Information for Recruits

INFORMATION FOR RECRUITS

Now that you are approaching the end of Year 8 the opportunity arises for you to join the CCF. You may have seen other students in uniform on a Thursday and wanted to know what it is all about and what happens on a Thursday after school?

We have put together some information in this pamphlet for you to take away with you as you will not remember everything you have been told today.

As cadets progress through their time with the CCF, they are encouraged to take responsibility for themselves and gradually for others. In the early stages, this will involve looking after their uniform and kit, and developing self-discipline and organisational skills to successfully complete their training. As they develop their own skills, they may also be given the opportunity to take responsibility for a small group of cadets as a junior noncommissioned officer (JNCO).

As JNCOs develop their leadership skills and grow in confidence, they may be asked to step up to the next level and become a cadet senior non-commissioned officer (SNCO). These cadets support the adult volunteers to run activities, deliver lessons, and plan future training for junior cadets.

Cadet units in schools are supported financially by the Ministry of Defence but are not part of the Armed Forces. The cadet forces follow some of the customs and traditions of their parent service, such as using the same rank structure, and taking part in some military-themed training, but the organisations are separate. There is no commitment to military service of any kind, for the cadets or adults involved.

The focus of the CCF is to give young people opportunities for personal development outside of the classroom. It is a disciplined, uniformed organisation for young people based in lots of schools across the country; there are approximately 60,000 cadets in the CCF today. Merchant Taylors’ Schools have approximately 250

cadets and adults currently in the CCF. The breakdown of our cadets is approximately 50% / 50% between MTGS and MTBS.

The CCF Officers and instructors are a mixture of staff employed by the school to run the CCF, teachers who are also Cadet Force Adult Volunteers, assisted by volunteers who are also CFAVs and give their time freely to support our cadets.

The Armed Forces provide most of the uniform and equipment and a lot of practical support.

The CCF is NOT a recruiting organisation for the Services, it serves to teach the cadets leadership, teamwork, self-reliance, endurance and military based skills such as Navigation, Expeditions, Shooting, Flying and Sailing to name a few.

What will you be doing?

On Thursday afternoons you will take part in training at Merchant Taylors’ Boys School. There is a defined syllabus for each section, so for example if you want to go sailing or powerboating the Royal Navy Cadets is for you!

The afternoon starts and finishes with a formal Parade at which you get a chance to show off your drill. Most Thursdays you will then be carrying out training activities directed at the syllabus objectives. Usually this will be outdoors, sometimes for the RN on the water, and the Army shooting on the indoor range, the RAF may go flying in the flight simulators. We do have to get the theory behind the practical completed

50% 250

so occasionally we have to revert to the classroom work. You will be taught in the main by the senior cadets in your section.

All sections work on progressive qualifications. The emphasis is on doing things, you don’t spend a lot of time sitting in a classroom – (you get enough of that before 4 o’clock).

You will learn how to wear your uniform smartly, perform drill (on the Parade Square), how to handle the cadet rifle safely and various skills specific to your service section.

As well as the training defined in the syllabus there is plenty of scope for adventurous activities. Cadets from this Contingent regularly take part in canoeing, climbing, cycling, dinghy sailing, diving, flying (gliders and powered), hill walking,

and yachting. They also learn camp craft, first aid, navigation and rifle shooting. As you progress through the syllabus there is also the opportunity to gain awards, badges and promotion.

How does the CCF work?

You will be taught by more senior Cadets who have themselves been trained for this by the Officers. In time, if you stay past year 10 you will obtain promotion and then progress to become an instructor yourself.

Much of the foundation training is carried out on Thursday afternoons (from 4pm to 6pm). We also attend school at weekends to top up the training and take part in various camps and activities that are an integral and important part of the training. They are also a lot of fun!

MTGS and MTBS

Cadets & adults in the CCF

60,000 Cadets in the CCF today

Royal Navy Section

Our Royal Navy Section has just had a change of Section Leader to Lt Cdr Jo-Anna Davidson assisted by a number of new staff. A lot of work has been done on the programme for the RN section and the year ahead is looking fantastic.

In your introductory weeks in the Section you can expect to take (and pass!) a simple swimming test, go sailing, and powerboating. You will also look around War ships when they visit Liverpool and take part in other activities with the rest of the Cadets from the contingent including shooting, fieldcraft, navigation and foot drill.

