Army Section
The CCF (Army) is the Army Cadets section of the Combined Cadet Force. Across the whole of the Army Cadet Forces there are approximately 67,700 Cadets and 11,100 Adult Volunteers. The CCF Army sections account for almost half of these cadet figures with a total of nearly 29,000 cadets and 2,100 supporting Adult Volunteers based at contingents within over 260 schools across the UK and Northern Ireland. The CCF(Army) aims to promote the qualities of responsibility, self-reliance, resourcefulness and a sense of service to the community. Activities include drill, skill at arms, shooting, fieldcraft and first aid and up to 40% of a cadet’s time is spent on adventurous training activities.
By joining the CCF (Army) cadets also have the opportunity to get involved with volunteer and charitable work in the community and to gain nationally recognised qualifications such as the Duke of Edinburgh’s award and BTECs.
Joining the CCF (Army) provides a wonderful opportunity to take part in Army themed activities and events, all of which focus on building self-disciplined individuals with self-courage and a sense of worth. As a youth organisation, the CCF (Army) strives to give cadets a fun and safe experience. There is no commitment or expectation on cadets to join the regular Armed Forces when they have completed their schooling.
Activities and training
On average cadets serve around four years in the CCF and training is steadily progressive allowing them to progress from Basic qualifications, through Advanced and on to the Leadership levels of achievement.
Cadets follow a syllabus called the Army Proficiency Certificate (APC) which gets more challenging each year. APC training is designed to be practical, rather than classroom-based, whenever possible. The training should be interesting, imaginative and purposeful and include competitions, exercises and games.
Training syllabus
The Army Proficiency Certificate (APC) syllabus consists of five subjects and sets a standard that is possible for cadets to achieve within one year:
-
Drill
-
Skill at Arms and shooting
-
Map and compass
-
Fieldcraft
-
First aid
Successful completion of the APC qualifies a cadet to wear the Red star in addition to the award of the Certificate. Elements of the APC Syllabus can be accredited towards the Duke of Edinburgh’s (DofE) Bronze Award.