Combined Cadet Force#Army Section

On 12 May 1859, the Secretary of State for War, Jonathan Peel, sent out a circular letter to the public schools and universities inviting them to form units of the Volunteer Corps.{{cite book|title=History of Felsted School (1564–1947) |first=Michael |last=Craze}} The first school cadet corps was established at Rossall School in February 1860,{{cite web |url=http://www.rossall.co.uk/sporting_and_activities/163 |title=Combined Cadet Force (CCF) |publisher=Rossall School |access-date=12 April 2009 |quote=It has, however, been established that Rossall was the first public school to enrol Volunteers and have them sworn in under the provisions of the Volunteer Act, and we have the original muster book in which the first names were entered on 1st February, 1860. Other Corps at Eton, Felsted, etc., were raised within a month or two. |archive-url= |archive-date=}} initially as an army contingent only. Felsted already had an armed drill contingent at the time of the War Office letter under the command of Sgt. Major Rogers RM; its claim on these grounds to be the oldest school corps was upheld by Field Marshal Earl Roberts in a letter to the Headmaster of 1904. In February 1861 the Oxford City Rifle Cadet Corps was founded, with five companies, the first of which was composed of pupils of the Linden House School, a private school in Headington,{{cite web |url=http://mattersphotographical.wordpress.com |first=Giles |last=Hudson |title=Shots of Shots: Photographs of the Oxford Volunteer Rifle Corps |website=Matters Photographical |date=1 December 2012 |archive-url= |archive-date=}} and the second composed of pupils from Magdalen College School. In 1908, the units were re-titled the Officer Training Corps (OTC).{{cite web |url=http://www.raf.mod.uk/aircadets/ |title=Air Cadets - History |website=raf.mod.uk |archive-url= |archive-date=}}

The CCF was created in 1948{{cite web |url=http://www.1260sqn.co.uk/about-us/the-air-cadet-organisation/the-history-of-the-combined-cadet-force |title=The History of the Combined Cadet Force |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129212629/http://www.1260sqn.co.uk/about-us/the-air-cadet-organisation/the-history-of-the-combined-cadet-force |archive-date=29 November 2014 |website=1260sqn.co.uk}} by the amalgamation of the Junior Training Corps (formerly the Junior Division of the Officers Training Corps) and the school contingents of the Sea Cadet Corps and Air Training Corps. CCFs are still occasionally referred to as "The Corps".

A school contingent may have any combination of Royal Navy, Army, Royal Air Force and sometimes Royal Marines sections, the army section is almost invariably the largest.

The CCF movement used to be dominated by the independent sector with 200 contingents being based in independent schools with only around 60 in state schools.{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/education/educationnews/8999455/Military-cadet-forces-in-every-school-says-schools-commissioner.html |title=Military cadet forces in every school, says schools commissioner |work=The Daily Telegraph |first=Julie |last=Henry |date=8 January 2012 |archive-url= |archive-date=}} Since the Cadet Expansion Programme was launched in 2012 the number of contingents has reached 500, beating the target set by the government. There are now more contingents in the state sector than in the independent sector. The expansion was funded by £50m from the fines arising from the LIBOR scandal.{{cite web |title=MOD sponsored cadet forces: 1 April 2020 |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/mod-sponsored-cadet-forces-statistics-2020/mod-sponsored-cadet-forces-1-april-2020 |archive-url= |archive-date= |access-date=18 February 2021 |website=GOV.UK |language=en}}

