CCF
LEADERSHIP IN THE COMBINED CADET FORCE
T he Combined Cadet Force at St Lawrence College has undergone a full restructure in the last two years with a fresh emphasis on leadership, confidence and initiative. This new approach has put the cadets at the centre of our training by giving them all the opportunity to lead. The sense of renewed purpose and increased responsibility has given the cadets a huge lift in confidence. This summer saw our cadets attend the 11 Brigade cadet summer camp held at Longmoor Training area in Hampshire. A shift in training policy meant we had to travel to the area daily but our cadets were
undaunted by a 2-hour coach trip each way and were highly commended by the Cadet Training Teams on camp for their commitment and enthusiasm. The camp was a four-day affair where the cadets were challenged across awhole range of activities. Day 1 consisted of improving the cadets Fieldcraft Skills and included some real challenges for them building giant mechano catapults, conducting low level skills using paintball guns where they were pitted against each other in teams, the added time pressure and risk of being hit really sharpened their senses, it was excellent
to see many rising to the challenge. They also had to use their initiative to beat the WW2 themed escape room with some very complex tasks and tricks to overcome. A completely new part of cadet training is the use of buildings and built-up areas (TIBUA – Training In Built Up Areas), this multi- directional warfare can challenge even the most experienced troops; our cadets were tested to their limit and endeavored through all adversities. Day 2 was our range day where the cadets were able to fire the cadet rifle on the rifle range and shotguns on a clay pigeon range. For many pupils this was their first experience of using a firearm for real and they conducted themselves superbly with a few showing some real talent and zeal to improve. We were able to take advantage of the camp being resourced for so many but only a small number attended and many cadets went round for a fourth or fifth time to shoot. A huge well done to Alex Capitain and Colour Sergeant Becky Kemp-Jones for being the best shot of the day with a 100% score and Amelia Lawton for hitting the most clays. Day 3 was our day for adventurous training and we had a wonderful morning mountain biking, climbing on the wall and hitting the targets in archery. These activities proved to be a huge challenge for many pupils
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