Connected Autumn 2018

THE MAGAZINE FOR INSTRUCTORS OF THE COMBINED CADET FORCE

CONNECTED AUTUMN 2018

COMBINEDCADETFORCE.ORG.UK

ELITE

TRAINING THE ROYAL MARINE CCF BASIC COURSE PAGE 16

ADVICE LINE

ULTIMATE CHALLENGE

THE ROLE OF COLONEL CADETS

HOW ANNUAL CAMP BOOSTS CONFIDENCE INSIDE: NEWS

NEW CCF REGULATIONS COMMAND & LEADERSHIP TASKS CO ANDY PARKINSON AND MORE

CONTENTS

WELCOME

ISSU E #10: AU T U M N 2018 The Summer Camp period is over and I congratulate all members of the CCF for everything you have achieved.

There has been change at the top of Cadets Branch in HQ Regional Command in the last couple of months.

Brigadier Matthew Lowe, Deputy Commander Cadets, has retired after a long and successful career and Brigadier Mark Christie will take up the reins in early November. I am handing over to Col Stuart Williams who brings significant experience of the ACF and CCF from his time as Deputy Commander of 7 Infantry Brigade.

As I end my association with our Cadet Forces I would like to thank you all for your extraordinary commitment to develop the young people in your CCF. The impact you have is immeasurable and I am certain that wherever they end up in life the skills they have learnt will hold them in good stead.

The next 12 months will see a celebration of the 40th Anniversary of Women in the Army Cadet Force.

There will be a number of events planned at both National and Regional Level with Maj Catherine Skinner in HQ RC being the lead staff officer. This will be followed in 2021 by the 50/60th Anniversary of women in the Combined Cadet Force – something to look forward to. I wish you all the best for the coming year.

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THIS ISSUE 06. SUMMER CAMP A look at some of the highlights from annual camp

10. CEP PROGRESS

ON THE COVER Confidence and teamwork training for cadets on their summer camps

Discover the benefits being realised by schools

12. COLONEL CADETS How these top-level volunteers can aid your contingent

14. CCF REGULATIONS Policy and procedure simplified

COLONEL DEREK HUDSON, Assistant Chief of Staff Cadets

16. COMMANDO COURSE Equipping CFAVs to train the Royal Marine cadets

20. INVESTING IN FRIMLEY Renovation of the national Cadet Training Centre

EVERY ISSUE 04. NEWS RAF100 celebrations, cadet high achievers and dates for your diary

22. COMMAND & LEADERSHIP Three engaging tasks for boosting teamwork and leadership skills

24. HOW TO… Step-by-step instructions on using the CCF bulk load feature

26. NOTICEBOARD Safety management, medal winners, Headteachers’ Conference and more

30. FINAL BELL Meet new Commanding Officer CCF (RN) Andy Parkinson

Connected is produced by the Marketing and Communications team, based at the Combined Cadet Force Association, Holderness House, 51-61 Clifton Street, London EC2A 4DW Get in touch: Tel: 02074268372 Fax: 02074268378 Website: www.combinedcadetforce.org.uk Email: marketing@combinedcadetforce.org.uk Twitter: @CCFCadets Connected magazine is designed and edited by James Pembroke Media Acting editor: Alice Hoey Head of design: Simon Goddard Senior project manager: Charlie Lyon This publication may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form whole or in part without prior written permission of the publishers. All contents and addresses correct at time of going to press.

Every care has been taken in the preparation of this magazine, but neither James Pembroke Media nor CCFA can be held responsible for the accuracy of the information herein, or any consequences arising from it. Views expressed by contributors might not reflect the views of the CCFA or the Army.

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NEWS

CADET NEWS FROM AROUND THE UK

LCpl Rebecca Pinkerton

The Cadet Cambrian gold medal winners

MEDALS

Cambrian winners

AWA R D S

CADET WINS PRIZE FOR CREATIVITY POEM ABOUT THE POPPY COMES THIRD IN GLOBAL COMPETITION TO COMMEMORATE CENTENARY OF WW1

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he creativity of an Armagh schoolgirl has been rewarded with third place in a global competition that attracted more than 7,000 entries from as far afield as India, Germany, Canada, South Korea, Rwanda and Greece.

LCpl Rebecca Pinkerton, a 15-year-old cadet with The Royal School Armagh CCF, entered her poem The Poppy in Never Such Innocence, a creative competition to commemorate the Centenary of the First World War. Established by Lady Lucy French, whose grandfather, General John French, led the British Expeditionary Force in WW1, the competition encouraged children and young people to research The Great War and express their feelings about the conflict through poetry, art and song. There were 7,136 entries from more than 40 countries and territories and Rebecca came third overall in the age 14-16 poetry category.

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Contingent Commander and Royal School Armagh teacher Major Ruth McDowell said: “This really is an outstanding achievement, but well deserved, for Rebecca’s poem is a particularly moving piece, both thoughtful and thought provoking. Her brother, another one of our students and a Cadet Corporal with the school CCF, also earned a certificate for his competition entry, a memorable piece of artwork based on the Battle of the Somme and inspired by the Royal British Legion’s ‘Greatest Thank You’ campaign.”

The pair were presented with their prizes at a ceremony on board HMS Caroline at Titanic Quarter in Belfast.

GET IN TOUCH E: marketing@combinedcadetforce.org.uk @CCFcadets

CCF CONTINGENTS FROM Shrewsbury School and Tunbridge Wells Girls Grammar School (TWGGS) won gold medals after outstanding performances in one of the toughest cadet competitions, the Cadet Cambrian Patrol.

“Exercise Cadet Cambrian Patrol is one of the most intense exercises that cadets can face,” said Major Mark Teesdale RE, Officer Commanding of the Cadet Training Team with 160th Infantry Brigade and Headquarters Wales. “But the experience will help to prepare them for future challenges.”

RAF100

Commemorate, celebrate, inspire ON 1 APRIL 2018, the RAF celebrated its 100th birthday. Throughout the anniversary year, RAF servicemen and women have joined cadets across the country to celebrate.

The centrepiece of RAF100 was a centenary service at Westminster Abbey on 10 July, followed by a flypast over Buckingham Palace.

As runners-up for the Sir John Thomson Memorial Sword award, two CCF cadets were selected to be part of this experience. CWO Callum Henderson from Trent College and CWO William MacDonald from Christleton High School had the honour of flying in the Voyager, an experience they will never forget.

DI A RY DAT ES

ELITE TRAINING

Everything you need to know about the Royal Marine course Educating the teachers, page 16

HAVE YOUR SAY

BY 12 OCTOBER 2018 Are we: Communicating with you in the best way possible?

Providing information that is helpful to you?

Helping to support a thriving and connected instructor community?

Please tell us what you think. A survey link will shortly be hitting your inbox. Your input is invaluable and very much appreciated. The deadline for completed surveys is Friday 12 October 2018.

