CONNECTED THE MAGAZINE FOR INSTRUCTORS OF THE COMBINED CADET FORCE
COMBINEDCADETFORCE.ORG.UK
IN THE FRAME HOW TO TAKE A GREAT PHOTO
SPRING 2016
TOP TIPS
ON HOW TO PREPARE AND PLAN FOR YOUR BIENNIAL REVIEW PAGE 18
KEY TO SUCCESS GUIDANCE ON RECRUITING NEW ADULT VOLUNTEERS
BAND TOGETHER WHY CADETS LOVE MUSIC CAMP
INSIDE: NEWS COMMAND & LEADERSHIP TASKS GETTING TO GRIPS WITH BASIC KNOTS REMEMBRANCE WESTMINSTER & BADER AND MORE
CONTENTS
WELCOME
ISSUE #2: SPR ING 2016 I was a CCF cadet so I’m delighted to be back where my career began! CCFs are different to community cadets. The adults often perform their role as a secondary duty and have more experience of working with children, but may not otherwise have chosen to get involved with cadets. There’s a staffroom dynamic that must be respected and the SSI comes at a cost. CCF cadets have less cadet time in the week and often attend centralised camps. The CCF demographic is changing: CCF cadets were all in independent schools, but the Cadet Expansion Programme will make state schools the majority by 2020. Yet we still need to help develop cadets’ characters, whatever their background. We are producing modular, flexible syllabi that recognise local variations in resources and orientation. We need a clear understanding between the military and the school about who is responsible for what in order to generate sustainable partnerships – hence the current consultation exercise. So there’s much to be done and I look forward to discussing these ideas with your Heads at the CCF conference in March at Welbeck.
16
THIS ISSUE 06. BAND TOGETHER Every year scores of CCF cadets take part in high profile musical performances
ON THE COVER The sound of music is in the air at music camp with our CCF bands. Cover image: Sqn Ldr Philip Jones RAF VR(T)
BRIGADIER MATT LOWE MBE Deputy Commander Cadets, Regional Command
06
04
10. THE KEY TO OUR SUCCESS Tips and advice on how to recruit new adult volunteers
14. THINK KNOTS Learn how to get to grips with three useful knots
16. LEST WE FORGET CCF cadets at Remembrance events nationwide
18. TESTING TIMES Discover how to prepare for your Biennial Review
EV ERY ISSUE 04. NEWS Awards, prizes and a fundraising march across Exmoor
20. COMMAND & LEADERSHIP Three practical exercises for you to try
22. HOW TO... Find adult training courses on Westminster and Bader
24. NOTICEBOARD The latest on the CEP and joint working initiatives
26. HOW TO... Take a great photo
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: 02074268377 Fax: 02074268378 Website: www.combinedcadetforce.org.uk Email: ccfmarketing@armycadets.com Twitter: @CCFCadets Connected magazine is designed and edited by James Pembroke Publishing Editor: Carly Chynoweth Art editor: Simon Goddard Project manager: Esther Newman Printed by PrecisionColour Printing 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 Publishing or 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.
COMBINEDCADETFORCE.ORG.UK 3
NEWS
CCF teams are put to the test in the tough Exmoor 30:30
CADET NEWS FROM AROUND THE UK
CCF cadets’ skills were tested in dramatic mock emergencies
CHALLENGE
Moor march
SKILLS TEST
EMERGENCY CHALLENGE CCF REIGNS SUPREME IN INTER-SERVICE FIRST AID COMPETITION
A
strong performance from Bournemouth School’s Royal Navy Combined Cadet Force team saw the CCF secure top honours at the annual inter-service cadet first aid competition in October. The weekend-long competition saw 30 teams from all the UK’s cadet forces take part in four national competitions on Saturday, followed by Sunday’s interservice event. The cadets faced 18 different
4 CONNECTED SPRING 2016
first aid scenarios, mostly in outdoor settings, which tested them using realistic emergencies aided by dramatic casualty make-up. The competition was supported by Army Medical Services, which enabled some unusual settings to be used, including a mock-up of an Afghan village – although for the purposes of the competition it was transformed into the fictitious Scottish island of Mulva. Teams also had the chance to practice CPR using a defibrillator. Contingents succeeding at brigade level competitions go on to the national finals. “Brigade competitions run from March to June – contact the brigade first aid adviser or CCFA for more information,” says Lt Col Alan J Sharkey MBE TD (ACFA National First Aid Policy Adviser).
CADETS AND OFFICERS from several CCFs, including Charterhouse and Denstone College, took part in the 2015 Exmoor 30:30 event. Denstone won the Junior Male category in a time of six hours 41 minutes – two hours faster than the team who placed second. Charterhouse finished in 12 hours and 32 minutes – and raised £2,642 for the Royal British Legion. The 30-mile speed march, carrying 30lb of equipment, requires teams to start before dawn. Charterhouse’s contingent commander, Major Rupert Follett, said: “Exmoor 30:30 is superbly organised, very welcoming, physically challenging and raises money for a good cause. In 2016 it is being held on Saturday 15 October. See you there.” For more info on how to take part visit www.exmoor3030.org.uk.
