The School Today
CCF Report
Summer Camp 2016 In June the Contingent returned to Penally in South Wales for annual camp. The weather proved to be somewhat more challenging than we had experienced the previous year. However, as expected, the cadets thrived on all the challenges they encountered and demonstrated considerable grit and resilience as well as indomitable spirit. These challenges included a 36 hour survival and tactical exercise as well as full bore shooting, adventure training and leadership activities.
Recruit Camp 2016 Some 40 F2 cadets went through their recruit induction at Barry Buddon, where the learning curve got ever steeper and the pressure increased. New skills, ranging from toilet and floor cleaning to weapon handling and drill had to be acquired quickly with recruits having to work as a team but also push themselves as individuals. The core values of DHSCCF of courage, integrity, discipline, selfless commitment, loyalty, respect for others and indomitable spirit were outlined and explained to the recruits. By the end of the camp, all were aware of the importance of these values and standards not only to the CCF and the Army but also to life in general.
Biennial Inspection 2017 Lt. Colonel RSJ Hedderwick, Commanding Officer of the Black Watch, 3rd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland inspected the contingent during a 48 hour field exercise at Barry Buddon in March where he observed a range of activities and competitive disciplines. In the follow up report he stated ‘DHSCCF is in superb form and a shining example of what is possible. The standard of cadet was impressive; those I spoke to were eloquent and committed. I was left in no doubt that they were enjoying the CCF and valued the opportunities it afforded them.
As is so often the case, success is dependent on the group of leaders who set the tone and culture of an organisation. With the group of instructors that the School currently has at the helm, I see no reason why it should not continue in the same impressive vein.’
Armistice Parade 2016 Over 100 cadets paraded for the annual Armistice Parade with the Banner Party being commanded by Head Girl Mhairi Millar and the Banners being carried by Sgt. Hayden Smith and Sgt. Sandy Taylor. The Guard of Senior Non-Commissioned Officers was commanded by Senior Cadet Sergeant-Major Alice Inman and Pipe Major Emily Wilson-Pearce played the solo lament. The Parade as ever proved to be very poignant with all ranks acquitting themselves most professionally.
CCF Drill Team Having won the drill Competition at the last five summer camps, a team for the Scottish competition was established in April 2017. The team underwent intensive training by WO2 (CSM) Willie Nichol prior to the national drill competition in August. They defeated cadet teams (both ACF and CCF) from all over Scotland to become national champions.
Summary One hundred years on and the contingent is thriving, rising to challenges and developing team players and leaders as well as resilient, robust and confident individuals. I take great pride in my involvement in the past 25 years of DHSCCF and look forward to seeing you at one of the centenary events, in 2018. Lt. Colonel Colin R. McAdam Officer Commanding DHSCCF 1994-
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