Combined Cadet Force (CCF)

Oswestry School operates a contingent of the Combined Cadet Force (CCF), a Ministry of Defence sponsored youth organisation.

Based on practical activities, its aim is to "provide a disciplined organisation in a school so that pupils may develop powers of leadership by means of training to promote the qualities of responsibility, self reliance, resourcefulness, endurance and perseverance"; our Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme operates within the CCF programme.

Membership of the CCF commences in Year 9 and is normally for 2 years.  Cadets are instructed in subjects such as military knowledge, drill, turnout, map and compass, weapon training and field craft.  All cadets are initally trained to fire the manually operated L98A1 CGP (Cadet General Purpose) rifle and advanced training on the LSW (Light Support Weapon) is offered to senior cadets.

Cadets go forward to complete the Duke of Edinburgh Bronze award at the end of year 10 and may use the their qualification from the CCF Army Proficiency certificate alongside the Duke of Edinburgh award to be entered for a vocational GCSE which is the BTEC First Certificate in Public Service award. In year 11 cadets may choose to continue the Duke of Edinburgh award scheme at Silver level or to become cadet NCO instructors following a method of instruction cadre and advanced military training. In the Sixth form cadets may remain in the Corps as NCO instructors or pursue the Duke of Edinburgh Gold award.

The CCF is an ideal introduction to life in the military services, but it is also a worthwhile extra-curricular activity in its own right for those who want to broaden their horizons and take advantage of the varied instruction and training on offer.  The CCF is not a recruitment agency for the services, but derives full benefit from the support and commitment given by the military services and personnel attached to the school sections. Through the experience and enthusiasm of senior officers, cadets develop a sense of pride in their unit and maturity of judgement in both team and individual situations.

One of the strengths of the CCF is the high standard of instruction expected from those in positions of authority, with due attention paid to health and safety matters whenever relevant. Only authorized personnel may take responsibility for cadet training, and this gives cadets the reassurance that enables them to enjoy activities to the full, and reassures parents that appropriate oversight and guidance are available at all times during training with military equipment and on outdoor activities.

Oswestry School’s CCF contingent is staffed by members of the school’s own staff who hold commissioned ranks: Major R G Evanson, Captain R M Leonard, Captain E Lawrence, Captain A Othen, Lieutenant R Maxfield and 2nd Lieutenant M Philp.

Each year's activities will usually include the district military skills and march and shoot competions plus field days in each term of the academic year including range days at Llansilin or Nesscliff, involving 24hr exercises for the older cadets.   At Nesscliff, the cadets are able to use the DCCT (Dismounted Close Combat Trainer), a computerised firing range, allowing cadets to examine their shooting technique by providing a detailed analysis of each shot.  The CCF year ends with the annual CCF summer camp involving a week's activities at the start of the summer holidays.  Rock climbing, raft building and watermanship, together with intercontingent competitions with other school's CCF units provide challenges to our cadets in this popular and memorable week.

A shooting competition against the Old Oswestrians is held in the school shooting range on Founder's Day each year.

Every two years, the CCF is inspected by a senior serving officer, to assess its efficiency and effectiveness.  In March 2006, the Commander of the Army in the West Midlands, Brigadier Chris Murray CBE, Commander 143 (West Midlands) Brigade, visited Nesscliff Training Camp for Oswestry School CCF's Biennial Inspection.  After an afternoon spent with the contingent, Brigadier Murray had no hesitation in recommending the Army's continued support.

"All of the cadets to whom I spoke, including pupils from overseas . . . . expressed huge enthusiasm for the CCF and its activities . . . I realise that there is huge pressure on schools, their staff and pupils to gain academic results but it was clear to me that, despite these pressures, Oswestry has struck a balance and academia works in harmony with the CCF" reported Brigadier Murray.