It was reported in 2008 that some independent school CCF detachments would be opened to pupils of local state schools{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/education/education-news/private-schools-will-let-state-pupils-join-cadet-forces-936171.html |title=Private schools will let state pupils join cadet forces |newspaper=The Independent |date=20 September 2008 |quote=A ground-breaking agreement to allow state school pupils to join cadet forces in some of Britain's most elite private schools is to be announced this month. Six of the country's top fee-paying schools – including City of London boys' school and Highgate – have agreed to open up their Combined Cadet Forces to neighbouring state schools. |first=Richard |last=Garner |access-date=30 April 2010 |archive-url= |archive-date=}} One case of a fee-charging school allowing state school pupils to join the cadet force was Aldenham School in Watford, Hertfordshire linking its Cadet Force with the nearby state school Queens' School to form a joint Cadet force.{{cite web |url=http://www.aldenham.com/ |title=CCF Biennial Inspection |access-date=24 September 2019 |archive-url= |archive-date=}}{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/education/10640052/Public-school-funding-for-military-cadet-forces-diverted-to-state-sector.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140215032554/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/education/10640052/Public-school-funding-for-military-cadet-forces-diverted-to-state-sector.html|url-status=dead |archive-date=15 February 2014 |title=Public school funding for military cadet forces diverted to state sector |first1=Steven |last1=Swinford |first2=Ben |last2=Farmer |date=14 February 2014|access-date=24 September 2019 |work=The Daily Telegraph}}

In 2012 payouts made to victims of sexual abuse across all Cadet Forces, including the CCF, totalled £1,475,844. In 2013 payouts totalled £64,782, and in 2014 payouts totalled £544,213.{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2014/dec/28/ministry-of-defence-pays-out-2m-settle-cadets-sexual-abuse-claims |title=Ministry of Defence pays out £2m to settle cadets' sexual abuse claims |last=Quinn |first=Ben |date=28 December 2014 |work=The Guardian |access-date=22 January 2018 |language=en-GB |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141229015116/http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2014/dec/28/ministry-of-defence-pays-out-2m-settle-cadets-sexual-abuse-claims |archive-date=29 December 2014}}

CCF Contingents are part of the CCF, but are also part of their own school and as such are semi-autonomous organisations, run by internal school or school-related staff, supported by armed forces personnel. Army sections may wear their own capbadge. Royal Navy and Royal Air Force sections wear the appropriate RN/RAF other rank and officer capbadges.

The CCF is separate from the Community Cadet Forces namely the Sea Cadet Corps, the Army Cadet Force and the Air Training Corps, and the Volunteer Cadet Corps. Pupils normally join at the age of 12 or 13 (Year 8), or later at the discretion of the Head, with both sexes able to take part.

File:Combined Cadet Force Naval Section Badge.png

They may be issued with combat uniform if required and some schools have No 1 uniform for senior cadets. Number 3 uniform is normally the parade uniform for the CCF (RN) and consists of a white shirt, black tie, blue trousers,{{cite web |date=2017 |title=Pupils on parade - CCF Inspection 2016 |url=http://www.hppc.co.uk/CCF-Inspection-2016 |access-date=15 February 2019 |archive-url= |archive-date=}} and blue heavy wool jersey, worn with plain black shoes; a brassard (armband) should be worn on the right arm, displaying qualification badges.{{cite web |url=http://www.take2theweb.com/pub/vcj/ccf/b.html |title=CCF Uniform |access-date=12 February 2019 |archive-url= |archive-date=}}{{cite web |url=https://s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/files.combinedcadetforce.org.uk/Naval-uniform.pdf?mtime=20170811094353 |title=Royal Navy Uniform |work=CCF Connected |access-date=15 February 2019 |archive-url= |archive-date=}}{{cite web |url=https://studylib.net/doc/8152751/sea-cadet-uniform-regulations |title=Sea Cadet Uniform Regulations |access-date=15 February 2019 |archive-url= |archive-date=}} Number 4 uniform is the standard working uniform of the Royal Navy, in one form or another it has been in existence for over 60 years. This uniform is fire-retardant and consists of a blue shirt, blue trousers, blue heavy wool jersey, beret, with CCF badge and black boots.

