View source for Combined Cadet Force

{{Short description|British military youth organisation, sponsored by the Ministry of Defence}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2014}}
{{Use British English|date=July 2014}}
{{Infobox military unit
| unit_name                     = Combined Cadet Force (CCF)
| image                         = Combined_Cadet_Force_Logo.svg
| image_size                    = x200px
| caption                       = Emblem of the CCF
| start_date                    = 1948
| current_form                  = 
| dates                         = 
| country                       = {{flag|United Kingdom}}
| type                          = Youth Organisation
| role                          = Leadership and discipline education
| size                          = 42,720 Cadets<ref name="auto">{{cite web |url=https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/804484/MOD_Sponsored_Cadet_Forces_Statistics_April_2019.pdf |title=MOD Sponsored Cadet Forces Statistics: 1 April 2019 |date=30 May 2019 |archive-url= |archive-date=}}</ref>
| command_structure             = 
| garrison                      = Regional Command Cadets Branch, Aldershot
| garrison_label                = 
| nickname                      = 'The Corps' (within school environment)
| patron                        = 
| allegiance                    = [[Charles III|King Charles III]]
| motto                         = 
| colours                       = 
| colours_label                 = 
| march                         = 
| mascot                        = 
| equipment                     = 
| equipment_label               = 
| website                       = {{Official URL}}
| battles                       = 
| anniversaries                 = 
| decorations                   = 
| battle_honours                = <!-- Commanders -->
| commander1                    = [[File:UK-Air-OF5-Flag.svg|20px]] [[Air Commodore]] Allen Lewis RAFR
| commander1_label              = [[Commandant Air Cadets]]
| commander2                    = 
| commander2_label              = 
| commander3                    = 
| commander3_label              = 
| notable_commanders            = <!-- Insignia -->
| identification_symbol         = [[File:Flag of the Combined Cadet Force.png|150px]]
| identification_symbol_label   = Standard of the CCF
| identification_symbol_2       = 
| identification_symbol_2_label = Ensign of the CCF
}}

{{UKCF}}

The '''Combined Cadet Force''' ('''CCF''') is a [[Youth organisations in the United Kingdom|youth organisation]] in the [[United Kingdom]], sponsored by the [[Ministry of Defence (United Kingdom)|Ministry of Defence]] (MOD), which operates in schools, sub divided into [[Royal Navy]], [[Royal Marines]], [[British Army|Army]] and [[Royal Air Force]] sections. 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".

One of its objectives is "to encourage those who have an interest in the services to become Officers of the Regular or Reserve Forces", and a significant number of British military officers have had experience in the CCF.

Before 1948, cadet forces in schools existed as the junior division of the [[Officers' Training Corps]] framework, but in 1948 Combined Cadet Force was formed covering cadets affiliated to all three services. As of 2019, there were 42,720 cadets and 3,370 Adult Volunteers.<ref name="auto"/> The MOD provides approximately £28M per year of funding to the CCF.<ref>Letter Assistant Head Youth and Cadets, Reserves Forces and Cadets, D/DRFC/4/1/5, 8 August 2014</ref> Each school's unit is known as a Contingent, and there are approximately 500 in the UK as of 2021.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gov.uk/guidance/the-cadet-forces-and-mods-youth-work#the-combined-cadet-force |title=The Ministry of Defence cadet forces |date=26 May 2021 |publisher=HM Government |access-date=4 January 2022 |archive-url= |archive-date=}}</ref>

Although sponsored by the Ministry of Defence, the CCF is not part of the [[British Armed Forces]] or Reserve Forces; as such, cadets and adult cadet leaders are not military personnel and therefore not subject to [[Armed Forces Act 2006|military law]] or subject to military 'call up'. Some cadets do, however, go on to join the armed forces later in life, and many of the organisation's leaders have been cadets or have a military background.

== History ==
On 12 May 1859, the Secretary of State for War, [[Jonathan Peel]], sent out a circular letter to the public schools and universities inviting them to form units of the [[Volunteer Force (Great Britain)|Volunteer Corps]].<ref name="Felsted">{{cite book|title=History of Felsted School (1564–1947) |first=Michael |last=Craze}}</ref> The first school cadet corps was established at [[Rossall School]] in February 1860,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rossall.co.uk/sporting_and_activities/163 |title=Combined Cadet Force (CCF) |publisher=[[Rossall School]] |access-date=12 April 2009 |quote=It has, however, been established that Rossall was the first public school to enrol Volunteers and have them sworn in under the provisions of the Volunteer Act, and we have the original muster book in which the first names were entered on 1st February, 1860. Other Corps at Eton, Felsted, etc., were raised within a month or two. |archive-url= |archive-date=}}</ref> initially as an army contingent only. [[Felsted School|Felsted]] already had an armed drill contingent at the time of the War Office letter under the command of Sgt. Major Rogers RM; its claim on these grounds to be the oldest school corps was upheld by [[Field Marshal]] [[Earl Roberts]] in a letter to the Headmaster of 1904.<ref name="Felsted"/> In February 1861 the Oxford City Rifle Cadet Corps was founded, with five companies, the first of which was composed of pupils of the Linden House School, a private school in [[Headington]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://mattersphotographical.wordpress.com |first=Giles |last=Hudson |title=Shots of Shots: Photographs of the Oxford Volunteer Rifle Corps |website=Matters Photographical |date=1 December 2012 |archive-url= |archive-date=}}</ref> and the second composed of pupils from [[Magdalen College School, Oxford|Magdalen College School]]. In 1908, the units were re-titled the [[Officer Training Corps]] (OTC).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.raf.mod.uk/aircadets/ |title=Air Cadets - History |website=raf.mod.uk |archive-url= |archive-date=}}</ref>