The training for the rest of your time will cover the following: The Individual (Uniform, drill, leadership); The Royal Navy (how it works, what ships we have, what to do when on board); Training Afloat (in any sort of boat, but mostly sailing dinghies; also some of the theory and practical skills needed for this) and Adventure Training which will include campcraft, navigation on land and First Aid.

In the first two terms you can expect to cover all the material needed to become an Able Seaman (AB) and will achieve that qualification by February. The rest of the first year should see you gain momentum to becoming an AB2.

In subsequent years you will complete each part of the syllabus and a lot of leadership

training, as well as continuing to advance your knowledge of the rest of the syllabus. More and more emphasis is put on your involvement and organisation as you get older.

You can expect to be rated Leading Seaman at the age of 16, and you could make it to Petty Officer in the Sixth Form.

You may be offered a ship visit from time to time and, if you’re lucky, a chance to go to sea in one of HM warships. You will also visit HMS EAGLET, the Royal Naval Reserve base in Liverpool. on a regular basis.

You will have the chance to spend a lot of time on the water, in dinghies, yachts and power boats. Nationally recognised qualifications are available, as is tuition by experts. You will be able to sail locally (currently at Southport) and also further afield (most yachting is based in Portsmouth or Plymouth) and also take part in local and national races against other schools.

The camps & courses run by the CCF (RN) nationally are many and varied: you can spend a week in a Naval base learning First

Aid, lifeguard, sailing a yacht or dinghy (at any standard from beginner to trainee Instructor); diving, power boating, and many, many more. These excellent courses are open to all Sections and are universally well-run, worthwhile and fun.

Recently the contingent has been on expedition canoeing on lake Windermere, alongside scrambling through caves and climbing up waterfalls.

We also visited Portsmouth, where part of the trip we visited The Royal Navy Firefighting School, training in firefighting aboard ship. After thorough preparation in the classroom, we were instructed in the drills and then fought a series of fires aboard.

On the same day, we visited The Phoenix Damage Repair and Instructional Unit. This is known throughout the Navy as DRIU,

pronounced ‘drew’ and is a mock-up of a flooding ship which rocks and rolls as sailors try to plug gaps in the hull using wood. This is vital to teaching sailors the art of damage control. The Phoenix Damage Repair and Instructional Unit is split over three decks, the unit simulates compartments of a ship with water rushing in through various holes. Sailors are expected to stop the inrush of water using blocks of wood and hammers.

The key to the success of the DRIU is its realism – thanks to hydraulics, it rocks and rolls up to 15 degrees to port and starboard, simulating the motion of a ship.

It is intended that new members of the Royal Navy Section will have the opportunity to attend this training next year.

So at the end of this leaflet tick to join the Navy Section!

Army Section

The Army section is the main section within Merchant Taylors’ CCF as most cadets choose to join this section, however we do work closely with the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force Sections and they are invited on to our shooting and fieldcraft weekends.

When you first join us in Year 9, your instructors will teach you and help you get to grips with all the basic skills you need to be an Army Cadet.

During the Foot Drill lessons, you will be taught how to move smartly and how to wear and look after your uniform.

Skill at Arms is an important part of being an Army Cadet – here you are taught the drills to use a weapon safely and responsibly, and then you get the opportunity to fire it on a Range and within Military Exercises.

Navigation lessons teach you the skills to navigate yourself in the daylight and the dark so you can successfully complete Expeditions and Exercises.

Fieldcraft – the various military skills to move tactically and complete missions. This is where you get camouflaged and get dirty but also have the excitement of taking part in a mock battle exercise.

First Aid – You will understand Incident Management as well as the basics of First Aid.

Shooting – In your first year, you will be taught marksmanship principles and how to safely shoot a specially designed cadet force air rifle. As you progress to the Apex platoon you will attend a number of weekends to learn the drills to safely strip, assemble and fire the Cadet GP A2 full bore 5.56 rifle. You will then go on a live outdoor range on a shooting day (and if you have listened to your instructors, you will get your shooting badge). You will also get the chance to join the contingent’s shooting team.

As you move from Year 9 to Year 10 you will join the Apex Platoon, then it gets better again as more military skills are introduced such as Signals, Advanced Fieldcraft and Expedition skills. Finally, we concentrate on developing Leadership. You learn how to lead a small section, teach a class and finally how to run the weekly activities for all Cadets in the Army Section!

Training Days

To reinforce the skills we have discussed opposite, we have various Training Days and weekends away, which are usually at Altcar Training Camp. Here we use the regular army facilities including the Training Areas, Accommodation, Ranges and Obstacle Course.

These days are great fun as often most of the Army Section are out together on the weekends.

At the beginning of the school summer holidays 60 Cadets of all ages go to a Central Army Camp (somewhere in the UK) for a week. This is run by the regular Army. Here there are activities on a bigger scale plus more variety.

Royal Air Force Section

The RAF section is run by cadets who have a lot of experience. You will be taught core military skills such as Drill, First-Aid, Map & Compass, Fieldcraft and Weapon Safety. In addition, you will acquire specific RAF related knowledge including Aircraft Recognition, Airmanship and the Principles of Flight.

RAF cadets have the opportunity to visit operational RAF bases for week-long camps. In the past we have visited UK bases at St Mawgan in Cornwall, Leuchars in Scotland, Marham in Norfolk, Valley in Anglesey and overseas.

Cadets also have the opportunity to attend International Air Exchange camps. At camp, cadets enjoy regular visits including Fire Section, Air Traffic Control, Aircraft Maintenance, RAF Police, Bomb Disposal and the RAF Regiment. Cadets have even been able to sit in the cockpit of a Typhoon fighter.

RAF cadets have the chance to attend Gliding and Flying Scholarships and become qualified to fly an aircraft solo. This all starts by flying with an instructor just down the road at RAF Woodvale in Formby.

Other courses and work experience at RAF bases are available including the prestigious and demanding Air Cadet Leadership’ course held at RAF College, Cranwell. Each year we take part in the Air Squadron Trophy competition when we compete against other CCF RAF sections over a range

of events - Drill, Shooting, First Aid, Fitness, Aircraft Recognition, RAF Knowledge and a Command Task.

At RAF camps, as well military activities you will get involved in lots of fun, social and recreational events. For example, activities have included ten-pin bowling, karting, a cinema visit, swimming, clay-pigeon shooting, surf boarding, coasteering and sea canoeing as well as a disco and a talent competition. At RAF camps and courses you will meet lots of other cadets from other CCF units from around the country and long lasting friendships will be forged.

Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme

The School is an Operating Authority for this prestigious and internationally recognised award. In association with the school all Cadets are introduced to the scheme at the age of 14 and many complete at least the Bronze Award. Every year, an increasing number of cadets reach the high standards necessary for the Gold Award, which is presented at a Royal Palace.

Adventurous Training

Every year there are Tri-Service Adventurous Training expeditions organised, with accommodation in tents or elsewhere. Activities such as hill walking, rock climbing and canoeing are tailored to suit the surroundings. This year cadets visited the Lake District at Easter and explored caves, and canoed on Lake Windermere.

Shooting

Cadets are taught the safe procedures for the use of two kinds of rifle during their first year or two in the Contingent. After passing the Weapons Safety Test they may shoot in the indoor 25m range at school and on the outdoor ranges at Altcar and elsewhere. Tuition in target shooting is provided, and skill recognised by the award of badges. The best marksmen are selected to compete in

inter-school competitions. The contingent won the North West Cadet Shooting competition last year!

Camps & Courses

All the Services run courses for Cadets, mostly in the Easter and summer holidays. They are very highly recommended, and very worthwhile; some Cadets participate in several each year.

What is my commitment?

Turn up punctually at 4:10 pm on Thursdays at CCF Headquarters located at the Boys’ School. Final parade will finish by 6pm.

You are also required to attend a training days and weekends in the first year and will be expected to play a full part in the other activities available.

How do I join?

Ask your parents to read this pamphlet and tell them about your recent visit to the CCF day and the brief you have recently had, then fill in the form at the back of this pamphlet. Note that you have to sign it too – this is the beginning of your training in responsibility!

Return your form to the CCF office at MTBS, the reception at MTGS or email the form to s.chambers@merchanttaylors.com

The form needs to be returned by Friday 16th June.

CCF costs

A charge of £130 will be made on joining. This request will be sent to your parents once school returns in September and will be due to be paid by the end of September. This fee will allow us to bulk purchase: Boots, a bush hat and day ruck sack. (as you will need this for the basic training) - All other kit required is issued free of charge by the Ministry Of Defence.

For all subsequent years that cadets remain in the CCF, a payment of £60 will be requested in September of each year. This pays for any additional equipment we purchase that is then given to cadets on loan as and when they require it.

Fees will be required for all camps and activities; however, they are subsidised by the MOD and/or the school CCF. (For example, a 6 day annual camp in July would cost no more than £150 and a typical weekend no more than £25).

Information

When we organise activities, we will use medical and dietary information from the records within the school system, please ensure all information held is accurate and up to date (you will appreciate this is important particularly on a residential camp). As a safeguarding measure we may from time to time send out additional forms in order for us to cross check information held.

Also, when we are organising events all information will be sent to you via Evolve and or email. Please make sure the school hold your current contact details.

It is important if your child wishes to attend an event that the required paperwork is returned in good time as you will appreciate the staff are required to prepare various risk assessments and kit / transport for events and this has to be done in good time.

Uniform

The cadet receives a free uniform from the MOD on loan (worth about £1,500), this needs to be returned when the cadet leaves the CCF. Exchanges for damaged kit and if a cadet grows out of the kit are supplied free of charge (except boots – this can be arranged for a fee or you can purchase your own replacement boots).

We are expecting an intake of 100 cadets this year and only have a certain number of places in each section, the places are filled on a first come basis. This is particularly important if you want to be part of our Royal Navy Section as this has the smallest number.

If you require any additional information regarding the sections before you commit, just ask ccf@merchanttaylors.com

Royal Navy – 25 Places

Army – 45 Places

Royal Air Force – 30 Places

Please put your first choice and second choice on the form. You will be informed what section you have been allocated before we break up for summer and your uniform will be ordered ready for when you arrive in September.

Our first parade night will be at MTBS on Thursday 21st September, and we will be parading in school on Saturday 7th October and Sunday 8th October 09.00- 15.30 both days to get uniforms issued and basic training underway.

Application to join the Combined Cadet Force

I would like my son/daughter/ward to join Merchant Taylors’ Combined Cadet Force.

I undertake to ensure they attend regularly. I agree that the fees due should be invoiced to me in September after the first parade night and I will pay the fee by the end of September.

Signed

(Parent/Guardian)

I undertake to abide by the rules of the CCF including parading in uniform every Thursday afternoon (allowing for revision and exam holidays).

Signed

(Applicant)

Pupil’s name

School Form

Date of Birth

Service Section requested Indicate preference by number (I, 2 or 3)

Return your form to the CCF office at MTBS, the reception at MTGS or email the form to s.chambers@merchanttaylors.com

WE ARE ALWAYS ON THE LOOKOUT FOR VOLUNTEERS TO HELP RUN OUR SCHOOLS CCF

There are a number of different roles adult volunteers can take on within our CCF. Adult volunteers can come from any part of the school staff, and it’s also quite common for former pupils, parents or other members of the community with links to the school to also get involved.

If you are interested (or you know someone who might be interested) in joining our CCF as an adult volunteer, please get in touch with the Contingent Commander Lt Col Paul Ennis directly. You will need to undergo Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) checks before appointment and all required training and courses will be provided. You will also receive an allowance when you are away training on camps and training days. This can be as much as £3,000 per year depending on your rank and responsibilities.

The majority of adults involved in the CCF will join as an Officer, which is a uniformed role. Each service has a slightly different selection and appointment process for CCF Officers, which will include an interview. (no formal qualifications are required). Those taking on the role will also complete a Security Clearance (SC) check.

Officers in the CCF will be involved in the planning and administration of the group, organising activities and trips. They may also be involved in delivering practical training to cadets and will have the opportunity to take a number of specialist courses, to allow them to deliver high quality training to the cadets. Many of the courses on offer through the CCF, for example in expedition training, sports and first aid, are run by national governing bodies, meaning that they are a national level qualification, which can also be used outside of the CCF.

Col Paul Ennis paul.ennis@merchanttaylors.com