Royal Marines sections wear the bronzed Royal Marines cap badge of other ranks with a red "tombstone" backing on a blue beret with MTP (Multi-Terrain Pattern) clothing, and either brown or black boots.{{cite web |url=https://s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/files.combinedcadetforce.org.uk/Field-uniform.pdf?mtime=20170811094558 |title=Field Uniform |work=CCF Connected |access-date=15 February 2019 |archive-url= |archive-date=}} They may also wear a version of No.1 Ceremonial Uniform with Cadet insignia for special occasions.{{cite web |url=http://www.dameallans.co.uk/MainFolder/Newsletters/CCF-newsletter.pdf |title=Royal Marines CCF section launch, May 2017 |date=May 2017 |website=Dame Allens |access-date=15 February 2019 |archive-url= |archive-date=}}

File:Combined Cadet Force Army Stable Belt.jpg]]

Working uniform

The Army Section dress regulations are set out in Army Dress Regulations, Part 8 (Cadets).{{cite web |url=https://legacy.armycadets.com/county_uploads/Cumbria/Formspring/20130417_Army_Dress_Regulations_Pt8_(Cadets).pdf |title=ARMY DRESS REGULATIONS (ALL RANKS) : Part 8 : Dress Regulations for Combined Cadet Force (Army Sections) and the Army Cadet Force |date=April 2015 |website=Legacy.armycadets.com |access-date=1 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181203152100/https://legacy.armycadets.com/county_uploads/Cumbria/Formspring/20130417_Army_Dress_Regulations_Pt8_(Cadets).pdf |archive-date=3 December 2018 |url-status=dead}} and Cadets wear the No. 8 Combat Dress - Multi-Terrain Pattern (MTP) uniform ('combats') for most occasions.

All cadets wear a rank slide with the word "CADET" in embroidered red capital letters at the top, any rank is then shown underneath in black. Cadets may be given permission to wear a stable belt of CCF, school, or affiliated unit pattern. Cadet Force Adult Volunteers (CFAVs) wear rank slides with "CCF" underneath.

Tactical Recognition Flashes are not to be worn by CFAVs or cadets of the Combined Cadet Force, irrespective of any affiliation to a Corps or Regiment.{{cite web |url=https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/626107/2017-03109.pdf |title=ARMY DRESS REGULATIONS (ALL RANKS) |archive-url= |archive-date=}} Cadets and CFAVs do wear county and contingent flashes.

File:Commémoration de l'Appel du 18 Juin 1940 Saint Hélier Jersey 18 juin 2013 5.jpg 2013. Showing the RAF Section No. 1 uniform (left) and Army Section No. 2 uniform (right)]]

File:Brighton_College_Cadets.JPG and cap badges of the armed forces they are affiliated to.]]

RAF cadets wear a version of the RAF No.2 dress. This consists of either light blue shirt and tie or a dark "working" blue shirt, blue-grey trousers or skirt/slacks, a blue-grey jumper: V-neck or round neck version, and an RAF blue beret with the RAF cap badge.{{cite web |url=https://s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/files.combinedcadetforce.org.uk/RAF-uniform.pdf?mtime=20170811094500 |title=RAF Uniform |work=CCF Connected |access-date=15 February 2019 |archive-url= |archive-date=}} They also wear a brassard to distinguish themselves as cadets.{{cite web |url=https://1360sqnatc.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/AP1358c-V1.08-Dress-Regulations.pdf |title=Uniform Dress and Appearance Regulations for the Air Cadet Organization (AP1358C) |date=January 2017 |access-date=12 February 2019 |archive-url= |archive-date=}} Except for the cap badge and brassard badge, this is identical to the uniform of the ATC and regulations for its wear can be found in ACP1358. Most RAF sections wear combat clothing, formerly the CS95 DPM standard, but many now wear Multi-terrain pattern uniform (MTP). Officers wear the RAF tactical recognition flash, Adult Warrant Officers and Senior Non-Commissioned Officers wear the RAFAC Staff formation flash, and cadets wear RAFAC Cadet formation flash.{{cite web |title=Uniform Dress and Appearance Regulations for the Air Cadet Organization |url=http://2484aircadets.org/AP%201358C.pdf |page=50 |publisher=RAF Air Cadets |access-date=16 May 2020 |archive-date=27 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201127143435/http://2484aircadets.org/AP%201358C.pdf |url-status=dead}}