CCFA ANNUAL DINNER Winners proudly display their medals at the Royal Air Squadron Day

HIGH FLIERS

Location: Grand Connaught Rooms, Great Queen Street, London WC2

THE VERY BEST IN RAF CADET ACHIEVEMENT

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op CCF RAF sections and the best cadets from across the country were recognised during a special ceremony at Old Warden.

The Royal Air Squadron Day was hosted by Air Commodore Dawn McCafferty CBE and featured a parade, presentations and flying opportunities for the cadets.

Comdt McCafferty said: “I commend to you the quality of these young women and men, all of whom do great credit to the service, and the dedicated adult volunteer and permanent staff cadre without whom nothing is possible.”

The Royal Air Squadron Trophy was presented to Kimbolton School after their cadets topped the national competition league for aircraft recognition, command tasks, drill, first aid, physical fitness, RAF knowledge and shooting.

Charlotte Apel, Cadet Warrant Officer at Merchant Taylor’s School in Crosby, was awarded the coveted Sir John Thomson Memorial Sword for the Best CCF (RAF) Cadet 2018. To be eligible, cadets must

MONDAY 10 DECEMBER 2018

have demonstrated the highest level of CCF commitment and made the most of the opportunities it offers.

Looking to inspire your cadets? Find out more about the winners and runners-up at www.combinedcadetforce.org.uk

The sword was presented to CWO Apel by Lady Thomson, Sir Thomson’s widow

How to book: Please email events@armycadets.com by 1 November 2018 HEADTEACHERS’ CONFERENCE

THURSDAY 28 FEBRUARY 2019 Location: The Lloyds Bank Manufacturing Training Centre, Ansty Business Park, Coventry CV7 9JU How to book: Visit the Schools’ Area on www.combined cadetforce.org.uk Conference overview: Senior representatives from the Ministry of Defence and Department for Education will address delegates and the event will be an excellent opportunity for sharing experiences and discussing CCF matters. There will also be a range of expert-led workshop sessions, which will include advice on reworking budgets to provide for a school contingent.

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A N N UA L C A M P

FE ATURE

ADVENTURE, FUN AND LEARNING At annual camps across the country, cadets took on new challenges and put into practice a year’s worth of learning...

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A N N UA L C A M P

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A N N UA L C A M P

Ready for take-off: flying at RAF Benson

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nce again, many volunteers gave up their time over the summer to take their cadets on annual camp. In fact, in summer 2018, 17,500 cadets and CFAVs took part in nine centrally organised CCF camps across the country.

Connected was lucky enough to join the Royal Navy and Royal Marines in Devon, the Army in Kent and the RAF in Oxfordshire, and it was clear that the cadets were loving every minute of

“MY TEAMWORK AND CONFIDENCE HAVE IMPROVED AND I’VE LEARNT HOW TO CO-OPERATE AND CARRY OUT ORDERS” Naqibullah Azizi

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their camp experiences. They wasted no time getting stuck into the wide range of activities on offer, learning new skills and making many new friends along the way. Activities included command tasks, kayaking, rock climbing, section attacks, flying, battle drills and high ropes.

Thanks to those of you who shared your fun on Twitter (@CCFCadets).

Here is just a flavour of the adventures and challenges that cadets and adult volunteers took part in across the country…

AMBER HEALING, 16, GIGGLESWICK SCHOOL “It’s been character building, good for leadership, and I’ve learnt how to work with others as a team in a positive way. I’ve also matured a lot and am certainly more independent and less reliant on other people to make decisions for me.”

NAQIBULLAH AZIZI, 15, ERNEST BEVIN COLLEGE “I’m very pleased to be a cadet and I am much more appreciative of our armed forces now. My teamwork and confidence have improved and I’ve learnt how to co-operate and carry out orders. The week has been really fun and exhilarating, and I’ve felt a rush of energy and enthusiasm.”

IZZY RODD, 15, WEST KIRBY GRAMMAR SCHOOL “I’ve got the confidence to talk to people more easily and I’ve learnt so much.

I’ve had great fun with my friends all this week and I’ve learned so much. Driving the rib was an amazing new skill to learn and a unique opportunity.”

A N N UA L C A M P

LET US KNOW!

Email the address on p3 with news of your training events

Reflections on the water at the Royal Navy Summer Camp at Jupiter Point

“DOING A HALF-CUBAN EIGHT WAS ONE OF THE MOST EXHILERATING MOMENTS OF MY LIFE SO FAR” Dite Bagdonaite

OWEN STEPHENS, 17, CALDAY GRANGE GRAMMAR SCHOOL “I want to do as many courses as I can and one day I’d like to give something back. I’ve gained a lot as a CCF cadet; it gives you so much life experience and sets you up for the future. It’s the whole atmosphere that makes it. The high-speed manoeuvres this week were exhilarating.”

An ‘injured’ Royal Marine cadet carried to safety during the storming of a fort at Wacker Quay

DITE BAGDONAITE, 16, MERCHANT TAYLORS’ GIRLS’ SCHOOL “The highlight of the week for me was, of course, the flying and simulators. The AEF at RAF Brize Norton was the best many of us had ever experienced. Even those at our camp who had a fear of heights, such as myself, ended the fl ight utterly elated by the wonderful aerobatics.

Though it was rather frightening, doing a half-Cuban eight was one of the most exhilarating moments of my life so far. Nine of our cadets were also fortunate enough to use an A400M simulator on the last night of our camp; miraculously, only four people crashed!”

FIND OUT MORE Now booking: Summer Camps 2019! Booking for next year’s camp is already open and places are being allocated by the CTT RSMs. Apply to your CTT.

FE ATURE

GIVING YOUNG PEOPLE A BOOST Since the Cadet Expansion Programme was launched in 2012, 238 new units have paraded at UK state-funded schools. Connected found out how being part of the CCF has benefited the pupils

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he kids here have never experienced anything like it,” enthuses SSI Andy Boswell of Royton and Crompton School, which is set in an area of deprivation in Oldham, Greater Manchester. “We’ve seen a complete transformation in the pupils since the CCF started here.

I could finish this job tomorrow and know that I’ve made a difference.”

The school’s ‘super-head’, Neil Hutchinson, spoke at this year’s Headteachers’ Conference about the clear improvements he has seen in his pupils’ attitudes, attendance and behaviour since establishing an Army unit under the CEP. The school, which paraded in January this year, has received 60 applications from potential cadets and aims to have 150 cadets in five years’ time.

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LONG-TERM BENEFITS Allie Denholm is headteacher of South Shields School in Tyne and Wear, a comprehensive school where more than 70 per cent of children receive pupil premium funding.

Allie agrees that the CCF has the power to change young people’s lives. “It appeals to many of our children where other strategies wouldn’t work, and it has a disciplined structure and traditional values,” she says.

“Our pupils now have the opportunity to go rock climbing, diving and swimming, they can take courses and qualifications, and they can do the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.” Indeed, since the Navy unit paraded at the school in September 2017, 16 pupils have completed their Bronze Award and 14 their Silver Award.

“Attendance, behaviour and therefore also progress have improved as a result of the CCF, and it has allowed us to engage with parents, who are really behind it,” says Allie,

High hopes In March 2015, the initial CEP target of adding 100 new CCFs in English state-funded schools was achieved, six months early.

