THE MAGAZINE FOR INSTRUCTORS OF THE COMBINED CADET FORCE
CONNECTED SUMMER 2016
COMBINEDCADETFORCE.ORG.UK
LEADING THE WAY HOW THE CCF IS HELPING YOUNG PEOPLE TO BUILD CHARACTER AND RESILIENCE
TOP TIPS
ON HOW TO PREPARE AND PLAN FOR ANNUAL CAMP PAGE 16
HISTORY LESSON
ORGANISING YOUR OWN BATTLEFIELD STUDIES
INSIDE: NEWS COMMAND & LEADERSHIP TASKS ORIENTEERING HEADTEACHERS’ CONFERENCE INSPECTIONS AND MORE
CONTENTS
WELCOME
ISSU E #3: SU M M ER 2016 Feedback suggests the CCF conference was well received; there’s a summary later in this issue for those who couldn’t attend. Next year’s conference will look at the progression, from starting a CCF through first parade, partnership and, for some, standalone status. Cadets are enjoying an unprecedented level of support. The Cadet Expansion fund received a top-up in the budget and some £3.3 million of new money was allocated to accreditation over the next three years. Have a look at the section on earning qualifications through CVQO. Two IT systems and three logistic chains isn’t ideal. An MOD study is about to report on the IT, and my CCF team is looking at how we might achieve a single supply system to schools. In the meantime, Project Grosvenor is now live and requires CCF (Army) adults to claim their volunteer allowance on Westminster. It’s been a pleasure to support the Air Cadet Organisation at the annual competition at RAF Halton and to see so many CCF cadets in the leadership cadres in the Midlands and the North West this Easter. Well done to all involved! BRIGADIER MATTHEW LOWE MBE Deputy Commander Cadets, Regional Command
06
04
16
THIS ISSUE 06. STAYING POWER Tried-and-tested tactics for attracting and retaining new recruits
ON THE COVER Brentwood School CCF on parade.
10. TOUR OF DUTY The lessons cadets can learn from visiting battlefields
14. LEADING EDGE Orienteering is a useful skill for cadets from every service
18. HEADS TOGETHER The highlights of this year’s Headteachers’ Conference
20. DRIVING FORCE Welbeck principal Peter Middleton on training the leaders of the future
EVERY ISSUE 04. NEWS Trophies, tree planting and a new photography competition
16. HOW TO… Prepare for annual camp
22. COMMAND & LEADERSHIP Practical training tasks to test your cadets’ skills
24. HOW TO… Track attendance on Westminster
26. NOTICEBOARD Data security and inspections
30. HOW TO… Train to gain
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: marketing@combinedcadetforce.org.uk 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
A plaque on each tree will display the name of an Old Greshamian and the person who planted it
CADET NEWS FROM AROUND THE UK
WA R M E M O R I A L
Cadets honour the fallen Dulwich College CCF competing for the Air Squadron Trophy at RAF Halton
N AT I O N A L F I N A L
TROPHY TRIUMPH HARD WORK PAYS OFF FOR DULWICH COLLEGE CCF
D
ulwich College CCF is celebrating after winning the national fi nal of this year’s CCF Air Squadron Trophy Competition at RAF Halton. In a closely fought competition, Wilson’s School earned second place in
4 CONNECTED SUMMER 2016
the annual event, with Kimbolton School coming third. Cadet Warrant Officer Ben Schlossman, who led the Dulwich team, said: “The team has worked incredibly hard, and we are very proud. We’ve given up a lot of our free time to practice, and we’re pleased it’s paid off. We are also incredibly grateful for the energy, commitment and effort the staff put into helping us.” The awards were presented by Brigadier Matthew Lowe MBE, Deputy Commander Cadets, who praised the hard work and resilience shown by all the teams. All CCF (RAF) sections are eligible to enter regional heats, with the top three in each region reaching the national fi nal; this year, more than 220 cadets made it to this stage. Each team competes in seven disciplines: aircraft recognition, command tasks, drill, first aid, fitness tests, RAF knowledge and shooting.
Trees planted as lasting tribute to Old Greshamians CADETS AT GRESHAM’S SCHOOL CCF commemorated the centenary of the First World War by planting 114 trees representing the Old Greshamians who sacrificed their lives during the conflict. They will plant another 100 trees to recognise Old Greshamians who died during the Second World War. Each tree will bear a plaque with the name of the fallen and that of the cadet who planted the tree. “Cadets wanted to ensure that the 114 Old Greshamians who fell during WW1 would still be remembered long after the centenary commemorations,” said headmaster Douglas Robb. “By planting 114 trees, they have created a lasting tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice, as well as a quiet place for remembrance and reflection.”
GET IN TOUCH E: marketing@combinedcadetforce.org.uk @CCFcadets
C A D E T N E WS
FORCE FOR THE FUTURE
“We want to build students’ characters and, ultimately, lay the foundations of leadership” Peter Middleton, principal of Welbeck Defence Sixth Form College, pages 20-21
TA K E O F F
FLYING HIGH TRINITY SCHOOL CADETS TAKE TO THE SKIES ON FAREWELL TOUR
C
adets and staff from Trinity School were treated to trips over Teignmouth and Dawlish in a former Royal Navy search and rescue helicopter on its farewell tour thanks to a “cheeky request” by the school’s contingent commander, Lt Cdr (CCF) Geraldine Poulet-Bowden RNR. “As a CCF contingent we are very lucky to have close ties with Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose,” she said. “We submitted a bit of a cheeky request to be considered for a
CCF cadets from Trinity School took a trip over Teignmouth and Dawlish
771 Naval Air Squadron farewell visit; after all, a 771 helicopter visited Trinity as recently as 2015 for the biennial review. “It’s always good to keep in touch with your local service establishments to make sure you hear about these kind of opportunities. If you hear about something like this coming up, ask to get involved, as it can be a great experience for the cadets.” A rare day of glorious sunshine and clear skies meant that 60 CCF cadets and four members of staff were able to benefit from benign flying conditions and superb views.
