On Tuesday 6th June, Contingent Commander Major Frankie O’Connor was delighted to promote members of both the Army and RAF sections to the ranks of Lance Corporal, Full Corporal and Sergeant.
The CCF promotions were long overdue and the cadets who received their new ranks are very much looking forward to their responsibilities. The promotions come just in time for the CCF as they prepare for their upcoming annual camp in Nesscliffe at the end of June. Currently the CCF are in a period of pre-camp training that will see 60 members from both the Army and RAF sections working together for the first time in a combined exercise.
Pre-camp training began with a 2-day camp at Dawley Bank Army Reserve Centre hosted by the West Midlands HQ Cadet Training Team over half term and it now continues every Tuesday with the Army and RAF members forming up as Syndicate 1 to complete fieldcraft, weapon handling and equipment issue. The combined training proves that both the Army and RAF sections can conduct collective training where all of the cadets can enjoy both aspects of the CCF which is proving to be very popular.
The remainder of the Army and RAF cadets, who are not going on camp, are enjoying a separate programme under the guidance of PO Rob Morby, Sqn Leader Suzy Watts and their team which is taking place at Longford Hall on Tuesday evenings and will culminate is an exercise that tests the cadets' skills in dealing with emergencies.
Finally, all of the training that has been completed will end in the biennial inspection which will take place at Longford Hall on the 14th of July. The day will consist of a Year 8 passing out parade (where they will receive their berets), a round robin of military stands and a Year 7 taster day for students who might be considering joining the cadets. The Inspecting Officer for the event will be Lt Col Graham Rainey MC, who is the Commanding Officer of NW Officer Training Corps based at Leeds University.
A lot to look forward to for the CCF over a very busy few weeks as we count down to the summer holidays.
