The aim of the CCF is to provide a disciplined organisation within a school and to help pupils to develop powers of leadership through training which promotes qualities of responsibility, self-reliance, resourcefulness, endurance, perseverance and a sense of service to the community. Military training is also designed to demonstrate why defence forces are needed, how they function and to stimulate an interest in a career as an officer in the Services.

The Combined Cadet Force (CCF) is a tri-Service military cadet organization based in schools and colleges throughout the UK. Although it is administered and funded by the Services it is a part of the national youth movement and her Majesty the Queen is the Captain General. The CCF receives assistance and support for its training programme from the Regular and Reserve Forces, but the bulk of adult support is provided by members of school staffs who are responsible to head teachers for the conduct of cadet activities. CCF Officers wear uniform but they are not part of the Armed Forces and carry no liability for service or compulsory training. There are some 250 CCF contingents with 40,000 cadets, of whom some 25,000 are Army Cadets the vast majority of which are from independent schools. Many contingents have been in existence since the early 1900’s.