Combined Cadet Force

Combined Cadet Force
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Name	Combined Cadet Force
Founded	1948
Predecessor	Officers' Training Corps
Headquarters	Ministry of Defence, Whitehall, London
Affiliation	British Armed Forces
Type	Youth organisation

Combined Cadet Force. The Combined Cadet Force is a youth organisation sponsored by the Ministry of Defence (United Kingdom) and operated in partnership with schools across the United Kingdom. It aims to develop personal responsibility, leadership, and self-discipline in young people through military-themed activities. With contingents in independent and state schools, it provides exposure to the ethos and skills of the Royal Navy, British Army, and Royal Air Force.

History

The organisation traces its origins to the Officers' Training Corps, established by Lord Haldane in 1908. Following the Second World War, the Cadet Forces Committee recommended a unified structure, leading to its formation by an Act of Parliament in 1948. Initially focused on preparing young men for national service, its role evolved after the abolition of National Service in 1960 towards broader youth development. Significant milestones include the admission of girls in the 1970s and the expansion into the Contingent system. Key figures like Field Marshal The Viscount Slim have served as its Commandant.

Organisation and structure

The Combined Cadet Force is organised into individual contingents based in participating schools, each led by a Contingent Commander, typically a school teacher. These contingents are grouped under one of three service sections: the Royal Navy Section, the Army Section, or the Royal Air Force Section. Overall command and policy direction come from the Headquarters in Whitehall, overseen by the Ministry of Defence (United Kingdom). Regional administration is managed by Regional Command and Air Cadet organisations. Adult leadership comprises a mix of Regular and Reserve service personnel and qualified school staff known as Cadet Forces Adult Volunteers.

Activities and training

Core training includes skill-at-arms, fieldcraft, and drill, alongside adventurous training such as orienteering, rock climbing, and kayaking. Cadets participate in annual camps at major military establishments like RAF Cranwell, Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, and HMS Raleigh. Competitive events include the Cadet Cambrian Patrol and the Mons Cup. Specialist courses offer qualifications in areas like First Aid, military aviation, and powerboating. Flying experience is provided through air experience flights in aircraft like the Grob Tutor at Royal Air Force stations. The Duke of Edinburgh's Award programme is also strongly integrated into the syllabus.

Uniforms and insignia

Cadets wear the standard service dress of their chosen section, with variations for different orders of dress. The Royal Navy Section uniform is based on that worn by the Royal Navy, while the Army Section wears the Personal Combat Clothing System. The Royal Air Force Section uniform mirrors that of the Royal Air Force Air Cadets. Rank insignia for cadets, such as Cadet Corporal or Cadet Flight Sergeant, are worn on the uniform. Distinctive badges, like the Combined Cadet Force Badge and contingent-specific lanyards, denote affiliation. Headwear includes the field service cap for the Army and the side cap for the RAF.

Cadet experience and benefits

Participation fosters skills in teamwork, problem-solving, and public speaking. Many former cadets have progressed to prominent roles, such as Bear Grylls, Sir Chris Hoy, and Dame Kelly Holmes. The programme offers recognised qualifications, including BTEC awards in Public Services and the Institute of Leadership and Management certificates. Scholarships, like the RAF Sixth Form Scholarship, provide financial support for further education. The experience often provides a significant advantage for those applying to the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, Britannia Royal Naval College, or university Officer Training Corps.

Affiliations and funding

The organisation is an integral part of the UK Cadet Forces, alongside the Sea Cadet Corps and the Army Cadet Force. It is funded through a combination of Ministry of Defence grants and contributions from partner schools. Close operational links are maintained with the Royal British Legion and the Ulysses Trust. The Cadet Vocational Qualification Organisation oversees the accreditation of cadet training. Patronage and support also come from senior military figures and members of the Royal Family, including The Prince of Wales.

Category:Youth organisations based in the United Kingdom Category:British Armed Forces Category:1948 establishments in the United Kingdom