Following this success, a new target, of 500 units by 2020, was set.

CE P S CH O O L S

TOP TIP

“Speak to the cadets as you expect them to speak to you” SSI Andy Boswell who has a clear and ambitious vision and is committed to ensuring the contingent remains at the school for the long term.

In fact, the CCF has become so popular that SSI Andrew Holmes, a former Royal Marine Commando, has established non-uniformed Mini Cadets, giving children in Years 7 and 8 the chance to take part in cadet activities such as ropes, games and marches.

“The main skills and qualities I’ve seen the CCF develop here at the school are teamwork, self-worth, discipline and the confidence to take advantage of new opportunities,” says Andrew. “But the leadership aspect has been especially exciting. Where children have lacked confidence, this has shown them that they can go out there and achieve.”

Ofsted inspectors noted an immediate improvement in pupil attitudes, commenting in their report of October 2017 that “[The Royal Navy partnership] has begun to raise the self-esteem and career aspirations of those pupils who have enrolled.”

A WELCOME BOOST At Ron Dearing UTC in Hull, which opened as a school and paraded in September 2017, Contingent Commander Mark Ollerenshaw says he has seen a similarly dramatic change in his pupils.

“One overseas pupil really struggled to make friends until he joined the CCF, but his confidence and self-esteem have since rocketed,” says Mark. “Another student struggled massively at his previous school and his self-esteem was very low. Now he is functioning well at school and the CCF has played a big part in that.”

Ron Dearing UTC has planned ahead to ensure the CCF remains an integral part of its activities in the future. “We would absolutely not let the unit disband,” adds Mark.

“Enrichment is vitally important.”

FIND OUT MORE

Do you know a local school that might be interested in setting up a unit under the CEP scheme? If so, get in touch by emailing expansion.cadet@education.gov.uk

The CEP is creating new opportunities for pupils at South Shields School

“THE MAIN SKILLS AND QUALITIES I’VE SEEN THE CCF DEVELOP HERE AT THE SCHOOL ARE TEAMWORK, SELF-WORTH AND DISCIPLINE” SSI Andrew Holmes

IN THEIR WORDS Cardiff cadets share their thoughts on being part of the CCF (Navy) Fitzalan High School in Cardiff established a Navy unit as part of the CEP in November 2017. While its cadets were enjoying summer activities at Fort Purbrook, Portsmouth, they shared their thoughts about the CCF. JORDAN (13) “I’ve always wanted to join the Navy, so I was really excited when the school got the unit. I love going on trips, swimming and learning leadership skills.”

ANABA (12) “This is my first school trip outside of Wales. When I heard the cadets did first aid I really wanted to do it, as I want to be able to help people more. I’d also never done camping before – now I prefer sleeping in a tent to sleeping in my room! The best bit, though, was rock climbing. You need to work as a team and I’ve made friends.”

KYLA (11) “I joined because I wanted to learn new skills and to be different from my family – more outdoorsy and to go camping. They like that I’ve joined. I love kayaking.

I certainly don’t regret joining. It’s helped me to conquer my fears. I’m not scared of insects anymore!”

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FE ATURE

A VITAL LINK The Colonel Cadets provide advice and support to the Army on all cadet matters and a voice for cadets and CFAVs at Brigade HQ

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hroughout the UK, Colonel Cadets are on hand to advise the Army Regional Point of Command (RPOC) commander and their HQ team on all issues relating to the Army’s cadets. They also act as an important conduit for volunteers to share their ideas, concerns and experiences with the ACF and CCF, as well as acting as senior representatives for all CFAVs and cadets in their areas.

To be eligible to apply for the role of Colonel Cadets, a candidate needs to have been appointed as either a Cadet Commandant in the ACF or Contingent Commander in the CCF. David Carson MBE is unique among the current cohort in that he has held both positions during his 20 years with the cadet forces and so has first-hand

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experience of working with cadets and volunteers across both organisations.

“It isn’t my job to command anyone, but I do provide informed and experienced advice on any issues to do with cadets that come across the Commander’s desk,” says David. “That could be virtually anything, so it might relate to training, a disciplinary matter, safeguarding or organising a special event.”

“IT’S IT’S THE MOST CHALLENGING ROLE I’VE HELD, BUT ALSO THE MOST ENJOYABLE” David Carson MBE

Prior to his appointment as the first Colonel Cadets for 43 Wessex Brigade (now HQ South West) in 2014, David spent seven years as Contingent Commander of Abingdon School CCF, followed by three years as County Commandant of Oxfordshire ACF, where he was responsible for commanding around 600 cadets and 120 CFAVs. While he is now more detached from day-to-day cadet activities, he has a valuable vantage point across the seven county ACFs and 52 CCFs in the South West, which includes the Channel Islands.

“It’s the variety of the role that I’ve enjoyed the most, as I travel around a lot, meeting many people from

CO LO N E L C A D E T S

GET IN TOUCH

REACH OUT TO YOUR COLONEL CADETS

The Colonel Cadets is one of the most senior voluntary positions in the ACF and CCF

“IF YOU COMMIT TO TOO MUCH IT CAN PUT A STRAIN ON THE ADULT VOLUNTEERS” Paul Shepherd OBE different organisations, while representing HQ South West at events,” says David. “I’ve also really enjoyed raising awareness and understanding of the cadets among those in the Regular and Reserve Forces, and also trying to bring the organisations closer together. It’s been the most challenging role I’ve held, but also the most enjoyable and an absolute privilege.”

SPEAKING UP Paul Shepherd OBE TD (pictured above left) is Colonel Cadets for 38 (Irish) Brigade and describes the role as one of “a champion and conscience for the Army when it comes to the cadet movement”. “For example,” he says, “we offer a full menu of cadet activities in Northern Ireland, which I’m very proud of, but there’s always a risk that if you commit to too much it can put a strain on the wonderful adult volunteers who give so much of their time. Sometimes it’s important to take stock and advise when enough is enough.”

Paul, who for three years was a Vice President at the Cadet Force Commissioning Board, is also involved in officer training and plays a key role in succession planning for new Commandants and Deputy Commandants, something he sees as very important. “Having been Cadet Commandant of the 1st (Northern Ireland) Battalion ACF for six years, I know how vital it is to get the right calibre of individuals for these demanding roles, and to ensure they can commit the time required to fulfil them successfully,” he says.

He adds that at the heart of the Colonel Cadets role is good communication. “I’m regularly in touch with all of the CCF Contingent Commanders and the ACF Battalions and with Brigade headquarters, so I’m always contactable,” he says. “My advice to CFAVs and cadets is to remember their Colonel Cadets whenever they think of anything to do with their Brigades, because we’re here to help you. Similarly, when Brigade HQs seek our input and advice on matters relating to cadets, we’re there to look after your interests.”

If you’re not yet familiar with them, find out who they are and get in touch to find out more about how they can help you.