GE T I N T OUC H E: CCFMarketing@armycadets.com @CCFcadets
C A D E T N E WS
THE MUSIC MUST GO ON
“Having broken my arm previously, I wasn’t going to let myself miss the fantastic opportunity” LCpl Oliver Wales on why he didn’t let a broken wrist stop him playing in the CCF band, page 6
COMPETITION
DOUBLE FIRST CADET TEAMS CELEBRATE AFTER TOPPING TABLE IN SKILLS TESTS
T
he Combined Cadet Force at Adams’ Grammar School in Shropshire celebrated the start of its centenary year with an overwhelming victory in the West Midlands Brigade Military Skills and March Competition in October. The team placed first in four sections of the competition. In the same month, cadets from Dulwich College’s CCF won four of the 10 events at the inaugural Guthrie Cup competition, securing the London school’s team first place overall. The event, named for Field Marshal Lord Guthrie, saw
Guthrie Cup winners Dulwich College CCF, above right, and the team from Adams’ Grammar School
CCF Army sections from across the capital compete in a series of stands, including first aid, military knowledge, observation and a march and shoot. Cdt RSM Timo Makower, from Dulwich College, thanked the RFCA, CCFA and Harrow School for their support in organising a “very enjoyable day” for all participants. “All of the sections present had a very enjoyable and rewarding day and it was a personal highlight being able to collect the cup from the Field Marshal himself, which I shall never forget,” he said.
The cadets faced a number of challenges during the two-day event
SIR STEUART PRINGLE TROPHY
Royal Marines CCFs compete for prestigious prize
S
hrewsbury School CCF won the 33rd annual Sir Steuart Pringle Trophy for the Royal Marines sections of the Combined Cadet Force, with King’s College, Taunton, coming in as runner-up. The two-day event, held at Commando Training Centre Royal Marines last October, tested cadets in disciplines as varied as map reading, camouflage and concealment, and Royal Marines history. The competition concluded with the endurance course, which required cadets to traverse tubes, tunnels and pools of water – something managed by even those who were feeling the pressure after a long, hard day. All teams performed well, with particularly good scores achieved in the battle exercise, weapon handling, target indication, first aid and section attacks. The Sir Steuart Pringle trophy is an annual competition open to all CCF RM sections.
COMBINEDCADETFORCE.ORG.UK 5
m usi c t r ainin g
fe ature
band together
Photos: ACO Photographer South, Sqn Ldr Philip Jones RAF VR(T)
Every year scores of CCF cadets from all three services take part in high-profile musical performances as part of local or national CCF bands
6 Connected spring 2016
m usic t r ainin g
E
xpect marching, brass instruments and an extravagant musical show this summer as the Air Cadet Organisation celebrates its 75th anniversary at RAFC Cranwell. Such shows do not just happen; in the lead-up to the event there will be three different musical camps, all of which will help to prepare cadets to perform at the celebrations and a variety of other high-profile events throughout the year. Last year even a broken wrist wasn’t enough to stop one young musician from attending – see box overleaf.
CCF RAF cadets will be taking part in national concert band training at RAFC Cranwell in February, marching band training at RAF Halton in April, and choir training at RAFC Cranwell, also in April. From the three training camps, cadets are then selected to play at events throughout the year, including the St George’s Day Parade in London, the Royal International Air Tattoo, in support of the British Airways charity ‘Dream Flight’, and at Birmingham Tattoo. But music in the CCF is not just the domain of the RAF – far from it. Each year around 100 CCF cadets from across all services and from all over the country attend one of three Royal Navy-led tri-service camps held in Dartmouth.
CCF RAF are very involved in the Air Cadet Organisation Concert Band
combinedcadetforce.org.uk 7
M USI C T R AININ G
DID YOU KNOW?
Future CCF RM units will have the option of forming as a band unit DARTMOUTH CAMPS “Each summer cadets from across the country come to Dartmouth and take the place of the Royal Marines band,” says David Green, who served in the band himself and is now the director of music at Plymouth College. “They arrive at the start of the week knowing that at the end they will need to provide a chapel service; a short beat retreat before the mess dinner plus music during it and a spectacular finale; ceremonial divisions; and then a 40-minute beat retreat the following day. For a Royal Marines band that is a very busy week, so for cadets who have not worked together as a band for 12 months – or who may be new to it – turning them around and making them sound like a Royal Marines band is hard. But they have never let me down – they are absolutely amazing.” Cadets need to be 16 or older, although David takes the occasional 15-year-old who plays tuba, trombone or French horn, as they are harder to come by.
