CCF
Army
Despite Covid-19, we have enjoyed a very busy year in the Army Section of the CCF. Our healthy crop of 62 new Third Year cadets was introduced to fieldcraft and field admin on Exercise Chameleon on 1 October. Focusing on not being seen, cadets constructed two-man shelters in a woodland harbour, cammed-up and practised concealment and tactical movement in response to field signals. A week later, our Fifth Year cadets enjoyed a day’s shooting at the Ash Electronic Target Range, firing at pop-up targets at 100m, 200m and 300m, from prone, sitting and kneeling positions. During November’s Biennial Inspection, our Sixth Form NCOs demonstrated a snap ambush, using the stand of oaks on the eastern boundary of Headmaster’s Field to suppress an enemy patrol detected on their footsteps. The action was led by CSM Josh Banks, with a comprehensive commentary provided to the assembled guests and pupils by RSM Sam Rose. Four of our senior NCOs (Jacob Tutt, George McCurragh, Seb Kelson and Ben Taylor) also completed the competitive and demanding SCIC (Senior Cadet Instructors Cadre) course at autumn half term; all passed
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and earned their sergeant’s stripes. Three NCOs were also able to attend taster days at Sandhurst Military College. The main focus of the Fourth Year programme is the Skill at Arms course, where cadets are trained on the L98A2 cadet rifle. This culminates in a Weapons Handling Test, which all cadets must pass every six months to be allowed to use the weapon system. In March, these cadets took part in Exercise Striking Tiger on the Hankley Common training area. Using blank ammunition, the cadets were able to practise battle drills and demonstrate their proficiency fighting through a Close Quarter Battle Lane and prosecuting a planned ambush on an armed enemy patrol. Our Sixth Form NCOs provided the enemy combatants.
cadets in recent years. I would like to take this opportunity to thank our departing RSM, Sam Rose, and CSM, Josh Banks, for their outstanding contributions this year. Capt D Nighy
Navy
Unfortunately, Covid-19 prompted the cancellation of the Summer Term programme, which would have seen the Third Years spending a night in the field and our much anticipated return to Barry Buddon in Scotland for Summer Camp.
The Royal Navy section is a new adventure for me (having transferred across from the Army) and I have been incredibly impressed and proud to have been appointed as the Section Commander to this amazing and committed section of the school’s Combined Cadet Force. Examples of what has made this experience so special have been seeing the cadets display such a brilliant attitude towards all the challenges and tasks that we have set them, and I could not have been prouder then when we got to see them all parade and drill so well on Remembrance Day, as well as seeing evidence of their learning during the CCF drill and practical leadership tasks which took place during the whole school inspection.
The smooth running of the contingent relies heavily on the quality of our NCOs and we have been particularly fortunate to have had excellent senior
The cadets come with a wide range of knowledge varying from experienced sailors through to those that are trying it out for the first time, but it is their
The Churcherian 2020