Why not invite them along to an upcoming event so you can get to know them better? You can then share your thoughts, experiences and concerns.

The Colonel Cadets are there to champion the organisation and to be the voice of CFAVs and cadets.

FIND OUT MORE Your Colonel Cadets is part of the RPOC team for your contingent. Your SO2 Cadets can provide names and contact details.

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TRI SERVICE

CHANGING THE RULES

Next year, the new CCF Regulations will go live, making understanding policy and procedure a whole lot easier

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n 1 January 2019, the CCF Regulations will replace the CCF Manual as the rule book for the CCF, and will move to an entirely digital format for the very first time. We speak with Dr Richard Crawford, SO1 Cadets Policy and Personnel at HQ Regional Command, about the changes.

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Q

The CCF Manual may be a bit old, but why the big overhaul?

Since JSP 313 (the CCF Manual) was last published in 2011, there have been countless changes on behalf of all three services.

Typically, these have gone out to volunteers as emails, letters or policy notes, but because the CCF Manual was published as a pdf, it wasn’t easy to update it. This means

there has been potential for confusion over what the correct policy or procedure was.

CFAVs have traditionally printed out the main document and simply stapled on each new amendment as it was issued.

The CCF has also seen several big changes in the way it manages its volunteers, and these need to be reflected in the new CCF Regulations. Most notably,

CCF RE G U L ATI O NS

“WE WANT THE INFORMATION TO REMAIN TOGETHER, MAKING IT LESS DISJOINTED” the new system, volunteers will know that they are always consulting the very latest information available.

Q

DID YOU KNOW?

Any form you need to download will be linked to the relevant policy

we have introduced the new Cadet Forces Commission across all the MOD-sponsored cadet forces and non-commissioned adult instructors in the CCF Army section.

From January, the online version of the CCF Regulations will be updated to reflect each change as it happens, and we’ll publish explanatory notes at the same time, so you can see what has happened and why. With

What are the main changes in terms of how CFAVs will use the Regulations?

As well as updating the information contained within the Regulations, we’ve taken the opportunity to make them much easier for volunteers to use. Available in an online format within the Defence Gateway they will be fully linked and signposted, so if there’s a reference to another section volunteers will be able to click on the link, rather than having to flick backwards and forwards through the pages of a printout.

All the forms and reference documents will also be linked and the whole document will be searchable, so if you input, say, ‘uniforms’ the system will bring up all related policy and procedure.

Ultimately, it will now be much quicker and simpler for people to fi nd, understand and implement the CCF Regulations.

Q

Will there be any other changes in how the information is presented?

In the current CCF Manual, a lot of information is contained in the Single Service Supplements, meaning volunteers in multiple section contingents have to search several annexes to fi nd all the relevant information. Wherever possible, we’re hoping to bring policy information for the three services together into the main body of the CCF Regulations instead. Where there is a difference in policy between each of the single services it’ll be clearly stated, but we want the information to remain

together, making it less disjointed, less confusing and easier to use. Over time, this new format will also help us to identify where we can make the CCF Regulations more coherent across the different services.

Q

What further advice would you give to volunteers?

The most important thing is to resist the temptation to print out the document, as has been the practice in the past. Getting into the habit of accessing the online version of the CCF Regulations will mean you’re accessing the most up-to-date information, and because of the links and signposts you’ll save yourself a lot of time.

It’s also worth scanning through the new CCF Regulations as soon as you can to become familiar with the layout and structure and the slightly different chapter breakdown. Just looking through the contents page should help you get a feel of where to look when you need to fi nd a policy or procedure.

Q

What happens now? When will the Regulations be ready?

We’ve been working hard over the summer holidays to bring together all the comments and feedback we’ve received from various stakeholders, including contingent commanders and volunteers. Early in the autumn term we’ll be consulting with key stakeholders, including volunteers from CCFs, the Combined Cadet Force Association, our colleagues from the other single service cadet HQs and regional HQs, to ensure we’ve captured all the issues and feedback. Once this is completed, the new CCF Regulations will be published and ready for use from 1 January 2019.

FIND OUT MORE Check out the CCF Manual page for updates nearer to publication time.

Regular progress updates will also be posted on the CCF Defence Connect group: defencegateway.mod.uk/reference_ portal/cadets/ccf_regulations.aspx

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R OYA L M A RIN E CO U RSE

FE ATURE

TRAINING WITH THE BEST Each year, CFAVs head to the Royal Marines Commando training centre for the Royal Marine CCF Basic Course

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he Royal Marines has a formidable reputation.

After all, it takes 32 weeks of intense training to earn the famous green beret and become a fully fledged Commando.

The soldiers are among the best in the world: resilient, skilled, courageous and determined – as they say, ‘it’s a state of mind’. What an incredible opportunity, then, for adult volunteers to learn from

“THE COURSE, IS MENTALLY CHALLENGING, WITH A HUGE AMOUNT OF INFORMATION TO TAKE IN” 16 CONNECTED AUTUMN 2018

and mix with some of the very best. This is what CFAVs get to experience during their intensive, week-long training course at the home of the Royal Marines in Devon.

On the shores of the River Exe, just south of Exeter, lies the picturesque village of Lympstone, home to the Royal Marines Commando Training Centre. For several weeks a year, the centre welcomes up to 10 CFAVs at a time to take part in the Royal Marine CCF Basic Course, which aims to equip them with the skills to train the Royal Marine cadets in their schools.

INTENSIVE LEARNING While there is some physical element to the course, it is primarily mentally challenging, with a huge amount of information to take in.

Day 1 sees the CFAVs arrive at the centre and get to know each other, with a tour of the camp before dinner in the Officers’ Mess and a quick introduction to

MEET THE TEAM Chief Instructor Mark Stuckey served in the Royal Marines for 22 years in the Platoon Weapons Instructor branch before leaving in 2007 to join the Reserves. He took up his current role in 2014.

The team members who support Mark are all former Royal Marines who have reached at least Colour Sergeant level.

Cadets across the country benefit from the training given

by Royal Marines to CFAVs

Ex-regulars join with CFAVs to run summer camps

R OYA L M A RIN E CO U RSE

CASE STUDY

LIEUTENANT SEAN RICHES, CFAV Age: 52 Role: Governor, Ernest Bevin College, South London After spending 23 years with the Army Reserve, Lieutenant Sean Riches saw the establishment of a Royal Marines Reserves unit at Ernest Bevin College in 2017 as a great opportunity to reconnect with the military. He signed up and did the basic training course at Lympstone.

“I was really looking forward to it,” he says. “We learnt the basic military skills, from how to wear the uniform to skill at arms, weapon handling and drill, much of which is different from in the Army. I had a whale of a time and the instructors are highly professional, welcoming and have a great sense of humour.

“For me, the major challenge was overcoming the unknown, but my advice is to go for it. You don’t have to be massively physically fit. I’m not a teacher, but everyone brings something different to the mix.”

Sean, who has two sons and runs his own management consultancy, says he is driven by his belief that the CCF offers life-changing opportunities for young people and, ultimately, makes them more attractive to employers.