It’s not just central bands, many CCF schools have their own band sections
A CADET’S VIEW
Oliver Wales didn’t let a broken wrist stop him playing in the CCF band
AN HONOUR AND A PRIVILEGE LAST YEAR CADET –
in a somewhat
hours of marching and
of concentration. You
now LCpl – Oliver Wales
overambitious judo fight
playing, whilst every
must keep track of the
asked permission to
with someone twice my
spare minute was spent
music, watching the
leave CCF slightly early
size. I threw badly and he
polishing shoes and
Drum Major, staying in
for a jazz band rehearsal.
landed on my arm with a
prepping uniform for
step, keeping perfect
His CO at Wilson’s
worrying crunch.
the next day. However,
dressings and navigating
it was immensely
School CCF, recognising
complex manoeuvres at
RAF March Past at the
Oliver’s musical interest,
my arms three times
worthwhile as I learnt
the same time. Everyone
RAF Cranwell Families
told him that marching
previously, I wasn’t going
loads and got to know
is so accommodating
day, as the Red Arrows
band selection had
to let myself miss the
some great people,
and passionate, despite
flew overhead.
started, and the
fantastic opportunity.
and I feel very proud
the clear CCF-ATC
then-14-year-old
I could still wiggle my
to be a part of such an
rivalry. The music is
next year’s Easter
decided to give it a go.
fingers, and the doctor
amazing group.
fantastic and I have
camp in preparation
been privileged to play at
for a fantastic parade
band because it is unlike
some fantastic venues
to celebrate the 75th
any other band I play in.
and events. My personal
anniversary of the
It requires a huge level
favourite was playing
Air Cadets.”
“To my dismay, only days before the camp I broke my wrist,” he says. “It happened
“But having broken
recommended I keep using that arm anyway. “The week was exhausting, with many
8 CONNECTED SPRING 2016
“I love the marching
“I can’t wait to attend
M USIC T R AININ G
Cadets performing at the annual camp in Dartmouth
GET INVOLVED RN MUSIC CAMPS All services can participate in RN band camps. For more information please contact NAVYCADETSTRGOFF@mod.uk
ACO MUSIC CAMPS Only CCF (RAF) can take part in ACO camps. Cadets must be aged at least 13 and under 20 at the start of the camps. There are additional requirements specific to each type of camp. Concert band candidates: The ACO Concert Band has performed around the world, and even recorded a CD
At a minimum of grade five or equivalent Able to read bass clef, if they play trombone, euphonium or tuba Marching band candidates:
“MAKING THEM SOUND LIKE A ROYAL MARINES BAND IS HARD BUT THEY HAVE NEVER LET ME DOWN” Director of music David Green Musically, the summer camp is like being on an “intensive orchestral course” that would normally cost hundreds of pounds, David says. “But on an orchestral course if you don’t quite get there it doesn’t matter. Here it does – you might have the Second Sea Lord taking parade at the end of the week.” Before this, however, is the marching band camp, held over February half-term. “As long as cadets are about grade four or five plus that is all they need to worry about. We teach them how to march without playing, and then we add playing. If they can play I will turn them into something representing a Royal Marines marching band,” he says.
This camp used to be held at Easter but has been moved forwards so that it does not interfere with GCSEs – a change which, David hopes, will mean that more cadets will be able to attend. David’s message to other adult instructors is simple: “Find out if your cadets are musical. And tell the school’s director of music about the course – that it’s excellent value for money and the training is second to none.”
At a minimum of grade three level or equivalent Able to stand or march for long periods of time Choir candidates: Must include a link or short recording of them singing with their application when they apply The calling notices for 2017 camps will be issued in October 2016.
FIND OUT MORE Contact HQ CCF RN to find out more about the Dartmouth camp. Keep up to date with the ACO’s music section on its Facebook page, or follow @aircadetsmusic on Twitter.
Cdt George Topham from King’s School CCF has been selected for this year’s concert band
COMBINEDCADETFORCE.ORG.UK 9
FE ATURE
THE KEY TO OUR SUCCESS The CCF could not survive without adult volunteers so it’s important to shout about the benefits of getting involved
A D U LT RE CRUIT M E N T
W
ithout adult volunteers willing to give their time, effort and expertise to young people the CCF would collapse. “They are the key to its success,” says Liz Green, the School Cadet Expansion Officer for the North of England RFCA. “Traditionally, teachers have been the biggest source of volunteers, but it could just as easily be support staff, governors, parents or friends of the school. Even if they do not volunteer directly they can champion the CCF and support it in high-level management meetings to make sure that it, and adult volunteers, get the resources they need.” Richard Bustin, OC Army Section at Glyn-Freemen’s CCF in Surrey, says that recruiting staff is not easy. One useful approach is showing teachers how involvement in the CCF is another way for them to help and inspire young people, he says. “Sell the staff a positive vision of what the CCF is and can do – lots of images of smiling children. Get teachers thinking about why they went into teaching in the first place.”
BUILDING BONDS Liz agrees. “It is not easy. I am an ex-teacher and I know how hard-pressed they are for time, but this is an opportunity for them to connect with pupils in an informal learning environment and get to know them in a more meaningful way.” School Staff Instructor Nathan Marshall is one of seven adults looking after 150 cadets in Writhlington School’s CCF, which was established in 2003. “We have found that inviting school staff on activities to view what cadets do and achieve while taking part in cadet training is one of the best ways to recruit CFAVs,” he says. “Our cadets have made videos of activities that they have taken part in, which we have shared with school staff. After seeing how happy the cadets are in these videos the staff are intrigued. They want to know more about
COMBINEDCADETFORCE.ORG.UK 11
A D U LT RE CRUIT M E N T
DID YOU KNOW?
In 2015 the number
the activities on offer and how of CCF adult they can be a part of it. volunteers went “We also share the up by 10% opportunities that they will have to progress through their own professional development, whether that be through adventurous training courses, CVQO or a range of other qualifications.”
PERSONAL BENEFITS This approach is also recommended by Liz, who strongly encourages emphasising the enormous personal development opportunities available to volunteers. “CCF provides a chance not just to develop skills but also to earn qualifications in adventure training, canoeing and mountaineering,” says Liz. “Volunteers will learn management, leadership and first aid along the way. Appeal to their self-interest: they are not just doing it for the pupils, but because there is something in it for them, too.” And make sure that you get the basics right, adds Tony Workman, a former gunner officer who now teaches mathematics at Taunton School and volunteers with the Army section of its large and popular CCF. “I find that adults are more inclined to volunteer and become enthusiastic participants when the activity is well run and well organised,” he says. Volunteer recruitment is easier when the CCF has backing from the highest level of school leadership. “Schools should take into account the time that it will take the adult, particularly in the early stages, to prepare,” says Liz. “Maybe the school should be thinking about giving them additional non-contact time on the timetable.” Richard, whose CCF is a partnership between Glyn School and City of London Freemen’s School, also advised challenging any misconceptions about what the CCF is, while being upfront and honest about the time commitment from the start. “Better that than someone pulling out six months in,” he says. But, coming back to the “what’s in it for me” side of the equation, don’t be afraid to
12 CONNECTED SPRING 2016
WALK THE TALK
A HEADMASTER’S VIEW
Mike Skelly, headmaster, Westcliff School for Boys
“FIRSTLY YOU need
and ‘I can’t release you
an enthusiastic and
from lessons to do it’ on
knowledgeable
the other.
contingent commander,
“I also think that you
who will work with you.
have to show interest.
is enjoyable in its own
If it’s just the headmaster,
That means talking to
right, but which is also
it’s not enough.
them, visiting parades
transferable – leadership
and seeing if there is
skills, communication;
show that you value the
anything that you can
as a teacher that’s all for
CCF in your school and
do to assist. You have to
the good.
that you value the
walk the talk.
“Then you need to
contribution that staff
“Make sure that you
“Finally, reach out to the CCFA and invite
make to it. You need to
sell the benefits, too. That
visitors in. Visitors will
recognise that they will
helps staff to recognise
show those involved that
need time to train. You
that it gives them a
what they are doing is
can’t say ‘please support
chance to do training
special and that it is also
the CCF’ on one hand
and development that
part of a wider movement.”
A D U LT RE CRUIT M E N T
TOP TIPS
How schools can promote the CCF
1
Explain the qualifications and training that are available to adult volunteers
2 3
Appeal to teachers’ commitment to young people
4 5
Provide the time and resources needed
Consider financial incentives such as an extra point on the pay scale
Reach out to volunteers in the wider school community, such as governors and former students
The variety of activities on offer may appeal to adventurous staff members
Adult volunteers can benefit from learning a new range of skills
offer perks, such as a mess dinner. Another option is to offer a financial incentive, such as giving volunteers a point of responsibility on the teaching pay scale, says Richard. He also suggests raising the CCF in the job interview – something with which Tony agrees. “When I was recruited by the school the primary thing was my maths teaching, but when I went for the interview they said ‘obviously you will want to get involved in the CCF as well’ and I said ‘yes’.” Getting him signed up as part of the interview process, when he knew he wanted the job and before he could volunteer for other extracurricular activities, was more straightforward than waiting until other commitments started landing on him. This sort of approach would
not work if the interviewee in question was not already interested – there’s no point in forcing people to volunteer – but this is a good way of both getting people on board and demonstrating how seriously the school takes its CCF.
COMMUNITY WORK But what about reaching volunteers from outside school staff? Start by raising the CCF’s profile in the community, suggests Liz. “The CCF should be involved in the community through things like the poppy appeal. Maybe there will be someone in the community with a military or cadet background who will come out of the woodwork and want to give something back. It is also about the school making sure that it is publicising and marketing its CCF on its website, for example.”
Former cadets or students are another option. University and work commitments may take up their time for a few years after leaving, but reaching out to this group through alumni magazines or networks is a great way to stay in touch and to access their support when they have the time to give something back. Using external volunteers will of course require that adults are checked using proper safeguarding procedures. “It is not an issue, it is just a process to go through,” says Liz.
FIND OUT MORE For more information go to combined cadetforce.org.uk/about-us/about-the-ccf/ ccf-roles/how-to-get-involved
COMBINEDCADETFORCE.ORG.UK 13
TRY SERVICE
THINK KNOTS Liz Worman explains how to get to grips with three handy knots
T
here are some skills and activities that are so strongly associated with one of the services that they are often overlooked by the others. In the first article in a new series, Liz Worman, from HQ RN CCF, shares some of her expertise on knots and explains how they can be used in useful activities for all CCF sections.
ROPED IN
BACK TO BASICS BOWLINE
REEF KNOT
This very useful loop is used for everything from tying up boats
This knot is used to join
1
to making a climbing harness.
thickness together. It is also
Impossible to undo under load
useful when stowing away
and very hard to undo even once a
equipment as it is very easy to
heavy load has been taken off.
undo, even under load.
1 Make a loop so that the short
1 Take the two ends
end is on top
2
2
of rope
2 Pass right over the left and
2 Pass the short end UP through
tuck it underneath
the loop so that the end sits over the crossing ropes
3 Then pass the left over right
3 Pass the short end behind the
3
bit you haven’t used yet (the long end), without changing its direction over the cross
1
two ropes of the same
and tuck under (the left is
3
now the old right)
4 Pull the knot tight
4
4 Pass the short end DOWN through the loop so that it lies alongside the bit that went up and pull tight
14 CONNECTED SPRING 2016
4
T Y IN G KN O T S
DID YOU KNOW?
Visit www.animated knots.com for more knots (including the clove hitch)
TRY THIS
CREATE A ROPE STRETCHER A GOOD KNOWLEDGE of knots can be very useful for command and leadership tasks for Army, Royal Marines and RAF CCF sections. A simple planks and crates crossing exercise can be made more elaborate by the need to lash two planks together – or you could try an exercise such as the one below that focuses completely on ropework. THE RESCUE Equipment: 15m rope (6-11mm diameter), dummy casualty Scenario: Your team is midway through an expedition when one member slips and injures his or her leg. You must get the casualty to a mountain rescue post, although they are unable to walk The basic reef knot holds securely but is easy to cast off
Aim: Construct a rope stretcher that can carry the casualty at least 30m Solution: Construct a rope stretcher
1
Lay out 8-10 loops from the centre third of the rope, to form the ‘bed’ of the stretcher.
SHEET BEND This knot is ideal for joining two ropes of different diameters together. The reef knot is quick
1
and easy but you will soon become unstuck if all of your rope
When one side is complete, repeat along the other side. Thread the remaining rope tails through the small loops, until none remains.
2
so that it is bent in two
4
The clove hitches can now be pulled outwards to trap the rope tails in the small loops.
2 Use the thinner rope and lay it underneath the bend in the thick rope
3 Take the thin rope over to one side
5
Finally, ensure each clove hitch is tight, and that the transverse ropes form an even support for the casualty.
3
before going under both bits of the thick rope
4 Lift the piece of thin rope that is sitting over the ‘arm’ of the thick rope and slide the short end of the thin rope underneath. Pull the thin rope tight
Take the long tail of rope on one side, and use it to tie a clove hitch near the end of each loop, leaving a 10cm loop sticking out beyond it.
3
isn’t the same size and shape.
1 Fold the thicker of the two ropes
2
4
insights
1
lest we forget CCF cadets from all over the country took part in Remembrance events to honour the servicemen and women who have lost their lives in conflict
R
emembrance is one of the most important occasions in the calendar for every Combined Cadet Force contingent. Once again CCF cadets around the country marked it by taking part in parades, services and wreath-laying ceremonies to commemorate fallen servicemen and women. Among those involved were cadets from Solihull School CCF, Calday Grange CCF
16 Connected spring 2016
and St Albans School CCF, who represented Army, Royal Navy and RAF sections respectively. The trio acted as the banner bearer and escorts at the Festival of Remembrance, which took place at the Royal Albert Hall. Also on parade was Foyle College CCF, which was selected to represent the CCF at the annual Act of Remembrance at the Cenotaph in London. The parade was attended by HM Queen Elizabeth, with the salute taken by Prince William, Duke of
2
Cambridge. The group of 28 cadets and two staff travelled from Londonderry for the event, which was a solemn but successful parade for all involved. Beyond the national events, cadets proudly paraded in town centres and in services at their own schools, held special assemblies and even put on dramatic performances to commemorate the courage and determination shown by troops involved in historic and more recent conflict.
Find out more To see more images of the CCF’s involvement in Remembrance visit combinedcadetforce.org.uk/army/news/ remembrance-day-2015
3
4
IN THE PHOTOS: 01 The King’s School Grantham CCF had 130 cadets on parade from its RAF and Army sections 02 Mount St Mary’s College CCF took part in a local parade, and laid wreaths and crosses on the graves of old boys who died during WW1 and WW2 03 Cadets at Taunton School took part in activities focusing on the centenary of the Gallipoli campaign of 1915 04 Writhlington CCF cadet LCpl Patrick Withey saw his WW1 commemorative play brought to life on the stage 05 Foyle College Londonderry at the Annual Act of Remembrance... 06 ...and preparing to march past the Cenotaph in London 07 North Bromsgrove High School took part in its first solo Remembrance service
5
DID YOU KNOW?
08 Headington School CCF proudly parades at St Giles in Oxford
The very first Festival of Remembrance was held in 1923
6
7
8
COMBINEDCADETFORCE.ORG.UK 17
INSIGHTS
Heanor Gate Science College’s CCF put in lots of hours of drill practice to prepare for its review
TESTING TIMES
Planning, preparation and putting in plenty of practice are the key to making the Biennial Review process feel a lot less daunting
F
lt Lt Miriam Watson is the director of vocational learning at Heanor Gate Science College in Derbyshire, which recently underwent its first review. “Preparing everything took my SSI a couple of days,” she says. “Then he and I sat down together for a good morning, too. Then, for the actual review, we were here for four hours – so it is a good bit of work.”
18 CONNECTED SPRING 2016
The cadets, who were told about the review, focused on preparing for the events on the day itself, including putting in hours of extra drill practice. “We ended up doing a formal review on the parade square, then a drill demo,” says Miriam. “Then in the school hall they had prepared presentations about the history of our CCF, the activities on the summer camp and what they felt that they had gained by being in the CCF.
“I got them to fill in speech bubbles of why they joined. One cadet, known at the school as a ne’er-do-well, said ‘I wanted to improve my behaviour’. So far this term he has not had one detention when he used to have two or three a week.”
IT’S GOOD TO TALK The review went well and Miriam was pleased to be able to demonstrate the opportunities that she and her fellow adult volunteers were able to offer cadets through the CCF, but facing a first-time review did throw up its own special challenges, she says. “We have been on our own since we set up, so it was a massive relief to be told I was doing things right.” With hindsight, she recommends talking to CCFA regional reps and other CCFs nearby to get help preparing, particularly for adults running relatively new CCFs. Lt Jamie Craik, the OC Royal Navy at Victoria College’s tri-service CCF, agrees. His independent boys school on Jersey has 110 years on Heanor Gate’s CCF – it can trace its heritage back to 1903 – but learning from other
B IE N NIA L RE VIE W
DID YOU KNOW?
Over 100 CCFs have sections representing all three services
A special cake was prepared to mark Heanor Gate’s Biennial Review
In the Oratory School’s last inspection, Lt Gen Sir Robert Fulton KBE, KStJ, Royal Marines, took the salute as the Reviewing Officer
“WE HAVE BEEN ON OUR OWN SINCE WE SET UP, SO IT WAS A MASSIVE RELIEF TO BE TOLD I WAS DOING THINGS RIGHT”
ALL CHANGE BIENNIAL REVIEWS ARE BEING UPDATED
Flt Lt Miriam Watson, Heanor Gate Science College
CCFs is useful both when preparing for the review and planning new activities. “There are so many ideas. Wimbledon School recreated an ops room, for instance. It is giving cadets something to do where people can see them learning.”
GET AHEAD Jamie’s most recent review, in the autumn of 2015, was a success. “What made it work was the planning that went into everything. We start thinking about it about six months in advance. What our strengths are and how we can incorporate anything new that we want to show off. This time it was something called a temporary low ropes course, which is much like the course at BRNC or Collingwood, but you build it yourself on the day. It’s a kit that cadets have to design and build… you can differentiate senior cadets in the design while juniors are getting to grips with using teamwork to get from one side to the other.” Jamie and his section spent a lot of time practising drill and making sure that cadets had all their kit ready and in good shape. Some of the practice was teaching cadets how to
stand at attention or at ease for a relatively long time. “The inspecting officers can’t get around 100 kids in 10 minutes, so there will be a bit of waiting around,” he adds. Jamie and Miriam both recommend selecting activities that will demonstrate the character of the school and the nature of the section in question. “If you’re in a naval section, take them out on water if you can,” Jamie says. “We had yachts out, RIBS, powerboats. It is great to take inspectors out to see the cadets on the wheel or at the helm.” But there is no need to overcomplicate things, particularly at new CCFs. “Keep it simple and choose an activity you have done before with cadets and reflected on, then evolve it,” he says. “That is what we did with powerboating – something you know works, that shows cadets learning and enjoying themselves. It doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. “Oh, and always have a wet weather plan.”
FROM SEPTEMBER the pre-inspection will be uncoupled from the Biennial Review and will become the Annual Assurance Inspection. The new Assurance Inspection templates will link directly to Westminster drawing off information already added by contingents, saving time and duplicated effort. The Assurance Inspections are designed to measure CFAV and cadet strengths, mandated training, syllabus achievements, security and equipment management. Schools will still be required to hold a Biennial Review, however it will primarily become an opportunity for them to showcase their CCFs to a senior officer and will not be assessed as part of the Annual Inspection. Further information on the changes will be sent to schools prior to implementation.
FIND OUT MORE Stay tuned for more news in upcoming issues about the future of Biennial Reviews from HQ Regional Command
COMBINEDCADETFORCE.ORG.UK 19
T E A M B UIL D IN G
COMMAND AND LEADERSHIP THREE DIVERTING TASKS GUARANTEED TO BUILD INTEREST, ENTHUSIASM AND CONFIDENCE IN YOUR CADETS TASK 1
TASK 2
TASK 3
ROD’S TROUBLES
NOAH’S ARK
SPARE TYRE
Equipment: Six rods of equal length Time: 5-10 minutes Where: Works almost anywhere Aim: To make four equilateral triangles Benefits: Logic and lateral thinking Instructions and result: The rods were set up in the pattern shown (see picture). Cadets were told to make four equilateral triangles of the same size and with sides the same length as the rods provided. No breaking rods allowed. After some confusion, the cadets started moving the rods and testing different options. After one person lifted a rod to stand above the others, the group realised that they could lay three rods on the floor, with one upright from each corner, meeting in the middle. MAKE IT EASIER: Explain up front that they don’t need to work in 2D. MAKE IT HARDER: Run the exercises as a time trial, with small groups competing to finish first.
