COURAGE, DISCIPLINE AND RESPECT
This was an unprecedented CCF training year. Severe storms in September. Electrical problems on the simulated range in January. Flooded Forest School in March and no training in the Summer term. Nevertheless, our cadets remained positive, flexible and retained their sense of fun. Looking forward, planning has now started for the next academic year and the Contingent hopes to resume face-to-face CCF training at the earliest opportunity.
Every year, promotions are eagerly anticipated by our cadets. Who will be the next senior cadet? Who will be our next Section Commander? Will younger cadets make the jump to Lance Corporal? 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 cadets develop their leadership skills and grow in confidence, they may be asked to step up to the next level, supporting staff to run activities, deliver lessons and plan future training for junior cadets.
Promotions were announced on Friday, with twenty cadets coming to our online video-conferencing platform, to be known as the 8×8 parade square. Thankfully we were not wearing uniform. Many cadets had impressive 3-months’ hair growth which would cause any Regimental Sergeant Major to reach for the clippers! Matt Hodgson was promoted to Colour Serjeant, a popular choice with other cadets, and he is now the CCF’s most senior cadet. I know that Matt has already started making plans with his Serjeants, Rory Stocks, Bobby Webb and Harry Lomas. It gives me great pleasure to announce the names of other cadets who were promoted: Thomas Muir, Charlie Campbell-Barnard, Charlie Bolton, Rudy Stretton-Cox, James Foulstone, Phoebe King, Toby Reynolds and Edward Candy. We wish them every success in their roles and hope I am sure they will continue to live by cadet core values which are courage, discipline, respect for others, integrity, loyalty and selfless commitment.
Hot off the press – Congratulations!
Edward Hall (OV19) left CCF this year and applied to join the British Army. He was successful at the Army Officer Selection Board in June and intends to start training at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, pursuing a career as an officer in the British Army. We are immensely proud of his achievement.
Major Ange Garner, CCF Contingent Commander