“I recognise that schools are very focused on academic education,” he explains, “but I believe that employers want more rounded people. Extra-curricular education is important for the whole nation.”

Lieutenant Sean Riches docks with a group of cadets on annual camp

weapons training. It’s an early start on the following day, with a 7am breakfast, before the CFAVs are taken through the aims of the CCF as a whole and how they relate to the ethos and standards of the Royal Marines.

Over the next few days they are introduced to all the skills they’ll need to teach their cadets, covering everything from drill and weapons training to basic fieldcraft and command tasks.

“THE MAJOR CHALLENGE IS OVERCOMING THE UNKNOWN, BUT MY ADVICE IS GO FOR IT” Lt Sean Riches

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They use all of the resources and facilities open to regular Marine recruits, including Woodbury Common, where the fun begins with outdoor cooking lessons, how to fi nd your way in the dark and how to construct a bivi. They also get to grips with camouflage technique, learn how to recognise clues on the ground and stalk a target, and take a look at battle procedures.

Although the emphasis is on providing the volunteers with ideas, they are encouraged to have a go at physical activities, such as the obstacle course, should they feel up to the challenge.

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE With a variety of backgrounds between them, everyone in the group has something to give. That, says Chief Instructor Mark Stuckey, is part of what

R OYA L M A RIN E CO U RSE

“WE PUT A STRONG EMPHASIS ON CORE FAMILY VALUES” Chief Instructor Mark Stuckey “Some of those on the course will be teachers already, while some will be support staff, but they’ll all come with life experiences that will help them to contribute to discussions on teaching practice.”

Mark and his training team of four choose a subject to focus on, such as how to run an observation stance, and explain the principles behind it, before splitting the volunteers into groups to run their own activities. When each session is fi nished, they follow it with a debrief.

“Many of those taking part are very nervous when they first arrive, but often they recognise us from our school visits, so they soon realise we are relaxed and won’t shout at them!” says Mark.

“The course is taken at their own pace and there are plenty of opportunities to ask questions.”

DID YOU KNOW?

The basic course was launched in 2016 and has so far trained 36 CFAVs

makes the course so rewarding. “The whole idea is to take people with no background in the military and train them to train the cadets. It is about giving them all the background knowledge and experience they’ll need in just a week.

FAMILY VALUES

While volunteers arrive nervous and full of anticipation, they leave confident and happy, Mark reveals, knowing that they are part of a family. “We put a strong emphasis on core family values, and everyone is very welcoming and happy to help.”

As a result, feedback from those on the course is always very positive. “They feel they are ready to participate in and lead the training at their sections. In fact, we often get a follow up from their staff, SSIs or Contingent Commanders to say that the CFAVs are buzzing when they get back to school, keen for opportunities to put into practice what they have learnt.”

CASE STUDY

MAJOR STEVE KING, CFAV Age: 45 Role: CCF Contingent Commander, King’s College, Taunton As a former regular Royal Marines Commando, Major Steve King was exempt from the CCF Basic Course but, as Contingent Commander, he sees the positive effects it has on the volunteers he works with.

“The training course takes your talents and skills in teaching and helps you to use them in a physical context,” he explains. “It also taps into your hidden talents. Every person I know who has completed it has found it incredibly rewarding and refreshing.

“The adventure training and Continued Professional Development (CPD) are great assets,” he adds. “It helps if you are physically fit, but the main focus is on looking at certain military lessons and being able to teach them effectively.

“CFAVs need to be inspirational, with the ability to motivate cadets after a hard week and help them switch off after the stress of the classroom. I urge anyone to try it – you won’t know how rewarding it is until you’ve given it a go.”

FIND OUT MORE

There are many training courses available for CFAVs. Ask your training teams for more details.

COMBINEDCADETFORCE.ORG.UK 19

FE ATURE

BIGGER AND BETTER

A major expansion project will enable even more volunteers and cadets to benefit from Frimley Park Cadet Training Centre

T

he Cadet Training Centre (CTC), Frimley Park, Surrey, is the national centre of excellence for the Army’s Cadet Forces training, delivering many and varied courses to CCF adult volunteers, as well as the Master Cadet Course to CCF cadets.

Run by a team of experienced Army Reserve and Cadet Force adult volunteer instructors, these courses qualify CFAVs to plan and run a variety of training packages and aim to engage, inspire, challenge and motivate those taking part.

“YOU’LL HAVE FUN, LEARN A LOT AND BECOME A GREATER ASSET TO YOUR CONTINGENT” 20 CONNECTED AUTUMN 2018

“The first experience that CCF adult volunteers will have of Frimley Park is likely to be when they do the CCF Basic Course,” says Captain Emma Eades, who took on the role of Chief Instructor in July.

READY TO LEARN Over this week-long course, adult volunteers develop all the core military skills and knowledge needed to help their cadets through the APC basic syllabus. “We understand that people will have different backgrounds and that the amount of time and commitment they’re able to give to the CCF will vary,” says Emma. “My advice would be to set aside any fears and come along. You’ll have fun, learn a lot and will become a greater asset to your contingent.

“After completing this course, they may join their peers in the ACF on a variety of other courses, including the Skill at Arms Instructor course and the SA(M) course.”

The SA(M) course qualifies them to be an

Exercise Planning and Conducting Officer for activities using blank ammunition and pyrotechnics, and provides eligibility for those looking for promotion from Lieutenant to Captain.

Other courses include a biannual Ammunition Store Keepers course, a oneweek Target Rifle Coaching course and a one-day New Contingent Commanders Briefi ng. First aid courses are also run three times a year, qualifying CCF adult volunteers in First Aid at Work and in delivering the qualification to other CFAVs and cadets. While CTC is currently limited in the number of students it can accept, a major

100,000 adults and cadets have passed through the CTC’s doors since it opened in 1959

FRIM L E Y PA RK

DID YOU KNOW?

TIMELINE

‘Frimley’ is derived from the Saxon name ‘Fremmas Lea’ meaning Fremma’s clearing

A HISTORY OF FRIMLEY PARK

673-1537

Frimley was not listed in the Domesday Book – the first mention of it is as ‘Fremely’ on a map. Records show it was owned

by Chertsey Abbey.

1699

Frimley Park Manor House was built by James Tichborne.

1789

After being sold to James Lawrell for £20,250, the house remained a private residence. George IV was a frequent visitor and was present when Lawrell’s son lost the estate in a game of cards.

The expanded Frimley Park will give opportunity to even more cadets and CFAVs

“WE’RE LOOKING FORWARD TO WELCOMING AN EVEN LARGER INTAKE OF CFAVS AND CADETS” £3.4m programme of expansion, funded by Libor, is set to change things.

NEW SCOPE The infrastructure project will stretch the CTC’s capacity from 40 students at any one time to 60, creating a bigger, better lecture theatre, a new dining hall to seat up to 80, a larger and refurbished kitchen and a small expansion of the student accommodation.