Cadets and adult volunteers with a creative eye should aim to capture the spirit of adventure
COMPETITION
Launch of CCF photo competition Prove your thirst for adventure and win Jessops vouchers
A
dult volunteers and cadets with an eye for a striking image can win great prizes in our first ever CCF photographic competition. The best shots of the CCF in action will win £300 in Jessops vouchers, while the runners up in each category will take home vouchers worth £100. The theme this year is adventure, but this doesn’t mean entries have to be limited to images of adventurous training; it could be anything from going flying for the first time, a fieldcraft weekend or annual camp, as long as it shows the intrepid spirit of the CCF in action. The judges are particularly keen to see creative entries with unusual perspectives. Email your photos to marketing@ combinedcadetforce.org.uk with the subject “photo competition”. Please include the name of the entrant and the category (cadet or adult) in the body of the email. For full terms and conditions, visit www. combinedcadetforce.org.uk/photocomp
COMBINEDCADETFORCE.ORG.UK 5
FE ATURE
STAYING POWER Promotional posters, development days and moving drill: tried-and-tested tactics for attracting and retaining new recruits
RE CRUIT A N D RE TAIN
W
hen The Grammar School at Leeds saw a sudden fall in the number of students choosing cadets over the many other extracurricular activities available, contingent commander Diane Norton decided to take action. “Up until last year we had recruited 20 or 30 cadets per year, but last year it was down on expectations,” says Diane. She reasoned that the best way to find out why numbers had dropped was to ask students, so she gave a questionnaire to all of the school’s Year 8 and 9 students. “I wanted to discover some of their misconceptions about the CCF so that I could address them,” she says. Nearly everyone answered the survey, which meant Diane spent the summer processing the information and analysing the data in a spreadsheet. One fact that jumped out at her was that three quarters of the students who did a taster session went on to join up. While this correlation is likely to be connected to other factors as well – students who decide to do a taster may well have an aboveaverage interest in joining to begin with, for instance – it does suggest that creating more “try before you buy” options will increase recruitment. “It’s about getting kids across the threshold so that they can see what we are all about,” says Diane. Her approach: she has secured the opportunity to run a Year 8 personal development day, giving her the chance to get young people involved in activities
COMBINEDCADETFORCE.ORG.UK 7
RE CRUIT A N D RE TAIN
DID YOU KNOW?
CCFA is developing leaflets and posters to help you recruit cadets
ranging from climbing and camouflage to flight simulation. They will learn, enjoy themselves – and, if this marketing campaign succeeds – discover that there is more where this came from if they join the CCF. “I really hope that giving them a taste of the activities we offer will help recruitment,” she says.
RANGE OF ACTIVITIES Another change initiated in response to the survey’s findings has been an overhaul of where the cadets meet so that drill is less visible to potential recruits. “Quite a lot of students thought that all we did was parade up and down in the square that they passed as they left school. They got the impression that all cadets did was stand in the cold and get shouted at by sixth formers. We’ve moved that so we are no longer in full view.” She is also doing more to promote the other, less visible activities undertaken by cadets by making sure that updates about events and successes are mentioned in school and house assemblies. To support this promotional activity she has created new posters and two new leaflets outlining the benefits of joining the CCF (for parents) and the breadth of fun activities involved (for students). “We also tell parents about the fact that we are a safe organisation focused on helping students with their development and that we are not a recruiting arm of the Armed Forces.” But it’s not just recruitment on Diane’s agenda; she also wants to make sure that her cadets stay on. “Traditionally there is a
8 CONNECTED SUMMER 2016
“IT’S ABOUT GETTING KIDS ACROSS THE THRESHOLD SO THEY CAN SEE WHAT WE ARE ALL ABOUT. I REALLY HOPE THAT GIVING THEM A TASTE OF THE ACTIVITIES WE OFFER WILL HELP RECRUITMENT” drop-off at the end of Year 9, and sometimes another as students prepare to start sixth form,” she says. Exams are a factor in both of these, but for younger students there also seems to be a sense that they have tried it for a year and that now it is time to try one of the many other extracurricular activities on offer. “So I wrote a letter to all our cadets outlining what the next year will bring – all the exciting things that we have planned and that they would miss out on if they left – and telling them that I looked forward to
seeing them on the parade ground after the holidays. I also told those going in to sixth form how important it would be for their UCAS applications. “And it really worked. I have retained every recruit from the previous year. It’s a very strong cohort.”
FIND OUT MORE For more information go to combined cadetforce.org.uk/about-us/about-the-ccf/ ccf-roles/how-to-get-involved
RE CRUIT A N D RE TAIN
TOP TIPS
To recruit and retain
1
Target your messages. Parents will want to know about safety and child development, while students will be more interested in the activities available.
2
Give students a chance to test run some of the activities, so they get a real sense of what being in the CCF involves.
3
Use assemblies to talk about what cadets have been doing. This will show how exciting it is and also help to correct misconceptions.
4 5
Push your cadets. Young people are always keen to rise to a challenge.
Plan your training so it is realistic and enjoyable – and not something they can get somewhere else.
6
At the end of each school year tell your current cadets what they can look forward to in the year ahead.
GET ACTIVE
The spirit of competition Cadets get to experience unique and entertaining activities
CREATING FRIENDLY competition between groups of new recruits helps them get to know each other while fostering team spirit and building social bonds that will help to keep them engaged with the CCF. Here is the CCFA’s advice on one way to do this:
1
Divide new recruits into subsections or flights from the outset. It can help to assign a leader and deputy within each team; they can be given simple logistical tasks, such as moving cadets between different activities on parade afternoon and taking registers.
2
Set up a system so teams earn points for high performance in mini-competitions or activities, and good effort in training.
3
At the end of the first term, or the first year, present a trophy or other small award to the team with the most points.
