Co-curricular spotlight: An insight into the Glyn-Freemen's Combined Cadet Force

The Combined Cadet Force is a Ministry of Defence (MoD) sponsored youth organisation found in the United Kingdom’s independent schools. It is divided into three sections (Army, Royal Air Force, and Royal Navy) and was created with the aim of imputing discipline into school environments, in a fun and adventurous way. The institution of ‘cadet units’ in schools dates back over 150 years ago and in 1980, girls were allowed to join it as well.

Now, over 500 secondary schools have CCF as an activity. Before, the focus of the cadet forces was to prepare young men for battle, but now it is to develop teenagers to achieve their full potential and teach them valuable skills that cannot be taught anywhere else

In Freemens, the CCF is for Upper 4- Upper 6, with 100 children enrolled. It has been in our school since 2013 and has been a very popular club for years. Each week, we CCF cadets are provided with military training. Our training is put into practice when we go on occasional weekend exercises and week-long camps. Ever since joining CCF, it has instantly become an essential part of my everyday school life. Every Thursday our navy blue school uniforms are replaced with camouflage and khaki and it has become the best day of the week because of it During the 2 hour weekly after-school sessions, we do a range of tasks and activities. So far into the year, U4 has learnt drills first aid, weapon handling, navigation, fieldwork, and the RAF have also learnt airmanship

School can be overwhelming for the majority of students. Being part of a community like CCF is a perfect opportunity to take our minds off stress and exams. It is something enjoyable and a good distraction. Although it’s designed to ‘stimulate an interest’ in the armed forces, being a part of CCF gives us far more than that. The practical sessions develop many attributes in the cadets.

The four guaranteed skills I have taken from CCF so far are Teamwork, Discipline, Survival Skills, and Leadership. The word ‘teamwork’ is often mentioned as a skill that is easily acquired However, in CCF, I discovered that teamwork can be achieved in numerous ways. In a standard team, there are several team members, with different skill sets. For the team to work synergistically, it would tend to have a leader as well. I have had leadership demonstrated to me by the Senior Cadets (in Lower 6/Upper 6) on several occasions and learnt how being a good leader can be the reason your team succeeds

I have learnt to plan, communicate and control- whilst motivating a team to persevere Also, I have learnt how to work as a member of a team, share my views, and help others- whilst listening to the orders from the leader.

To me, CCF is an opportunity. It is something new, something different, and something fun At first, when I joined RAF, I was unsure whether I would enjoy it. I had absolutely no past interest or knowledge about anything to do with CCF and I didn’t know if I would ever be ‘good at it’. I disliked the thought of sleeping outside, disliked the idea of being in year when Upper 4 received their original training, was possibly some of the best days of U4. We all became basic cadets, met many new people, and got closer to our friends.

As mentioned earlier, the prominent skill of discipline is constantly utilised, even with small things such as keeping hair tied neatly in a bun, or constantly polishing our boots This discipline is also shown when it gets tougher sometimes, and you really have to push yourself to continue. In the end, your self-esteem is boosted, and it feels amazing. CCF has inputted more discipline into every single cadet. These skills and CCF in general is perfect for putting on your CV It offers life-changing experiences that can be valuable for the rest of our lives It allows us to become more independent, resilient, and improves strength and endurance. This can be used in future interviews and when in a work environment. The CCF can also be used for the Duke Of Edinburgh Award (DofE) for the physical, skill, and volunteering sections

The only thing I knew before I joined was that planes fascinated me. I knew right from the beginning that I had to do RAF, not Army, and have never regretted that decision

After officially joining, and receiving my uniform, I realised that there was more to CCF than I thought. Although it seems like CCF simply consists of shouting and marching, I can promise it is far more diverse than that. There were a range of activities that led to everyone having something they liked and was good at. I realised I didn’t need any past knowledge and learnt so much, so quickly.

I started to become highly interested in everything taught First Knight, which was one weekend near the start of the

The Freemen’s motto is ‘Learn, Lead, Make a Difference.’ Joining CCF allows us to apply these skills in a practical environment Both the CCF and Freemens are trying to achieve a common objectiveto make teenagers into future leaders I highly encourage anyone who is thinking of enrolling in CCF to do it. It will change your life for the better.