as a Junior Non-Commissioned Officer (JNCO).

As JNCOs develop their leadership skills and grow in confidence, they may be asked to step up to the next level, and become a cadet Senior Non-Commissioned Officer (SNCO) once they start in the Sixth Form. These cadets support the adult volunteers to run activities, deliver lessons, and plan future training for junior cadets.

Lancing’s Contingent Commander (Major Chris Eustace) is the officer responsible for the day-to-day running of the CCF at the school, and manages each of the different sections.

How much does it cost?

There is a one-off joining fee of £105 that covers all training, kit and transport.

Easter and Summer camps normally cost between £35 and £50 for the week (including transport, accommodation, food and activities).

Flying Experience days, 24hr Exercises and live firing days are free.