COMBINEDCADETFORCE.ORG.UK 9
FE ATURE
TOUR OF DUTY Visiting historic battlefields teaches cadets not just about military theory, but the importance of leadership and integrity throughout life
BAT T L E FIE L D S T U D IE S
B
attlefield visits have an important part to play in increasing cadets’ understanding of what they learn about in the classroom.Major David Taylor, the CCF contingent commander at Oakham School CCF, says: “It is a chance to say to cadets ‘look at what the campaign was all about – what would you have done here?’ It gets them thinking about the decision-making process, gives them an appreciation of the military theory we talk about in the syllabus and brings real colour to their training. “They can see this is what happened, this is how soldiers approached the situation and this is the leadership that was involved. The intent is to get cadets to understand that leadership is critical in any context; it lets them see that success in anything you do requires integrity, a clear position and the ability to give clear orders.” His approach to planning battlefield studies reflects the 1,080-pupil school’s ethos of educating the whole person: all international excursions include an expedition and a service element as well as military history. “The battlefield study is just one aspect of a broader overseas tour that includes a Duke of Edinburgh’s Award gold-qualifying expedition and voluntary work,” he says. “It is important that cadets do community work… to reflect that mindset of gratitude.” On a trip to the Falklands, as well as visiting Mount Harriet on a battlefield trip, cadets painted decking at a veterans’ lodge in Port Stanley. Trips to Spain have included
COMBINEDCADETFORCE.ORG.UK 11
BAT T L E FIE L D S T U D IE S
visits to sites at Salamanca and Talavera, as well as maintenance work on a monument. Where possible, David plans visits that have a connection to the school or to the CCF’s badged unit, the Royal Anglian Regiment. “One of our old boys went up Mount Harriet, and we had a number of serving soldiers in the Peninsular campaign,” he says. “And Salamanca and Talavera are both battle honours of the Royal Anglian.” Not all the trips have such a direct connection, though; a visit to Telemark in Norway will simply focus on the achievement secured in difficult conditions, for instance. David chooses sites associated with successful campaigns, and prefers scenarios that show the importance of leadership.
TIME, MONEY AND SUPPORT Money is always a consideration, even though pupils at David’s school tend to come from well-off families. “We want to make it cost effective. We took 12 cadets to the Falklands for 10 days for £375 each,” he says. “Support came from a variety of sources and not
always as cash.” For instance, he cut travel costs by securing seats on a military plane. “It is also worth approaching regimental associations and organisations, such as the Ulysses Trust,” he says. (See box, p13, for more funding tips). David recommends allowing plenty of planning time. “You need 18 months to get together a trip like this. Also, take no more than 20 cadets, otherwise you will need to take extra staff.” Finally, “Make sure there is time to relax and have fun, too,” he adds.
TOP TIPS Have a good look at logistics in advance – transport, meal breaks and so on – and don’t try to fit too much in, particularly on a short trip. If possible, send someone to do a recce in advance. Keep costs down by doing your own research rather than using a tour provider. There is a lot of information available online. Encourage cadets (and adult instructors) to spend some time learning about what happened before they go. Choose central accommodation so you don’t have to spend too much time travelling between sites. Be aware that some sites, such as cemeteries in places like Ypres, can be emotionally overpowering places. Make sure all your paperwork, including any diplomatic clearance that may be necessary, is in order in plenty of time.
Battlefield studies can offer cadets a chance to reflect
12 CONNECTED SUMMER 2016
BAT T L E FIE L D S T U D IE S
DID YOU KNOW?
Your brigade SO2 may be able to help with funding through Op Reflect
Cadets always benefit hugely from their trips
SHOW ME THE MONEY
RAISING FUNDS
“THERE IS no central funding or
or charitable funds that can
instance, in Cheshire we have
of the reserve and cadet
MOD sponsorship available for
help – it’s just a matter of
the Macclesfield Drill Hall Trust.
forces fund expeditions and
battlefield studies, so it all has
tapping into them.
The RFCA would be the people
adventurous training, is also
to contact for this.”
worth contacting. Do not
to be self-help,” says Richard
“Try talking to solicitors and
Ayres, a former CCF contingent
the council. And be prepared
commander at Sandbach
to give something in return; in
planned destination,
School in Cheshire.
Rotary’s case, for instance,
regimental associations and
staff or – preferably – cadets
old comrades associations
are talking about [from any one
approach their local Rotary
should expect to give a
may also be able to help.
organisation] is quite small. It
Club or similar organisations,
presentation about the trip.
The Ulysses Trust
won’t fund the whole trip but it
“CCFs at state schools could
Depending on the
forget the school’s old boys’ or old girls’ clubs, either. “The amount of money we
such as the Order of St George.
“Then there are military
(ulyssestrust.co.uk), which
might give £100 to an individual
And many towns have bursaries
charities that might help. For
was set up to help members
to help them to go.”
COMBINEDCADETFORCE.ORG.UK 13
TRY SERVICE
Orienteering teaches planning and map-reading skills
LEADING EDGE Enjoying the great outdoors while working out how to navigate: Glyn Buckley believes every cadet can learn a lot from orienteering
T
here are some skills and activities that are so strongly associated with one of the services that they can be overlooked by the others. Here, Warrant Officer Class One Glyn Buckley from UK Regional Command explains why orienteering is a great sport for any cadet, not just those in Army sections.
at sea or in the air as on the land. Challenging cadets to read a map while running over rough terrain, observing the landscape for distinguishing features and planning a route – all against the clock – is a great way to learn and practice navigation skills while having fun outdoors. Best of all, it’s a sport that requires very little equipment: a map and compass, comfy clothing and waterproofs are enough to get anyone started.
SKILLS FOR LIFE
FIND A COURSE
Whether you’re Royal Navy, Royal Marines, Army or Royal Air Force, navigation is a hugely important skill: taking bearings and understanding distances is just as important
Make your own course (see box, p15) or look for an existing course near you. These fixed courses, which can be found in public parks and forests, are typically designed for
“TAKING BEARINGS AND UNDERSTANDING DISTANCES IS JUST AS IMPORTANT AT SEA OR IN THE AIR AS ON THE LAND” WO1 Glyn Buckley
14 CONNECTED SUMMER 2016
beginners. Courses graded yellow or orange – easy or medium – are a good place for cadets to start. As they progress they can work their way up to courses that involve more distance, trickier navigation, or both.