“The original building dates back to 1699 and its listed status means we’re limited in what we can do in some parts of the CTC,” says Emma. “However, overall, it is a great opportunity to upgrade the facilities

and it will have a very positive impact on the students attending our courses. It will enable them to learn and dine together as a group in a more modern and comfortable environment.”

Phase one, incorporating the new kitchen, dining room and lecture theatre, is scheduled for completion by December 2018, while the remaining changes, largely associated with the infrastructure for the support staff, will continue until March 2019.

“The building work has been planned so that it won’t impact on training in any way, barring emergencies,” says Emma. “We’re looking forward to welcoming an even larger intake of CCF adult volunteers and cadets to take advantage of the learning opportunities available here at Frimley Park.”

FIND OUT MORE For more information about training, visit combinedcadetforce.org.uk/schools-area/ courses-and-training

1898-1902

The Crown Prince of Siam, later King Rama VI, lived at the Manor House while a cadet at RMC Sandhurst.

1939-1945

During WW2, part of the house was used as a maternity hospital.

The current lecture theatre was the delivery room.

1947

The house was bought by the Officers’ Association, then three years later by the War Office.

It became the Women’s Royal Army Corps Staff College.

1959

Frimley Park became the Cadet Training Centre; 18 students attended its first course, the ACF Officers’ King George VI Memorial Leadership Course, which is still run today.

COMBINEDCADETFORCE.ORG.UK 21

T E A M B UIL D IN G

COMMAND AND LEADERSHIP THREE FUN TASKS GUARANTEED TO BUILD INTEREST, ENTHUSIASM AND CONFIDENCE IN YOUR CADETS TASK 1

TASK 2

TASK 3

RIVER CROSSING

SPEEDY FLIP TWISTER

WHAT’S IN THE BOX?

Equipment: Five tyres and three planks.

Time: 15 minutes.

Where: A small open space, indoors or outdoors.

Aim: To cross the ‘river’ as a team without touching the floor.

Benefits: Promotes teamwork, logic, planning and methodology.

Instructions: Using the ‘floating’ tyres to hold them up, the cadets must create a crossing with the planks. They must ensure no one falls off and that all equipment is taken with them across the river. This is a race between teams.

MAKE IT EASIER: Use longer planks.

MAKE IT HARDER: Use varying lengths of planks and extend the width of the crossing.

Equipment: One large sheet.

Time: 15 minutes.

Where: Anywhere, inside or outside.

Aim: For all team members to remain standing on the sheet as it gets smaller and smaller.

Benefits: Team leadership and teamwork.

Instructions: A leader, who is chosen or volunteered, gives the team instructions on how to conduct the task. A time keeper should also be appointed. Everyone stands on the open sheet, then working together the team has 10 minutes to halve the sheet as many times as possible without any member of the team touching the ground. All must stay on the sheet, holding onto each other.

At the end, the team leader debriefs everyone on their team work and the team provides feedback to the leader.

MAKE IT EASIER: Have fewer cadets taking part and give them more time.

MAKE IT HARDER: Reduce the time.

Equipment: A box of about 20 random items and a sheet.

Time: 15 minutes.

Where: Anywhere, inside or outside.

Aim: To test the memory and get the leader and their team to devise a way of remembering items.

Benefits: Allows the group to work together, with each playing their part in completing it successfully.

Instructions: Brief the team leader, who then briefs the team and takes questions. Appoint a time keeper.

The team has three minutes to look at the 20 items on the ground before they are covered up. For the next five minutes a staff member reads an extract from Winnie the Pooh to distract them before they try to remember all the items on the sheet.

MAKE IT EASIER: Use fewer items and give cadets longer to view them.

MAKE IT HARDER: Use more items or give less time. Keep the items in the box rather than spreading them out.

Thanks to Andy Boswell, SSI at Royton & Crompton School, for River Crossing, and Anne Ryder at Duke of York’s Royal Military School for Speedy Flip Twister and What’s in the Box.

22 CONNECTED AUTUMN 2018

DID YOU KNOW?

1

Our updated website includes a command task resource bank

2

3 COMBINEDCADETFORCE.ORG.UK 23

HOW TO

HOW TO

USE THE CCF BULK LOAD FEATURE Once you’re used to navigating this handy system, you’ll save yourself valuable time

T

he CCF bulk load feature has been developed to support the large numbers of cadets joining CCF

contingents each year. It allows the user to create a number of cadet records within Westminster in a single transaction, thereby saving them considerable time.

B U L K L O A D/S O S To be able to access the bulk load/SOS the user must have ‘Cadet Administrator’ against their role and have a home unit of ‘CCF’. The bulk load process will create a cadet’s record with the following details: first name, initials, surname, date of birth, gender, ethnicity, NOK name, NOK relationship, NOK address, NOK postcode, NOK phone, medical and dietary information, house name, street address, town, county, postcode, phone number, mobile number, email, academic year and TOS date.

1

CLICK: Personnel In the sidebar under ‘Personnel’, choose the option of ‘CCF Bulk Load’.

24 CONNECTED AUTUMN 2018

2

CLICK: CCF Bulk load Under the ‘Instructions’ section, the system gives you two formatted examples of how the data can be loaded.

This is within the ‘Here’ hyperlinked text.

3

The system offers either a copy and paste method or a comma-separated file option.

Each has its own merits, so which you choose will depend on your personal experience and understanding of Microsoft Excel.

HOW TO

4

After selecting your unit (relevant section) and school (contingent), you can choose the method you want to use to upload the new cadets’ details into the system – either ‘Copy and paste’ or ‘Comma separated’. The system will ask you to confirm that the data is correct, and will then do a data validation check to confirm that the new cadets being loaded are not duplicates within the system. It will then create a personnel record for each of the cadets.

TOP TIP Speak to your school IT department about downloading the new cadets’ details from the school system into the spreadsheet. Rather than having to type it in by hand, it will take just minutes to load the file, saving you precious time.

CCF BULK SOS CADETS

1

CCF BULK SOS CADETS CLICK: Personnel In the sidebar under ‘Personnel’, there is the option of ‘CCF Bulk SOS Cadets’.

2

CLICK: CCF Bulk SOS Cadets This will show all available cadets at that unit. On the left, select the ‘SOS Date and Reason’, you can then select multiple cadets to SOS off the system. (Be careful, as if you accidentally SOS an individual, you won’t be able to reinstate them for around 24 hours.) Once all selections have been made, Click Bulk SOS

L I G H T E N I NG T H E L O A D HQ Regional Command, Cadets Branch is continually improving various methods to support the cadet forces and decrease the administration load on their volunteers. The bulk features available on Westminster are just some of the latest developments to support this.

Spend less time on admin and more time with your cadets!

READ MORE Westminster also offers the ability to bulk load cadet or adult qualifications. For further guidance, look to the DLE, Westminster User Guides or the Knowledgebase.