File:Cadets Saint Peter Port 2012 b.jpg and CCF cadets, Guernsey, 16 September 2012]]

File:Battle of Jersey commemoration 2013 07.jpg commemoration in 2013]]

File:Royal Visit 2012 0007.jpg]]

The MOD Sponsored Cadet Forces Statistics are published annually. Statistics are provided for the Community Cadets (the Sea Cadet Corps and Volunteer Cadet Corps (VCC), Army Cadet Force (ACF) and Air Training Corps (ATC)) and the Combined Cadet Force. The Volunteer Cadet Corps (VCC) is included in these statistics for the first time, as its status changed to become the fifth MOD sponsored cadet force in 2017.{{cite web |url=https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/711494/MOD_Sponsored_Cadet_Forces_Statistics_April_2018.pdf |title=MOD Sponsored Cadet Forces Statistics |date=1 April 2018 |website=Assets.publishing.service.gov.uk |access-date=1 February 2019 |archive-url= |archive-date=}}

The strength of CCF, both Cadets and CFAVs is published every year by the Office for National Statistics, usually in April.{{cite web |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/mod-sponsored-cadet-forces-statistics-2020 |title=MOD sponsored cadet forces statistics: 2020 |archive-url= |archive-date=}}

In November 2019 the Government announced that it had achieved its target of 500 contingents under the Cadet Expansion Programme (CEP){{cite web |title=Cadet Expansion Programme reaches 500 unit target |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/cadet-expansion-programme-reaches-500-unit-target |access-date=18 February 2021 |website=GOV.UK |language=en |archive-url= |archive-date=}}

{{See also|Ranks of the cadet forces of the United Kingdom}}

All cadet ranks are standard non-commissioned ranks, prefixed by "Cadet". The highest rank depends on the size of the contingent, but are usually Cadet Regimental Sergeant Major, (Army and RM Sections) and Cadet Warrant Officer (RN and RAF Sections).

Some contingents may have Junior (and sometimes Senior) Under Officers. Cadet Under Officers' rank badges are blue bands 12 mm wide across each shoulder slide, with the addition of the letters CCF underneath.

Cadets are promoted on their level of experience and their level of commitment to the cadet force. Also cadets are promoted on excellence or merit. Senior cadets' duty is to help the running of parades etc. and to help their Contingent Commander or another officer of their contingent.

The Naval Cadet that is in command of the naval section is also addressed as Coxswain.

Army cadets ranks share associated regiment's equivalent rank title (e.g. Corporal in the Royal Artillery becomes Bombardier.)

Cadet Force Adult Volunteers (CFAVs), who are the uniformed civilian staff that work in the school contingents, provide training to the cadets. Unlike the other cadet organisations (ATC/SCC/ACF), most adult volunteers are commissioned officers, the exception often being the School Staff Instructor (see below) and the newer position of Sergeant Instructor (SI).

CCF officers are not members of the armed forces and are usually teachers or other school staff. As such they are not subject to military law, but are subject to CCF Regulations they are subordinate to officers in the Armed Forces whether Regular or Reserve. Until 2017 CCF (Army) and CCF (RAF) officers were in special categories of the reserves of their service whereas CCF (RN) Officers were 'appointed' and did not hold commissions. However, on 1 December 2017, the Cadet Forces Commission was introduced and since then this type of commission has been held by all CCF officers.{{cite web |url=https://combinedcadetforce.org.uk/news-media-centre/news/2017/hm-the-queen-approves-new-commission-for-cadet-force-volunteers |title=HM the Queen approves new commission for cadet… |date=1 February 2019 |website=Combined Cadet Force |access-date=1 February 2019 |archive-url= |archive-date=}}