HOW IT WORKS Each course has a series of control points that individuals must navigate to in the shortest time possible. Each team is given a control description sheet so that they know exactly what they are looking for; they should use the International Orienteering Federation’s guide (bit.ly/23JOU5I) to decode the symbols. On arrival at each point the individual should note down the code, or use an electronic tag to register their arrival.
EVENTS As your cadets progress, give them the chance to test their skills in a national event. Level A events are hardest, while
O RIE N T E E RIN G
DID YOU KNOW?
CCFs participate at a national level and are regularly among the top performing teams
TRY THIS
Cadets have to learn how to work as part of a team
navigation. Most maps use a 1:15000 or 1:10000 scale and include a comprehensive legend to help explain the international orienteering symbols used. They are also drawn using magnetic north, so they can be a useful training aid when teaching cadets about the differences between magnetic, grid and true north.
those at level D are suitable for beginners. CCF contingents are also eligible to take part in the National Cadet Orienteering Championships, which are held each year in November.
MAPS Orienteering maps are typically much more detailed than those used for expeditions over larger areas, such as those undertaken for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. This means they can be a useful first introduction to map work for cadets who lack experience or confidence in
FIND OUT MORE See www.britishorienteering.org.uk/event for a list of upcoming events. Contact your brigade for more information.
MAPPED OUT
KEY ADVICE
1
01 The map is colour coded to help navigation and route selection
2
3
6
05 Features shown in black are normally man-made, ie tracks and buildings
5
06 Features that are shown in brown are natural features like contours and re-entrants 07 A legend will indicate the type of terrain that will be run over
7
1
Choose a suitable start location; mark this on the map with a triangle.
2
Place your controls and mark them on the map with circles. Each control should have an identifying mark/code for the teams to collect. Mark the end of your course on the map using a double circle.
Prepare a simple legend to illustrate the different features on the maps.
03 A double circle shows the finish
4
Equipment: Map of the area (orienteering, Ordnance Survey or hand drawn), compass, pencils and card, orienteering markers – these could be as simple as a sports cone. Aim: To familiarise your cadets with the maps and symbols used in orienteering by challenging them to establish their own mini orienteering course. Senior cadets should be able to plan and lay out the course before small groups of more junior cadets complete it.
3 4
02 Circles show where the controls are located 04 A triangle shows the start point of the course
CREATE YOUR OWN ORIENTEERING COURSE
5
Complete a course description sheet for each of your controls using the International Orienteering Federation control codes as a reference.
8
08 A course description sheet describes the following: a. Control code b. Control description (feature) c. Course distance (line) d. Climb (height)
COMBINEDCADETFORCE.ORG.UK 15
HOW TO
HOW TO
PREPARE FOR ANNUAL CAMP Advice to guarantee cadets are all set for the great outdoors
A
nnual camp is the culmination of a cadet’s training throughout the year and can be one of the highlights of their entire CCF experience. This year, CCFs around the country will attend camps at more than 30 different Naval, Army and Air bases around the UK – flying, sailing, shooting, and meeting other cadets from different parts of the UK. Camps will have a standard kit list, which it’s important that cadets understand and
adhere to – even more experienced cadets sometimes have a tendency to overpack. However, it’s not just about the kit list. For those cadets who are attending their first ever camp there are a number of things to keep in mind to help them get the most out of the experience. If your cadets haven’t met officers from all of the services, it can be useful to give them a quick introduction to how to identify the rank slides of any officers they might meet on camp. Equally, giving them an understanding of the messing
“Giving cadets an understanding of the messing arrangements is also useful, as it should help mealtimes run smoothly”
CAMP
FACTS 16 CONNECTED SUMMER 2016
arrangements is also useful, as it should help mealtimes run smoothly. Another option – one that can make the experience even more interesting – is to hold a pre-camp training night, when you can give a briefing about the base, or ask cadets to do some research about what the base does and who trains there. Some camps have a fascinating history that dates back to before the First World War, while others are areas of significant ecological interest that offer a variety of animal-spotting opportunities. You can find information about campsites on the MOD website, as well as on the single service websites. Here are a few facts that we’ve dug up ourselves to get you started.
01
02
03
for the many and varied ranges on site; it is also home to a number of rare plants due to its position on a floodplain of the River Witham.
was a training base for fast jet fighters during the Second World War and saw the launch of the 617 “Dambusters” Squadron’s attacks on the Ruhr dams in Germany.
is located on the Tay estuary and is a Site of Special Scientific Interest, an EU Special Area of Conservation and a Special Protection Area for its bird populations.
BECKINGHAM CAMP is well known
RAF LOSSIEMOUTH
BARRY BUDDON
04
WARCOP is one of the most beautiful and ecologically diverse training areas in the UK. It has 16 ancient monuments ranging from Neolithic burial mounds to medieval villages and is home to a wide range of wildlife.
01 Beckingham: The 24hour night ambush exercise by Mount St Mary’s College CCF with a section attached from Bradfield College CCF at last year’s Central Camp
03
02
FIND OUT MORE Visit bit.ly/1VjIdCu for more about the different bases
02 RAF Lossiemouth: Cadets from Kelvinside Academy CCF enjoy a tour of the hangar at RAF Lossiemouth 03 Barry Buddon: A haven for birds and wildlife 04 Warcop: Sedbergh School pupils enjoy the obstacle
04
02
05 RAF Halton: Halton House, scene of many a famous TV show 06 Crowborough: Reddam House CCF flying the flag at its Crowborough Camp 07 HMS Bristol: Cadets at last year’s camp enjoy sailing in front of HMS Bristol
03
01
08 Penally: Rewarding yet challenging training for all cadets at camp
05
09 CTCRM: Cadets eager to learn at Lympstone course at Warcop Camp
04
08
9 01
09
06
05
08
06 07 09
05
06
Mess at RAF Halton has a long history. It was built for Alfred de Rothschild in the 1880s, then sold to the RAF upon his death. It has been used as a filming location for Poirot, The World Is Not Enough and Downton Abbey.
camp has been used as a filming location for many TV shows. At least two episodes of Dr Who have used the training base as a backdrop for militarythemed storylines.