The CCF was created in 1948<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.1260sqn.co.uk/about-us/the-air-cadet-organisation/the-history-of-the-combined-cadet-force |title=The History of the Combined Cadet Force |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129212629/http://www.1260sqn.co.uk/about-us/the-air-cadet-organisation/the-history-of-the-combined-cadet-force |archive-date=29 November 2014 |website=1260sqn.co.uk}}</ref> by the amalgamation of the Junior Training Corps (formerly the Junior Division of the [[Officers Training Corps]]) and the school contingents of the [[Sea Cadet Corps (United Kingdom)|Sea Cadet Corps]] and [[Air Training Corps]]. CCFs are still occasionally referred to as "The Corps".
A school contingent may have any combination of [[Royal Navy]], [[British Army|Army]], [[Royal Air Force]] and sometimes [[Royal Marines]] sections, the army section is almost invariably the largest.

=== Independent and state schools ===
The CCF movement used to be dominated by the independent sector with 200 contingents being based in [[Independent School (UK)|independent schools]] with only around 60 in state schools.<ref name="Henry">{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/education/educationnews/8999455/Military-cadet-forces-in-every-school-says-schools-commissioner.html |title=Military cadet forces in every school, says schools commissioner |work=[[The Daily Telegraph]] |first=Julie |last=Henry |date=8 January 2012 |archive-url= |archive-date=}}</ref> Since the Cadet Expansion Programme was launched in 2012 the number of contingents has reached 500, beating the target set by the government. There are now more contingents in the state sector than in the independent sector. The expansion was funded by £50m from the fines arising from the [[LIBOR scandal]].<ref>{{cite web |title=MOD sponsored cadet forces: 1 April 2020 |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/mod-sponsored-cadet-forces-statistics-2020/mod-sponsored-cadet-forces-1-april-2020 |archive-url= |archive-date= |access-date=18 February 2021 |website=GOV.UK |language=en}}</ref>

It was reported in 2008 that some independent school CCF detachments would be opened to pupils of local state schools<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/education/education-news/private-schools-will-let-state-pupils-join-cadet-forces-936171.html |title=Private schools will let state pupils join cadet forces |newspaper=[[The Independent]] |date=20 September 2008 |quote=A ground-breaking agreement to allow state school pupils to join cadet forces in some of Britain's most elite private schools is to be announced this month. Six of the country's top fee-paying schools – including City of London boys' school and Highgate – have agreed to open up their Combined Cadet Forces to neighbouring state schools. |first=Richard |last=Garner |access-date=30 April 2010 |archive-url= |archive-date=}}</ref><ref name="Henry" /> One case of a fee-charging school allowing state school pupils to join the cadet force was [[Aldenham School]] in [[Watford]], [[Hertfordshire]] linking its Cadet Force with the nearby state school [[Queens' School]] to form a joint Cadet force.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.aldenham.com/ |title=CCF Biennial Inspection |access-date=24 September 2019 |archive-url= |archive-date=}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/education/10640052/Public-school-funding-for-military-cadet-forces-diverted-to-state-sector.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140215032554/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/education/10640052/Public-school-funding-for-military-cadet-forces-diverted-to-state-sector.html|url-status=dead |archive-date=15 February 2014 |title=Public school funding for military cadet forces diverted to state sector |first1=Steven |last1=Swinford |first2=Ben |last2=Farmer |date=14 February 2014|access-date=24 September 2019 |work=[[The Daily Telegraph]]}}</ref>

=== Investigation into sexual abuse ===
In 2012 payouts made to victims of [[Child sexual abuse|sexual abuse]] across all Cadet Forces, including the CCF, totalled £1,475,844. In 2013 payouts totalled £64,782, and in 2014 payouts totalled £544,213.<ref name=":1">{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2014/dec/28/ministry-of-defence-pays-out-2m-settle-cadets-sexual-abuse-claims |title=Ministry of Defence pays out £2m to settle cadets' sexual abuse claims |last=Quinn |first=Ben |date=28 December 2014 |work=[[The Guardian]] |access-date=22 January 2018 |language=en-GB |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141229015116/http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2014/dec/28/ministry-of-defence-pays-out-2m-settle-cadets-sexual-abuse-claims |archive-date=29 December 2014}}</ref>

=== Identity ===
CCF Contingents are part of the CCF, but are also part of their own school and as such are semi-autonomous organisations, run by internal school or school-related staff, supported by armed forces personnel. