THE ALLEYNIAN 708 | OUT OF THE ORDINARY
THE ALLEYNIAN 708 | OUT OF THE ORDINARY
CCF
CCF
A s always, the start of the academic year was a busy time for the Army Section of the Combined Cadet Force. We began with the defence of our CADSAAM (Cadet Skill at Arms Meeting) trophy, fielding a strong team whose members came from Years 10, 11, 12 and 13. Preparations two weeks prior to the competitions included an amazing opportunity for the team to zero their rifles at the ranges of the Sandhurst Royal Military Academy. When we arrived at the competition it became clear that we were the team to beat, with even the organising staff referring to us as snipers. This year saw a change to the format: where usually the Combined Cadet Forces (CCFs) and Army Cadet Forces (ACFs) compete in separate competitions, the two events were now combined, with a prize on offer for the best overall cadet force. We settled in, displaying some very good shooting in Match 1, and this was followed with some good performances on the longer (300m) targets in Match 2, contributing to our confidence. In fact, we managed a clean sweep, winning both Match 1 and Match 2, and securing the trophies for both best CCF and best of all the cadet forces, with our very own RSM being awarded best shot for the best overall individual scores. The following week we travelled to Harrow School, taking a team of 10 cadets to compete in the Guthrie Cup, a competition held annually between the 10 best CCFs from London District. We have thrived in this competition, winning three of the past four years. A first for us was the inclusion of two JAGS girls in one of our teams. Given that last year we were told by the Brigade Major on the drill stand that we
‘wouldn’t look out of place on the forecourt of Buckingham Palace’, we were very excited to start the day off with drill. A solid performance set us up for the day, and we went from strength to strength. We won the First Aid, Section Attack and Observation stands, resulting in another overall victory, and the trophy coming back to ‘The Mess’ for another year, making it four wins in five years. It was great that all the hard work in training by our team had paid off. Half-term always brings our Recruits Camp, where the new Year 9 cadets get their first taste of the cadet experience at an army camp. At this camp we also had a Biennial Inspection from the Colonel of Cadets. On the day, we had a variety of events taking place, including an obstacle course, DCCT (an indoor simulated firing range) and even a stand where we got to meet some Welsh Guards from the regiment to which we are affiliated. This proved very popular amongst the cadets, who got to get their hands on some snipers rifles, machine guns, grenade launchers and even managed to pose some great questions to those serving in HM Forces. The day culminated in a parade of the whole cadet force, who were addressed by the Colonel. We have adjusted to the current challenging circumstances with online parades, the setting of a step challenge for the whole contingent based on historical events and even the raising of £500 for the NHS. We hope that this continued dedication will stand us in very good stead, and allow us to continue to make impressive progress, with new competitions planned for next year such as the Elworthy Trophy.
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