RAF HALTON The Officers’
CROWBOROUGH
07
07
08
only Type 82 destroyer
established in 1860 to train new musketeers after the Crimean War. The camp was also used for accommodation and training throughout the First and Second World Wars.
HMS BRISTOL was the
built for the Royal Navy. It is now a training base that hosts more than 17,000 visitors – including cadets – every year.
09
PENALLY was
CTCRM (LYMPSTONE) is the only site in Defence that has its own railway station, Lympstone Commando, which was opened in 1976.
COMBINEDCADETFORCE.ORG.UK 17
FE ATURE
HEADS TOGETHER Headteachers from around the country came together for the 2016 CCF Headteachers’ Conference at Welbeck – The Defence Sixth Form College
I
n March, Welbeck – The Defence Sixth Form College hosted headteachers and senior leaders from schools across the UK at this year’s CCF Headteachers’ Conference. The heads were joined by the GOC, Maj Gen Richard Stanford, and were involved in a series of lively debates as well as updated on policy and process. All services were well represented, as were the state and independent sectors, which had roughly equal numbers of attendees. Several of those in attendance were representatives from schools that are in the process of establishing a CCF under the Cadet Expansion Programme (CEP); others came from schools that are considering taking part in the next round of the expansion, which is now underway and aims to increase the number of CCFs to 500 by 2020. In his speech Edward Timpson MP, the minister for children and families and a
18 CONNECTED SUMMER 2016
former cadet, told the conference about the Department for Education’s focus on building character and resilience and its determination to expand the CCF to offer the cadet experience to a broad range of schools. Single Service leads discussed the achievements of the CCF over the past year, as well as the areas that the services would like to prioritise. Here is a round-up of some of the other ideas expressed at the conference: BRIGADIER MATTHEW LOWE Deputy Commander Cadets, Regional Command On the changing face of the CCF
“We’re now at rough parity between the independent and state schools in the
CCF construct. That is going to be tipped by the opening of 150 new CCFs in the state sector over the next five years. I think, by 2018, the independent schools are going to be in the minority, and by 2020 they will be outnumbered by the state sector.”
MAJOR GENERAL RICHARD STANFORD General Officer Commanding, Regional Command On the importance of providing feedback
“Please get involved in the discussion. We don’t have all the bright ideas, sitting here in our ivory tower, we might not always get it quite right – and it’s really important that you feed that back in to us. We are in this together and we need feedback.”
DID YOU KNOW?
COMMODORE JONATHAN FRY
H E A D T E ACH E RS’ CO N FE RE N CE
You can view videos from the conference on the CCF website
Head of Capability and Cadets, RF&C On how established CCFs can help CEP schools
“Many schools that are thinking of setting up a cadet unit would value visiting a school that has one, so they can see how it works and talk to some of the staff, in order to understand the level of commitment, and the level of benefit. There may be opportunities for you to share facilities with new schools nearby, as they’re building up. Also, if you’re having events, perhaps you can invite some of the cadets from nearby schools along to those. I know that many of you already provide that resource sharing and partnering, giving up time and resources. Thank you very much for doing that because, to be honest, the programme could not be successful without you.”
IAN DAVIES Headteacher, Brentwood School On the relationship with the MOD
“I understand the MOD is under immense pressure and faces enormous challenges. It would be very helpful if the MOD showed a greater understanding of the pressures that we are all under, at schools. The CCF is a really important part of what we do at Brentwood, but it’s not the only thing we do. A way to help would be to show an appreciation of the pressure my hard-working teachers are under. They want to be involved, and they can see the benefit to themselves and the pupils involved, but they have [many] other calls on their time. Many of them will also be involved in music, sport, drama and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. If
Edward Timpson MP, Minister of State for Children and Families, signing the guestbook at the conference
the CCF commissioning process and training package is too complicated and unpleasant, my teachers may choose not to embark on it.”
AIR COMMODORE DAWN MCCAFFERTY Commandant Air Cadets, Air Cadet Organisation On the interaction between community cadets and CCF
“As part of the Air Cadet 2020 Strategy, one of our themes has been to encourage the two elements of the organisation to work together in order to share resources and expertise. The CCF contingents often have some super facilities that local community cadets lack and it would be great to see shared access where possible. The ATC squadrons often have significant expertise and experience within the adult volunteer and senior cadet cadres, which could really enhance the training provided to CCF (RAF) cadets. So, as Comdt Air Cadets, I encourage my staff and cadets to work together as
much as possible to deliver a safe and exciting air cadet experience in both the CCF sections and the ATC community squadrons.”
COMMODORE BOB FANCY Commander, Core Training, Royal Navy On the close bond between the cadets and the Royal Marine Corps
“Cadets share an incredibly close relationship with the Royal Marine Corps. The Royal Marines reach out and put their arms around their people from a very young age and include them in the ‘Corps family’ right the way through to the veterans. There is a very special affinity between the Royal Marines and the RM Cadets, exemplified in 2014 when the cadets were front and centre at the RM350 celebrations.”
COMBINEDCADETFORCE.ORG.UK 19
The teaching and facilities at Welbeck prepare the sixth formers well for future careers with the MOD civil service or the armed forces
INTERVIEW
DRIVING FORCE
Principal Peter Middleton explains how Welbeck – The Defence Sixth Form College is helping to train the leaders of the future
W
elbeck – The Defence Sixth Form College is on an impressive site. The co-educational boarding school, which prepares students for a technical or engineering career within the Armed Forces or the MOD civil service, has state-of-the-art teaching facilities, numerous sports fields and an armoured recovery vehicle on display in its landscaped entrance. It offers an intensive academic education with a strong emphasis on maths and
20 CONNECTED SUMMER 2016
science, combined with a variety of extracurricular activities, including, naturally enough, CCF. About 60 per cent of the students are former cadets of one sort or another, so parade ground routines are familiar to many of them. However, principal Peter Middleton, who has taught at a number of schools with CCF contingents, sees Welbeck’s CCF as primarily a personal and leadership development tool rather than a military one. “If I were to take a slice through the metaphorical Welbeck cake, then I would expect to see personal development and
leadership in there,” he says. “We want to develop students’ personal attributes, use them to build their characters and, ultimately, lay the foundations of leadership. “We can do that by increasing students’ self-efficacy and their ability to manage themselves, whilst ensuring their level of selfconfidence is such that their humility remains and that they start to understand what the privilege of command is going to be later on.”
INCREASED EFFECTIVENESS His goal is for Welbexians to become “force multipliers” – that is, men and women who will increase the effectiveness of their future chosen service. He wants them to develop the attributes exemplified in the Army’s values and standards, including commitment, resilience, the ability to take personal responsibility for their actions and a willingness to stretch themselves. “We do this through a number of vehicles. One, clearly, is academic, but there are a range of opportunities through the military, through the CCF. The CCF provides military skills training and promotes sports and personal fitness,” says Middleton, who has been at Welbeck for nearly three years. CCF is compulsory for all students, with each joining the detachment relevant to the
W E L B E CK CO L L E G E
DID YOU KNOW? Welbeck uses a purple training programme: all services train together
Welbeck puts a big emphasis on sport as well as military skills
“THE CCF IS CENTRAL TO BUILDING THE PERSONAL AND LEADERSHIP QUALITIES THAT WILL ENABLE WELBEXIANS TO BECOME FORCE MULTIPLIERS IN THEIR SERVICE CAREERS” Welbeck principal Peter Middleton service they will join and in which they will attend initial officer training once they have graduated from university. This means just under half are Army, with the remainder split between RAF and RN. There are also 30 students who are preparing for a civilian career in the MOD’s Defence Engineering and Science Group. These will select their own service and are affiliated to that during their time at the college. Each year the college also admits about 15 private students. Nearly half of these will eventually be commissioned as an officer in one of the armed forces.
UNIQUE WELBECK “From our perspective CCF is a vehicle. The type of military training we have has to fall within a CCF umbrella, because that gives assurance, insurance and ensures that safe systems of training are all adhered to. “But because Welbeck is unique, and all our students are sixth formers, it can present some challenges. Occasionally a three-star cadet arrives at Welbeck wanting to progress this qualification. He or she will already have a significant level of weapons handling and other military appreciation and training, but that’s not the aspect we major in here.
“When we teach areas of military training that such students have done before, they can support the training and ensure those without prior experience can learn quickly from the peer support they offer. “That is personal development. We are looking at developing students for future leadership roles. Clearly that happens in many areas at Welbeck – arguably more when they’re not in CCF mode than when they’re in it.” When it comes to integrating CCF into the ethos of the school, it happens formally on two afternoons a week, but is embedded far more deeply and widely thanks to the fact Welbeck has four members of permanent military staff. “They don’t just work on a CCF afternoon – their engagement is across the whole of what the college is doing. You can’t say where our CCF begins and ends. The essence of personal development and leadership that forms a core component of the CCF goes through everything we do.”
TOP TIPS
Regional Command advises how to integrate the CCF into your school Get buy-in from the senior management team If possible, timetable the CCF as an option within the school day Encourage staff members to volunteer. For instance, explain that CCF provides an opportunity for them to deal with pupils in a constructive context outside the classroom Keep your senior cadets engaged. For example, give them opportunities to work with your adult volunteers on leading activities. Engaged senior cadets make good candidates for student appointments within the school Encourage cadets to uphold the standards of CCF uniform and behaviour during the whole school day Cadets could wear their uniform for the whole school day when the CCF is timetabled. Please check with your brigade for security advice
FIND OUT MORE For more information about Welbeck – The Defence Sixth Form College, visit its website at www.dsfc.ac.uk
The CCF is included in the Welbeck timetable
COMBINEDCADETFORCE.ORG.UK 21
T E A M B UIL D IN G
COMMAND AND LEADERSHIP THREE TASKS FOR YOUR CADETS DESIGNED TO TEACH PLANNING, TEAMWORK AND PROBLEM SOLVING TASK 1
TASK 2
TASK 3
A CRACKING EXERCISE
SCAVENGER HUNT
SCULPTURE SHIFTER
Equipment: A box of eggs (ideally hard boiled), newspaper, balloons, tape, paperclips, elastic bands Time: 15 minutes to build and another 15 minutes to test Where: Works best outdoors Aim: Build a shock-proof container to stop an egg cracking when it is thrown Benefits: Teamwork, planning, logic Instructions and result: Cadets were split into teams of four. Each team was given newspaper and tape, paperclips, a balloon and an egg. Cadets found various ways to protect the egg; some found elaborate uses for the balloon, while others opted for maximum padding with newspaper. An instructor then threw each egg in turn, going further each time, until only one egg was intact.
Equipment: None Time: 20 minutes Where: Indoors or outdoors Aim: Find an item in the local surroundings to represent each letter of the alphabet Benefits: Planning, delegation, problem solving Instructions and result: Cadets split into small teams. Some teams launched straight into hunting for items, others planned and delegated specific letters to individuals. This approach resulted in far less duplication and frustration. When focusing on a small number of items, cadets quickly realised they could source many suitable items from among their personal kit.
Equipment: Crates, planks and any other assorted leadership kit Time: 15 minutes Where: Indoors or outdoors Aim: Move a modern art sculpture comprised of leadership kit from one “island” to another Benefits: Planning, attention to detail, team coordination Instructions and result: Instructor assembled a structure comprising chairs, cones, balls, drainpipes, flags, crates and planks on a marked square. Teams were tasked with dismantling and recreating the sculpture on another “island” – using the crates and planks to travel between islands. The best groups took time to ensure they captured the exact details of the sculpture, as points were knocked off for any inaccuracies.
MAKE IT EASIER: Provide bubble wrap.
MAKE IT EASIER: Remove some tricky letters such as “x” and “z”.
MAKE IT EASIER: Give them pens and paper to draw the sculpture.
MAKE IT HARDER: Limit the amount of sticky tape to 50cm per team.
MAKE IT HARDER: Reduce the time allowed, or restrict where they can search for items.
MAKE IT HARDER: The more complex the structure, the harder the exercise.
22 CONNECTED SUMMER 2016
Cadets consider how to best protect their egg
1
2
The Sculpture Shifter task requires lots of focus and attention to detail
DID YOU KNOW?
3
This summer’s CCF website relaunch will include a database of command task ideas COMBINEDCADETFORCE.ORG.UK 23
HOW TO
HOW TO
TRACK ATTENDANCE ON WESTMINSTER Explaining the new process for managing volunteer allowance and home to duty claims
T
he CCF will shortly switch to managing all volunteer allowance (VA) and home to duty (HTD) claims through Westminster, which means the process for making a claim will change. Here, Anthony Shallow, SO3 (ICT) Cadets, UK Regional Command, explains the new streamlined process.
L I N K I NG C L A I M S T O AT T E N D A N C E
1
Activities: All VA and HTD claims need to be linked to an activity, which can be either an event or a course. This means that anyone setting up an event needs to set up an activity to ensure that these claims can be made.
These options are found within the event set up.
The relevant box or boxes need to be checked and filled in. Doing this gives volunteers the option to make a claim, although the claim itself will be subject to approval at contingent HQ level.
24 CONNECTED SUMMER 2016
2
Attendance: This must be updated at the end of any activity. The old “days attended” functions have been altered so that you can record ¼, ½, ¾ or full days.
The nominal roll page allows the SSI to record the daily attendance. This can be done individually or in bulk. If attendance is not recorded volunteers will not be able to claim VA or HTD. Recording attendance is also vital for cadet and volunteer training records.
Cadets from The Priory LSST CCF
HOW TO
3
Making claims: When the system goes live, a new icon will appear on the front page of Westminster. Volunteers can log into the system at any stage to make their claims.
Each activity that is attended will be shown in the report. Volunteers need to go into each activity and specify their claim for each day attended.
When claims are submitted they are automatically sent to contingent HQ for approval.
4
Keep track of days claimed: Volunteers can view their claims at any stage in the process. A complete claim history is available through the “my remuneration tools” area, which gives a running total of all VA and HTD claims.
5
Non-standard claims: These can be created to record attendance at an activity outside a volunteer’s normal unit – for instance, assisting another contingent – so that he or she can claim VA. Non-standard claims needs to be authorised by a volunteer who is ranked captain or above. Once the claim is submitted this person will be sent an email informing them of claims awaiting approval. For more help, submit a ticket through the Defence Gateway portal: helpdesk.defencegateway.mod.uk/index. php?/Tickets/Submit
DID YOU KNOW? You can use the TRAINING environment to practise using Westminster
COMBINEDCADETFORCE.ORG.UK 25
NOTICEBOARD UPDATES FROM HQ REGIONAL COMMAND
Cadets from Royal Hospital School on camp. Users can now access Westminster in remote locations, or offline at camp
I T U P D AT E
IMPROVING DATA SECURITY EVERY CCF WILL RECEIVE A LAPTOP AND SECURE USB DRIVE FOR SAFE ACCESS TO WESTMINSTER AND THE DEFENCE GATEWAY
A
s part of an ongoing effort to offer secure data storage and mitigate the risk of losing sensitive data, each CCF will be issued with a kiosk laptop and Windows to Go (WTG) device. These will allow
“AS THIS IS A KIOSK MACHINE, NOTHING WILL BE SAVED ONTO THE DEVICE”
26 CONNECTED SUMMER 2016
secure access to the Defence Gateway and Westminster.
WHAT IS A KIOSK LAPTOP? Kiosk laptops, which are loaded with Windows 8.1 and Microsoft Office 2013, allow multiple CFAVs access to internet services in order to plan lessons and browse nonpersonal information on Westminster. However, it is not possible to save any information on to the laptops. As this is a kiosk machine, nothing can be saved on to the device.
WHAT IS A WTG DEVICE? This is a USB drive that is inserted into a computer and allows the user
to run a computer off the device. This is a secure device and will allow the user to access Westminster and save information onto the device. The devices run Windows 8.1 and have Microsoft Office installed, in line with the laptop. The devices will be for individual use and will be issued to CFAVs. Each device comes with two passwords, one of which is a very secure Bitlocker password. The device will work with or without a network connection, which means users can still access their information while in remote locations or offline.
N O TI CE B OA RD
TOUR OF DUTY
The benefits of taking cadets on battlefield trips page 10
IN BRIEF
CCFs will benefit from a new joint logistics proposal to order uniform and other items
“YOU WILL STILL BE ABLE TO ACCESS WESTMINSTER FROM MOBILE PHONES AND TABLETS” CAN I STILL ACCESS WESTMINSTER WITHOUT A WTG DEVICE? Yes. If you log in without your WTG device, you will not see any sensitive information. You will still be able to access Westminster from mobile devices such as phones and tablets.
CAN I STILL USE MY PERSONAL COMPUTER TO ACCESS WESTMINSTER? You can still use your personal computer to access Westminster, but you won’t see any sensitive information without your WTG device.
WHERE CAN I GET HELP? There is a dedicated Westminster helpdesk support team on hand to help. They can be contacted on helpdesk@cadetmail.mod.uk
To use your WTG device on your own computer you have to change your BIOS settings to allow the computer to boot from the device. Detailed instructions on how to do this will be sent out with the devices.
THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING A big thank you to all schools that responded to the consultation. We will send the MOU to schools for signature shortly. JOINT LOGISTICS PROPOSAL The CCF Executive Committee has approved the development of a new joint logistics proposal, which will mean that contingents will have one point of contact for ordering all uniforms and other items. Planned rollout is September 2016; further details will follow. JOINT BASIC SYLLABUS The Executive Committee has also developed a joint basic syllabus to allow schools to conduct basic training for all service sections. Again, we hope to roll this out for September 2016.
