Combined Cadet Force
Haileybury's Combined Cadet Force has a proud history dating from 1886. It comprises sections for the Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force. The CCF is a youth organisation, sponsored by the Ministry of Defence. Run along military lines, the CCF focuses on the development of leadership and teamwork and on the acquisition of practical skills such as first aid, map-reading and self-reliance.
The Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme operates both within and independently of the CCF. Its emphasis is on the individual initiative - and at Bronze, Silver and Gold levels, those pursuing awards face progressive challenges in acquiring practical skills, in serving the community and in expeditions.
CCF cadets take part in two Field Weekends each year and recruits attend a one-week camp at the end of the Summer term of their first year. These Field Weekends, Camps and D of E expeditions take place all over the UK and abroad. Full advantage is taken of the scope for collaboration and integration between the CCF, D of E, Community Service and other extra-curricular programmes, with credits for qualifications being gathered from each (for instance, towards the Creativity, Action and Service component of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme).
The CCF is formally inspected every two years by a senior Armed Forces officer. The Reviewing Officer's entry on Haileybury's last Report (October 2008) is reproduced below:
Report by Reviewing Officer
"The training I witnessed was first class. In a significant number of cases (RN sailing, Army drill and RAF general service knowledge) the training was led by the more senior cadets, where they displayed good instructional technique, considerable leadership and sound knowledge. It was clear that considerable effort goes into the planning of each week's training activities, with the result that the cadets genuinely seemed to be enjoying themselves while learning basic military skills and increasing their knowledge of the Armed Forces. External staff instructors from all three Services were also in attendance, and appear to be providing an excellent service. In addition, on the day of the Review, an AAC Gazelle was providing air experience flights to members of the Army contingent. For many, this was their first experience of military aviation and it was clear from their faces that is was an enormously rewarding experience.
The facilities available at the College and in the surrounding area are good. The SSI, WO1 B Eales, should be commended on the immaculate state of the Armoury and stores. He also makes a most noteworthy contribution to the training itself as well as using his contacts to book facilities and maximise training opportunities. Both the RN and RAF sections have well-maintained classroom facilities for teaching which are most adequate, and while much of the Army's training is conducted outdoors in the grounds, they do utilise a small area above the Armoury for indoor training on occasions. The College's archivist also laid on a fascinating exhibition of some of the College's past CCF highlights and military achievements/memorabilia from Old Boys, including letters home from two Rorke's Drift personnel. To conclude the day's training, the contingent formed up for a short parade at which I had the honour of addressing the assembled cadets, instructors and staff, as well as presenting a cadet WO's badge to the senior RAF cadet.
Over tea, I spoke with a number of cadets, all of whom were full of praise for the CCF and the way in which it was run. I discussed military careers in the round with a small number who are pursuing careers in the Army and RAF. Finally, in the evening the Master and his wife hosted a reception in the Master's Lodge, attended by all the officers, instructors, the inspecting team as well as a number of civilians who assist the contingent in their spare time in areas such as sailing and first aid training. This was followed by a splendid 'Mess Dinner' in the glorious surroundings of the Common Room, complete with spectacular mess silver, part of the College's past association with an Indian Regiment. I responded to the toast 'The Guests' and made a short speech before proposing a toast to 'The Haileybury CCF'.
It is clear that this Contingent is meeting all the aims of the CCF. Well organised, superbly led by Lt Col Monk who in turn receives great support from WO1 Eales, it is producing young men and women who are disciplined, resourceful and committed, while also developing their powers of leadership; with a healthy interest in the Armed Forces some may well join one of the three Services while those who don't will have forged potentially important bonds between future captains of industry/finance and the Armed Forces. And all this achieved with a smile on their faces; all those involved should be congratulated on their achievements."
