St Albans School on the wider value of CCF

Maj. David Forbes-Whitehead, CCF Commander at St Albans School, on the wide-ranging benefits for young people of Combined Cadet Force participation

Combined Cadet Force (CCF) is gaining in popularity with students today due to its emphasis on personal development, leadership skills and teamwork. The tri-service (Army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force) cadet force which exists in schools adopts a military theme in a structured environment to provide opportunities for problem-solving, adventure training, self-discipline and community service – all with the aim of driving personal growth.

Essentially, CCF experience encourages young people to take responsibility for themselves as they grow in confidence and build social connections. Young people will also develop key leadership skills as they take on various challenges and move through the rank structure, all while taking greater accountability for others around them.

As we become more locked into technology, CCF offers students an opportunity to get outdoors and physically interact with their peers through the activities offered within the CCF syllabus. It gives young people the chance to tackle activities and challenges they otherwise wouldn’t have participated in. How many students get the chance to experience the thrill of flying planes or gliding, go on overseas expeditions or fire live ammunition as part of their education? More importantly, it provides a level playing field at the beginning of the journey. As such, CCF reaches out to and develops even the quietest or shyest of students.  

Developing confidence, resilience, determination and self-efficacy is a huge part of engaging in CCF training, but the softer life skills are equally valid. Even participating in the dreaded ‘drill’ teaches collaboration and teamwork, evoking an immense feeling of satisfaction when a tricky sequence or parade is completed.

There are many practical skills they learn and these also have wider value. Students undertake basic first aid and fieldcraft (encompassing living and looking after themselves in the outdoors). Marksmanship teaches transferable lessons in concentration, focus, determination and self-discipline. Alongside skills of navigation, students also have the opportunity to develop their music and vocational qualifications.

“CCF encourages young people to take responsibility for themselves as they grow in confidence and build social connections”

CCF values lean heavily on those of the armed services and this in turn reinforces schools’ values. The University of Northampton recently completed a study on the impact and value of CCF and reported that cadets have lower levels of absenteeism and exhibit more responsible attitudes and supportive behaviours. This leads them on to positive relationships with staff and peers. The report noted that structured activities help promote mental health and wellbeing and that that this enhances student resilience, preparing young people to deal with future life challenges. At St Albans we are fortunate to have a network of alumni who are currently serving in the armed forces and pass on the benefit and wisdom of their knowledge and experiences to the younger cadets through inspiring visits.

Every young person should have the opportunity to engage with Cadet Forces. For parents, it is excellent value for money and it provides a unique opportunity for young people to engage with positive role models and receive peer mentoring. CCF training influences career aspirations and ambitions, challenging and pushing young people out of their comfort zone. Without challenge there is no personal growth, and so learning to navigate life’s hurdles through programmes such as CCF can only be a positive step for young men and women.

St Albans School st-albans.herts.sch.uk

Further reading: Gordon’s School on the co-curricular advantage