COMBINEDCADETFORCE.ORG.UK 25

NOTICEBOARD UPDATES FROM HQ REGIONAL COMMAND

The new Army Cadets SMS aims to improve safety while cutting bureaucracy

NEW SYSTEM

SAFETY FIRST HQ REGIONAL COMMAND CADETS BRANCH IS WORKING ON A NEW SAFETY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM THAT WILL GIVE CLEARER DIRECTION AND GUIDANCE TO VOLUNTEERS

W

e all know that part of what makes many experiences exciting is the element of risk. That heart-pumping feeling that comes from taking to the air in a glider or leaning over a cliff edge as you abseil for the first time. However, the one thing we all know that is guaranteed to be the opposite of exciting is safety management. Although it might not be the most riveting of subjects, it is an important one, and one that all of us need to be aware of.

While all the MOD’s cadet forces operate under the Defence Safe System of Training (DSST), each of the single service HQs sets out a safety management framework for its volunteers to use. For the RN sections, this will focus heavily on afloat training, and likewise for the RAF sections with gliding and flying.

HQ CCF RN has been operating a robust safety management system (SMS) for a while, which guides volunteers and activity organisers through the various safety assurance steps they need to take, defines a lessons process for when things go wrong (or indeed right) and can inform

26 CONNECTED AUTUMN 2018

how we run future events.

HQ Regional Command Cadets Branch is now developing a SMS for the Army’s cadets. The aim is to create a coherent, comprehensive and efficient approach to safety management that enhances safety outcomes, while empowering CFAVs and reducing bureaucracy. The SMS will create the wider policy and organisational framework required to ensure the Safe System of Training is efficiently applied for all cadet activity. It will make clear where responsibility lies, create greater agility and freedom of action, and allow more efficient use of resources.

Efficient, streamlined processes will replace the current one-size-fits-all approach, to ensure volunteers spend less time filling in forms and more time running cadet activities.

The CCF RN approach already works well. One of the keys to success is being able to pre-authorise certain activities for a set period. This means that contingents can carry out well-defined, lower risk activities without having to seek authorisation each time. The higher the

safety risk to manage for an activity, the higher up the chain the authorisation needs to come from. This means that assurance is focused where it needs to be. This approach has been successful for CCF RN, so it is only natural that the Army sections should follow suit.

Cadets Branch will be publishing its draft SMS in the autumn and will be working with key stakeholders across the Army’s cadets to refine and finesse it.

The new Army Cadets SMS will set out how we will seek to learn from activities and take these lessons into our policy and processes, including identifying and promoting good practice where it happens. We will promote and communicate the SMS to ensure it is properly understood, and adapt our training and publications to reflect changes. Importantly, the Army Cadets SMS is an evolutionary, not revolutionary, change. In many ways, it is about doing what we already do, only better, more efficiently and with a more discerning approach to risk management. It will not be another set of forms to fill in or process to follow.

N O TI CE B OA RD

CEP SCHOOLS

Find out how pupils have benefited from being part of the CCF page 10

AWA R D S

CELEBRATING MEDAL WINNERS RANK

INITIALS

SURNAME

IN BRIEF

SCHOOL

THE FOLLOWING HAVESURNAME BEEN AWARDED THE SCHOOL INITIALS CADET FORCES MEDAL LT SSI MAJ CAPT CAPT LT CDR (CCF) CAPT CAPT MAJ CAPT MAJ CAPT LT

D D MJ A M P MV HJ KI RM DG JJ KA

BISHOP CRANE POWELL DZIEMIANKO REEVES OATWAY HOLDSWORTH MORTIMER MATTHEWS JAMES PRICE BLEAKLEY ROGERS

Bury Grammar School CCF The King’s School, Canterbury CCF Mount St Mary’s College Ratcliffe College CCF Ratcliffe College CCF Sea Cadet Corps (CCF) Stamford Endowed School CCF Taunton School CCF The Thomas Hardye School Wellington School CCF West Buckland School CCF Westcliff High School for Boys CCF Wycliffe College CCF

THE FOLLOWNG HAVE BEEN AWARDED THE 1ST CLASP TO CADET FORCES MEDAL LT MAJ CAPT MAJ

D RJ CJ DG

BISHOP RYLANCE SPRACKLIN PRICE

Bury Grammar School CCF Bury Grammar School CCF Stewart’s Melville College CCF West Buckland School CCF

THE FOLLOWING HAVE BEEN AWARDED THE 2ND CLASP TO CADET FORCES MEDAL LT MAJ CSGT LT COL

D RJ JOM MG

BISHOP RYLANCE MEIKLE BALMBRA

Bury Grammar School CCF Bury Grammar School CCF Edinburgh Academy CCF Ratcliffe College CCF

THE FOLLOWING HAVE BEEN AWARDED THE 3RD CLASP TO CADET FORCES MEDAL LT LT COL

JD PR

PITT BASSETT

Ardingly College CCF Sevenoaks School CCF

THE FOLLOWING HAVE BEEN AWARDED THE 4TH CLASP TO CADET FORCES MEDAL LT LT COL

JD PR

PITT BASSETT

Ardingly College CCF Sevenoaks School CCF

CADET JOINS ROYALTY AND POLITICIANS AT BATTLE OF AMIENS COMMEMORATIONS Along with HRH Prince William and Prime Minister Theresa May, student Sydnee Thorne of the Duke of York’s Royal Military School read a verse from The Ode of Remembrance at the Battle of Amiens centenary commemorations in France.

The 13-year-old wore her Dover school’s blue military uniform for the ceremony at Amiens Cathedral on 8 August, attended by 2,000 guests. She also presented Prince William with the wreath he laid at Allied Forces Chapel.

The occasion was even more memorable because Sydnee’s father, Warrant Officer Simon Thorne, was a member of the event’s Guard of Honour.

COMBINEDCADETFORCE.ORG.UK 27

N O TI CE B OA RD

HEADS TOGETHER

HEADTEACHERS’ CONFERENCE 2019 SIGN UP NOW TO SHARE EXPERIENCES AND BEST PRACTICE

M

ANY OF YOU will have seen that booking is now open for the Headteachers’ Conference, in Coventry in February.

If you haven’t already spoken to your Senior Leadership Team or headteacher about attending the conference, please do so, as it has always proved to be a valuable event for everyone attending.

Senior representatives from the Ministry of Defence and Department for Education will address delegates, and the event will be an excellent opportunity for sharing experiences and discussing CCF matters.

There will also be a range of expert-led workshop sessions, which will include advice on reworking budgets to provide for a school contingent.

Delegates at the 2018 conference at Cosford’s RAF museum

The conference programme is designed to provide a stimulating and important dialogue for the senior leadership of schools in the CCF. Key themes at the 2019 event will include:

The effects of the CCF on teenage wellbeing and performance The effects of the CCF on the school as a whole The experiences of schools with new CCF sections The strategic affordability of the CCF The keynote address will focus on ‘Why education values its nationwide partnership with the Combined Cadet Force’, and we’ll hear from headteachers exploring the transformational outcomes of the cadet experience.