• Officers in the Naval section of the CCF, undertake the six day CCF Royal Navy officer induction course training at Britannia Royal Naval College, Dartmouth. It is commanded by a course officer (regular Naval Service) and at least two CFAVs to assist. The training is delivered by regular sailors.{{cite web |url=https://issuu.com/combinedcadetforce/docs/connected.spring2018 |title=Connected - Spring 2018 |website=Issuu.com |access-date=1 February 2019 |archive-url= |archive-date=}}
• Similar to officers in the Army Cadet Force, CCF (Army) officers attend the Cadet Forces Commissions Board of the Army Officer Selection Board and must be approved by the Headmaster of the employing school and confirmed by the relevant Army Brigade in order to attend. Prospective officers may be appointed as an "Adult Under Officer", awaiting commissioning.
• CCF (RAF) officers attend the RAFAC Command and Leadership course and undertake the five day RAF Air Cadets Officers and NCO's combined Initial Course at RAF College Cranwell, as Acting Pilot Officer. Upon successful completion of the course, they are awarded their Cadet Forces Commission.{{cite web |url=https://issuu.com/combinedcadetforce/docs/connected.summer2018 |title=Connected Summer 2018 |website=Issuu.com |access-date=1 February 2019 |archive-url= |archive-date=}} Their rank slides are similar to their RAF counterparts, with the addition of the text 'RAF Air Cadets' underneath the displayed rank.{{cite web |url=https://aircadet101.weebly.com/cfc-explained.html |title=CFC Explained |website=Air Cadet 101 |access-date=5 October 2018 |archive-url= |archive-date=}}

All CCF adult induction/basic/initial courses cover the basic skills needed for CFAVs who wish to serve in the CCF, such as drill and turnout, leadership and teamwork tasks, weapon training, navigation, etc.

Supporting officers in the running of the Contingent is the School Staff Instructor (SSI) - usually a retired Senior Non-commissioned Officer (SNCO) or Warrant Officer. Although they are civilians, they retain their rank as a courtesy and are employed by the school to instruct and assist in the running of the Contingent.{{cite web |url=http://www.ams.mod.uk/content/docs/jsp336/3rd_ed/vol12/pt3/pam13/s3.doc |title=Uniform regulations for officers and instructors |website=Ams.mod.uk |format=DOC |access-date=2007-09-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070610004924/http://www.ams.mod.uk/content/docs/jsp336/3rd_ed/vol12/pt3/pam13/s3.doc |archive-date=10 June 2007 |url-status=dead}}

Whilst the majority of the SSIs are (former) SNCOs it is also possible for them to be a Cadet Forces commissioned officer. There is usually only one SSI per Contingent and they are also supported by other external staff, including the RN's Area Instructors, various Brigade Cadet Training Teams (CTTs) and RAF TEST SNCOs.

Like the community cadet forces, some Contingents may have one or more Civilian Instructors (CI). These are adult volunteers who may instruct in either a specialist (first aid, signals, etc.) or more generalised role when the establishment level of officers does not include sufficient suitably qualified and experienced personnel to teach these subjects. Many are members of staff at the school.{{cite web |url=https://combinedcadetforce.org.uk/about-the-ccf/roles-ranks |title=Roles & Ranks |first=Electric |last=Putty |date=24 September 2019 |website=Combined Cadet Force |access-date=24 September 2019 |archive-url= |archive-date=}}

The strength of CCF CFAVs is published every year by the Office for National Statistics, usually in April. At 1 April 2020 it was:

CCF (RN) ranks are almost the same as for RN (and RNR) officers (with the post-nominals 'RNR' used only in writing, not on insignia) but their rank braid is 'wavy' as used in the past by the RNVR.

CCF (Army) officers are required to wear a "CCF" title on their rank slides, epaulettes, or other part of their uniform as appropriate in addition to any insignia of affiliated Army regiment or corps. Some contingents may also have the school or college name on rank slides.