20 CONNECTED SPRING 2016
Equipment: Blindfolds, whistle Time: 10 minutes Where: Large indoor or outdoor space Aim: Each cadet to successfully reunite with their partner Benefits: Patience and teamwork Instructions and result: The cadets were split into pairs and each pair was given the name of an animal to impersonate. The pairs were then split up, spread out across the area and blindfolded. Once blindfolds went on, they could only communicate with their partner by impersonating their animal. After initial chaos, the group quickly found that taking it in turns to do their animal impressions was by far the quickest way to identify their partner. MAKE IT EASIER: Small groups, closer together. MAKE IT HARDER: Larger groups are harder. You could even introduce other confusing noises.
Equipment: Five tyres or plastic rings numbered one to five, plus three stands or posts the rings can be stacked on Time: 15 minutes Where: Indoors or outdoors Aim: Move all the tyres to the third stand, without reversing the order. The number on each tyre must always be lower than the tyre it is stacked on Benefits: Logic, planning Instructions: Tyres all started on one side, stacked with tyre five on the bottom, up to tyre one on the top. Cadets quickly worked out that the process required them to move tyres backwards and forwards, to gradually remove tyres from the original stack and recreate it on the other stand. There was a bit of trial and error, but the team worked out a sensible routine. MAKE IT EASIER: Use four tyres. MAKE IT HARDER: Use six or more.
1
2
Working out which tyres to move where requires thought and planning
DID YOU KNOW?
3
Command tasks can be great for CFAV teamwork development too COMBINEDCADETFORCE.ORG.UK 21
HOW TO
HOW TO
FIND ADULT TRAINING COURSES Step-by-step guides for using Westminster and Bader
W
hether you’re new to the CCF, or just taking on extra administration responsibilities – getting to grips with Westminster or Bader can be one of the most challenging parts of the job. Major Anthony Shallow from Regional Command, and Helen Sheridan-Durham from HQAC explain how to access useful courses through the two systems.
You can learn all sorts of new skills on a training course
F I N DI NG C OU R S ES ON B A DE R
1
Log in to Bader Sharepoint at www.bader.
mod.uk.
2
Access the Adult Training Facility tab. Here you can find lists of upcoming ATF course dates, including OIC. You can also find information and FAQs about the various courses. Speak to your TEST SNCO to agree a date for your course.
22 CONNECTED SPRING 2016
3
The ACO Central Training Team tab contains more information on skill at arms courses, including candidate guides. Your TEST SNCO can provide more insight into these courses, before booking.
HOW TO
F I N DI NG C OU R S ES ON W EST M I N ST E R
1
To start you need to log in to Westminster.
Once logged in click on the Courses tab.
2
This will now display all the courses within your home service. To broaden your search, un-tick the Home Service or Service = ALL filter.
4
You are also able to search using the headings. Anything underlined is interactive which means that you are able to use it to filter through the courses.
3
You are now able to search for a course using the Search option.
5
To bring in the Location column you need to click on the Actions button and then Select Columns. Bring the Location column across and click Apply.
6
You will now be able to see the location of the course that you are looking for. This can aid you in your course search. Once you have found the course you wish to book onto you need to contact your chain of command to be loaded onto the course.
DID YOU KNOW?
We are building a CCF image library – send your pictures to ccfmarketing@ armycadets.com
ARMYCADETS.COM 23
NOTICEBOARD UPDATES FROM HQ REGIONAL COMMAND
Westcliff High School for Boys was one of the first schools to sign up for the CEP
GROWTH
EXPANSION PLAN EXTENDED AFTER HITTING ITS TARGET A YEAR EARLY, THE CADET EXPANSION PROGRAMME HAS SET ITS SIGHTS HIGHER: 500 SCHOOLS BY 2020
T
he Cadet Expansion Programme (CEP) has already proved to be an immense success, with the initial target being met a year early – and the bar then raised to 500 schools by 2020. CEP500 will see an additional 148 cadet units added to the cadet force family in schools. The Cadet Expansion team will be looking for state schools in areas of high deprivation that have limited access to the cadet experience and that would like to benefit from having a cadet force in their school.
THE TEAM WILL BE LOOKING FOR STATE SCHOOLS IN AREAS OF HIGH DEPRIVATION
24 CONNECTED SPRING 2016
The MOD has learnt from the previous CEP that the best way to build a successful CCF within a school is through a partnership with an existing CCF. We showcased one of these partnerships in the previous issue of Connected: Westcliff High School for Boys and Brentwood School worked together for three years, preparing Westcliff for its recent change into a standalone CCF. The MOD has been overwhelmed by the support that has been offered to CEP schools at the start of their CCF venture and would like to thank you for all your support. Partnerships can be short term (up to five years) or long term, with each approach having benefits. The
MOD’s preference is for short-term partnerships, with the primary aim being to prepare the new CCF to operate independently. A CEP partnership doesn’t just have to benefit the new CCF. At the moment there are limited places for an existing CCF to set up additional service sections (Royal Navy, Royal Marines, Army and Royal Air Force) but there are places for CEP schools. If you wish to expand the service option within your CCF the best way to do so is by partnering with a CEP school.