CONFERENCE 2019

SAVE THE DATE Date: Thursday 28 February 2019 Location: The Lloyds Bank Manufacturing Training Centre, Ansty Business Park, Coventry CV7 9JU Price: The event is free The conference is sponsored by the Ministry of Defence and in partnership with the Department for Education. To book your free place, go to: combinedcadetforce.org.uk/schools-area/headteachers-conference-2019

28 CONNECTED AUTUMN 2018

The workshop programme is likely to include: The social and educational impact of the school cadet programme Building success and maximising CFAV talent – helping heads to make contingents more successful Establishing a new section: from application to parading – challenges and solutions Safeguarding and the CCF – examining the roles and responsibilities of schools and the armed forces in safeguarding cadets while they are undertaking CCF activities Affordability and the CCF – a discussion on how schools have made headroom in their budgets to provide for their contingents The role and importance of the School Staff Instructor (SSI) – what this school employee does for the CCF and what benefit they might add to the wider school

N O TI CE B OA RD Maj Gen Duncan Capps and Commander Brigadier-General Woiden sign the MoU

N O M I N AT E N O W

WORTHY OF AN AWARD?

D

TWINNING

CANADIAN EXCHANGE UK SIGNS 10-YEAR DEAL WITH CANADA TO PROMOTE FRIENDSHIP AND TRUST

A

n official Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between the UK and Canada to seal the programme of exchange for the next 10 years.

The MoU, which was officially signed by Major General Duncan Capps (General Officer Commanding Regional Command) and Canadian Commander Brigadier-General Woiden, promises to promote friendship, mutual understanding and trust between the two countries through the organisation of an annual exchange programme for cadets. This is the first MoU cadet agreement to exist between two countries.

“The course is valuable and beneficial for cadets and is held in high regard in Canada,” says Major Mike Pilkington, Senior Escort Officer, who accompanied the cadets this year. “The UK cadets got to integrate with the Royal Canadian Army Cadets, make friends and have unique experiences that will

both expand their abilities and provide lasting memories.”

The exchange, commonly referred to as Oak Leaf Exchange, was established in 1972, but the MoU formalises and improves the arrangement for the next 10 years.

The UK will now send 60 cadets (ACF and CCF) to Canada for six weeks each year, up from 50 this year, to take part in summer training courses. The Royal Canadian Army Cadets will send 60 cadets to the UK for a five-week training and cultural activity programme.

This year’s UK contingent to Canada took part in one of three courses: the Cadet Leadership and Challenge Course; the Cadet Expedition Instructor Course; and a new Fitness Instructor Course.

“The competition was physically and mentally challenging, but as a team we learnt a huge amount,” says LCpl Preston of TWGGS’ CCF. Do your CCF Army Cadets want to take part next year?

Contact your regional brigade.

O YOU KNOW an exceptional cadet or volunteer who deserves recognition?

Perhaps they have used their first aid skills to help in an emergency or completed a challenge that might inspire others.

A number of award schemes exist nationally, aimed at recognising such achievements and now is the time to get your nominations in.

Cadets across the country have been winning awards. A CCF cadet was awarded the Everyday Heroes Young Hero Award, making it the fourth consecutive year that it has been won by an Army cadet. CCF volunteers, meanwhile, won six awards, including the Royal Humane Society’s Vellum Testimonial.

There were similar examples of outstanding behaviour by cadets in 2017. These included Cdt CSgt Thomas Powell from Queen Mary’s Grammar School Walsall CCF, who performed CPR on a woman who collapsed in a restaurant. Two young cadets from Longhill CCF in Brighton, Sgt Oakleigh Murphy and Cpl Ezme Tiley, also made the news after helping a man who had collapsed in the street.

“We carried out all the first aid drills instinctively, checking breathing, his response and everything,” recalls Sgt Murphy. “While one was doing this, the other called the ambulance and we waited with the man, reassuring him until it arrived.”

For advice on how to access the award schemes and nominate cadets and volunteers, contact Lt Col (retired) Alan Sharkey at awards@ armycadets.com

COMBINEDCADETFORCE.ORG.UK 29

FINAL BELL

Command

ABOUT ANDY

From active service to cadet leadership...

“We will offer cadets a better service”

CAREER BACKGROUND After 32 years of fulltime service in the Royal Navy, Andy worked in Abu Dhabi as a consultant to the UAE Air Force and then as a consultant for the RNLI.

New Commanding Officer CCF (RN) Andy Parkinson

A

s Commanding Officer CCF (RN), Andy Parkinson is responsible for the daily management of all Royal Navy and Royal Marine cadets in the CCF, the 650plus adult volunteers who support them, and a team of 42 staff at RN HQ in Portsmouth.

volunteers, to plan ahead better, be more financially accountable and, ultimately, to offer our cadets and volunteers a better service.

It will also enable us to make better use of military resources. At the moment, the CCF (RN) offers more adventurous training than it does

As well as being Commanding Officer I’m head

military-based training and I’m aiming for the split to

of the CCF Transformation Project, looking at

be more like 60-40 in favour of the latter. Because

how we operate the CCF (RN) and how we might

of this, I’ve been busy travelling around the country

do so more effectively and efficiently in the future.

exploring new opportunities for cadets to get

Come March 2020, when we will have met the

involved with the Navy, because although there are

target of having 26 extra Royal Navy schools on

many assets and training establishments available,

board, LIBOR funding will no longer be available so

we could make better use of them.

WITH THE CCF Andy has been with the CCF for two years, working initially as the head of the Royal Navy CEP team, aiming to increase the number of CCF (RN) schools by 26 by March 2020.

Last September, he became involved in the Transformation Project, a responsibility that he retained when he took up his new role as Commanding Officer CCF (RN) in June.

IN HIS WORDS “What I’m most looking forward to is getting out with the cadets and seeing the smiles on their faces when they’ve had a great day out.

For me, that’s the best possible payback.”

we need to find ways to be smarter in how we offer the cadet experience.

As of next year, CCF (RN) field days will be advertised on Westminster by region and schools

Our purpose is to prepare cadets for life by

will be able to bid for them just as they do for camps

increasing awareness of the Royal Navy and its

and courses. At the moment, these field days are

role in society, and by delivering military leadership

run as and when they are requested, and depending

themed and adventurous training activities that

on what support is available, some schools have

are enjoyable, well organised and inspiring. Those

ended up with lots of field days and some with

activities should follow the ethos of the Royal Navy

none. By forecasting and offering them regionally,

and Royal Marines and be delivered in a challenging

more schools will be able to take part and we’ll be

but safe environment. I think we can do even better

able to make better use of our resources.

Commanding Officer CCF (RN) Andy Parkinson

in meeting those goals.

One of the key changes I’m introducing is to move away from operating at a national level and towards a three-region model, covering the north, east and west. Working in this way will enable us to have closer contact with cadets and

30 CONNECTED AUTUMN 2018

FIND OUT MORE

Discover more about the CCF RN section at combinedcadetforce.org.uk/about-the-ccf/sections/royal-navy

THE MAGAZINE FOR INSTRUCTORS OF THE COMBINED CADET FORCE

CONNECTED

N EX T ISSUE F LY I NG H I G H Find out more about the courses on offer for CFAVs with the RAF

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