GET IN TOUCH You can contact us via email and follow us on Twitter: E: marketing@combinedcadetforce.org.uk @ccfcadets
COMBINEDCADETFORCE.ORG.UK 27
N O TI CE B OA RD
INSPECTIONS
THE NEW ASSURANCE REGIME MAJ (RETD) JOHN CRACKNELL, SO2 CCF CEP & TRANSFORMATION, ON THE NEW ANNUAL ASSURANCE INSPECTIONS FOR CCF CONTINGENTS
F
ROM SEPTEMBER this year, annual assurance inspections will replace the pre-inspection process linked to the CCF biennial review. The new system, which will be embedded in Westminster, will draw on information already submitted by contingents. It will make it easier to monitor and assure CCF contingents and single service sections, and will highlight areas that require further guidance, help and support. CCF contingents that have not yet used Westminster are urged
The annual inspection regime is being formalised
28 CONNECTED SUMMER 2016
to start now to ensure that they are ready to meet the new assurance process.
BACKGROUND There is currently no formal annual assurance or annual inspection for CCFs. However, there is a need to verify mandated staff training and qualifications and confirm annual training syllabus progression. The current regime is based on a pre-inspection conducted every two years before each contingent’s biennial review. The B153-B form used is out of date and does not meet the services’ annual assurance requirements of safe systems of training. While we recognise the biennial review’s important role as an opportunity to showcase schools and their CCF contingents, it is time to uncouple the preinspection from the review and to formalise an annual assurance inspection regime that allows the MOD and chain
of command to monitor staff qualifications and cadet training progression. The aim is to have a single document in the cadet MIS for use by all service sections without creating an additional burden on those running the CCF.
KEY FEATURES The report will be populated with information directly from Westminster, saving time for users, while ensuring accuracy and consistency across all assurance reporting. Supporting information is available from various reports already available in Westminster. Missing information is easily updated in Westminster, which keeps the master data up to date. The document can be downloaded and printed from Westminster. Brigade and Regional Command can monitor the progress of each assurance report.
N O TI CE B OA RD
MORE UPDATES
The new system will make it easier to monitor and track progress
Circulation for comment is managed in Westminster. Objectives and groups can be changed by the administrator without having to re-issue the report. All assurance inspection reports will be retained in Westminster as a historical record and are available as required. The goal is to link the report to the Bader MIS.
FORMAL INSPECTIONS The inspection year starts in September and looks back over a full year. The OC of the Cadet Training Team (CTT) will implement a coordinated tri-service annual inspection programme, to be conducted by service liaison and training staff. The lead for annual inspections is to be shared by the single services represented in the contingent. Where appropriate, the programme should coincide with outside inspections on CTTs carried out by Logistic
Inspection (ECI) programmes to minimise disruption.
Visit combined cadetforce.org.uk for the latest news
SECTIONS AND GRADES The report has 10 sections, each with graded objectives. A hover-over menu explains the grading choice and links to further comments and explanation. Grades are colour-coded to make them easier to see and linked to an overall grade at the front of the document, helping to easily identify those areas that need to addressed. Previous inspection results are shown, providing a performance backdrop for the assurance team and chain of command.
SANCTIONS The annual assurance inspection report has been designed to monitor contingents and ensure that they are being managed properly and staffed adequately; that they meet the mandated objective; and that they deliver a
structured training syllabus for cadets. It identifies areas that need to be addressed by direct support from the Regional CTT, AIs or TEST staff. Contingents that continue to fail or have significant problems may be placed into special measures or face suspension as laid down in JSP 313.
TRIAL AND ROLL OUT 7 Infantry Brigade has agreed to run the main trial, which began in April. It will have support from other single-service users to finalise the development of the process. We are currently on track for full operating capability on 1 September 2016. The initial trial has indicated that many contingents are yet to fully engage with Westminster, although the landscape is now changing. Adult volunteers should contact their CTT/AI or TEST personnel if they are struggling with any aspects of the system.
COMBINEDCADETFORCE.ORG.UK 29
HOW TO
HOW TO
The CVQO graduates from 2015
SIGN ME UP
Train to gain CVQO offers a range of internationally recognised qualifications
I
t costs about £9,000 to get a master’s degree in business and management from the Open University – and almost twice that if you want an MBA. But it is possible for CCF instructors to earn an equivalent qualification through CVQO for less than £1,000, says Guy Horridge, the education charity’s chief executive. “A level 7 City & Guilds qualification will allow you to reflect on your time as an instructor in the CCF, and get an internationally recognised qualification that will enhance your career prospects,” he says.
GET AHEAD They are also a way to demonstrate the leadership skills that adult instructors develop through CCF to colleagues and potential employers who are not familiar with cadets, says Sqn Ldr Ben Hayton, who is a physics teacher at Nottingham High School. Last summer he completed the level 6 qualification, which he believes will help him to progress to a more senior role in education.
30 CONNECTED SUMMER 2016
Sqn Ldr Ben Hayton has a City & Guilds qualification in leadership and management
“It let me reflect on my management decisions as the contingent commander here, and then to use the qualification so that people outside cadets could understand and recognise what it involves,” he says. “I am now encouraging more of my team to go through with it.” The time commitment was significant but manageable, he says. “It took me just over a year, although you get two years to work your way through it. The write-up took me a good month of my summer holidays.” Choosing the right qualification for your particular needs and level of experience is straightforward, says Horridge: ring CVQO. “Look on the website, get in touch and we will put you through to someone who can guide you towards the right qualification.”
SKILLS CENTRE To find out about the range of vocational courses on offer through CVQO call 01276 601701 or visit cvqo.org
The options most popular with CCF adult volunteers are the City & Guilds qualifications in leadership and management at levels 4, 5, 6 and 7 – equivalent to a foundation, undergraduate or master’s degree. They are based on reflection, self-study and essays. A similar option for slightly less experienced managers are Institute of Leadership and Management qualifications, which are based on taught courses of three to five days in length. CVQO also offers a pathway that allows adult instructors who are not teachers, such as ex-military support staff, to use their CCF experience to gain qualified teacher status.
THE MAGAZINE FOR INSTRUCTORS OF THE COMBINED CADET FORCE
CONNECTED
N EX T ISSUE NEXT ISSUE: UPDATES FROM ANNUAL CAMP NEWS ON THE PHOTO COMPETITION HELPING CADETS WITH UNIVERSITY APPLICATIONS COMMAND & LEADERSHIP TASKS AND MORE