FIND OUT MORE If you would like more information or are interested in participating in CEP500 contact the Joint MOD and DfE CEP team: bit.ly/1PdFP7Z
N O TI CE B OA RD
TESTING TIMES
How to prepare for your Biennial Review page 18
MORE UPDATES
TRAINING
JOINT WORKING
R
EPRESENTATIVES from all three services have been putting their heads together in a bid to come up with new ways of working that make it simpler for schools and contingents to deliver the cadet experience. The group met in Gosport at the end of September to discuss various developments including proposals for assurance and how to improve the way Westminster generates reports. They also created a tri-service basic training plan that should be ready for the new cohorts
Visit combined cadetforce.org.uk for the latest news
of cadets in September, and plan to introduce a tri-service approval process for all on-land activities. The CCF working group has been tasked by the CCF Executive Committee to deliver one approval process for as many activities as possible, therefore reducing the safety burden on contingent commanders and schools’ staff instructors. This will not reduce the assurance – just the amount of administration work involved.
IN BRIEF
The Headteachers’ Conference is in March
THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING, which lays out what the MOD and schools are responsible for in their partnership, should have been received by all schools. We look forward to receiving your comments. THE HEADTEACHERS’ CONFERENCE will be held at Welbeck Defence Sixth Form College on 3 March. PROGRESS IS BEING MADE towards opening up the Cadet Force Adult Volunteers (CFAV) to Senior Non Commissioned Officers in the Army sections in the CCF. We hope to be able to deliver this in April. WE ARE AMENDING the Joint Service Publication (JSP) 313 in response to feedback from adult volunteers. We will update the CCF manual, with changes rolling out from the start of the year.
GE T I N T OUC H A tri-service basic training plan is in the pipeline
You can contact us via email and follow us on Twitter: E: ccfmarketing@armycadets.com @ccfcadets
COMBINEDCADETFORCE.ORG.UK 25
HOW TO
Great pictures help to raise the CCF’s profile
HOW TO
TAKE BETTER PHOTOS
TOP TIPS
Shooting slightly upwards makes it easier to see faces
The benefits of putting together a library of good images
T
here are lots of good reasons for having a photo library. For a start, it gives you a bank of images for presentations, your school website, leaflets and publications. And great photos help parents and governors understand what the CCF brings to the school, and raise awareness of its activities among students. A good photo library should contain a variety of types of pictures. Action shots make some of the most interesting cadet photographs, and can be particularly useful for presentations, school brochures and recruitment posters. However, it is important that you always check that the photos comply with all the safety requirements. For instance, if it is a photograph of cadets on an obstacle course, make sure everyone is wearing a helmet.
ACTION SHOTS If you’re using a DSLR, there are different ways you can capture action shots. Use a short shutter speed to capture a freeze frame of the action – or a longer exposure for a more arty, blurred version. But beware: it can take time and practice to get a good action shot in this way. Investigate whether any school departments have invested in other photographic equipment,
26 CONNECTED SPRING 2016
such as a GoPro that you could use to get action footage, which can be great for presentations.
LOCAL PRESS If you’re keen to get a story picked up in the local newspaper, or want to use it for a school magazine, there are a few important things to bear in mind. First, you need to send high-quality images; typically at least 1Mb but preferably around 2Mb and 300dpi. Next, don’t overwhelm a newspaper with photos. Instead, select a couple of your favourites to accompany a story. Do try and supply a mixture of portrait and landscape formats. In your covering email, include a caption for each photo. Don’t use cadets’ names unless key to the story – for instance, if it is about a cadet winning an award – and make sure that you have the correct consent to do so.
S H A R E YOU R P HO T OS
Share your best images with ccfmarketing@ armycadets.com for the chance to appear in a future issue of Connected .
Sqn Ldr Philip Jones RAF VR(T), Photographer for the Air Cadet Organisation in the South, shares his top tips on how to compose great pictures. In team photos, bring the captain or a similarly prominent person forward to make them stand out from the crowd. For presentation pictures you will rarely get the chance to re-shoot, so practise your exposure settings during the speeches. Most cadet uniforms have some form of recognition badge. Always try and get that clearly in shot. Avoid large group pictures. Detail is lost when printed. Don’t be afraid to use a small amount of flash, or a reflector, to lift shadows. Vary your view. Shooting slightly upwards allows faces to be seen when cadets are wearing head gear. For news shots, fill the frame. Give the recipient the crop you want them to see.
THE MAGAZINE FOR INSTRUCTORS OF THE COMBINED CADET FORCE
CONNECTED NEXT ISSUE
NEXT ISSUE: PREPARING FOR ANNUAL CAMP HOW TO RECRUIT CADETS TRY SERVICE ORIENTEERING COMMAND & LEADERSHIP TASKS AND MORE