CCF (RAF) Officers wear 'RAF Air Cadets' on their rank sides, as although they are CCF, they are part of the wider Air Cadets family.

Since the introduction of the Cadet Forces Commission, ranks do not indicate membership of the British Armed Forces.

Each of the CCF sections have different syllabi with a degree of overlap. All the sections learn drill and all cadets are trained to fire the L98A2 5.56 mm Cadet General Purpose rifle, a semi-automatic only version of the L85A2 used by the UK armed forces. There are also opportunities to fire the L144 A1 Cadet Small Bore Target Rifle (CSBTR) and the L81 Cadet Target Rifle.

The MoD allocates over five and half million rounds of 5.56mm ammunition to Cadet Training each year.{{cite web | url=https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/army-cadets-ammunition-levels-sufficient/? | title=Army cadets ammunition levels 'sufficient' | date=4 May 2025 }}

File:Naval Section Combined Cadet Force Ensign.jpg

Cadets in the Royal Navy section receive instruction in boat-work and other naval subjects (including flying with the Fleet Air Arm). The Royal Navy also offers many CCF courses during the school holidays which are open to any members of any CCF.

The Royal Marines section, although a part of the Navy, tend to train independently, covering battle drills, weapons handling and marksmanship, fieldcraft, camouflage and concealment and the history of the Royal Marines.

The Army section follows the Army Proficiency Certificate (APC) subjects such as drill and turnout, skill at arms, shooting, map and compass, fieldcraft and first aid.{{cite web |url=https://combinedcadetforce.org.uk/about-the-ccf/sections/army |title=The Army |first=Electric |last=Putty |date=24 September 2019 |website=Combined Cadet Force |access-date=24 September 2019 |archive-url= |archive-date=}}

As CCF (RAF) sections form part of the larger Royal Air Force Air Cadets, they are eligible to undertake the same syllabus and training opportunities as the Air Training Corps:

{{Further |Activities of the Air Training Corps}}

RAF section cadets are given the opportunity to fly in both powered aircraft, most notably the Grob Tutor and in unpowered gliders such as the Grob Viking; their training and flying courses are identical to those available to members of the Air Training Corps. Cadets can also be involved in a multitude of battle training and tactics as well as opportunities to fly in various aircraft from the RAF and allied nations. The section also learn about aerospace management, aircraft structure and propulsion, engineering, air power doctrine as well as an opportunity to see how most RAF stations, sections and wings or squadrons operate. As well as practical learning, RAF cadets also follow an academic syllabus. Cadets are usually taught "Part 1" before being expected to complete Parts 2 - 4 by themselves through the medium of Bader Learn. Completing Part 4, also known as the Master Cadet Award, leads to a BTEC Level 2 in Aerospace Studies (accredited by Pearson) being awarded, although CCF cadets, unlike those in the ATC, have to pay to receive this BTEC.

Cadets may also take part in regional and national competitions, such as the Air Squadron Trophy Competition.

All sections can undertake leadership courses as well as adventurous training. There are also other courses available for cadets to enhance their skills, such as Junior and Senior Cadet Instructor Courses (JCIC, SCIC) and Method of Instruction (MOI).

Elements of the Community Cadet Forces

• Sea Cadet Corps
• Army Cadet Force
• Air Training Corps

Other MoD sponsored or recognized cadet forces

• Volunteer Cadet Corps

Related articles

• Cadets (youth program)
• Cadet Vocational Qualification Organisation (CVQO)
• National Association of Training Corps for Girls
• Reserve Forces and Cadets Association
• Bermuda Cadet Corps
• Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps

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• [https://web.archive.org/web/20181203152100/https://legacy.armycadets.com/county_uploads/Cumbria/Formspring/20130417_Army_Dress_Regulations_Pt8_(Cadets).pdf Army Dress Regulations Part 8 (Cadets) (2013)]

{{UK Cadets}}

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Category:British Cadet organisations

Category:1948 establishments in the United Kingdom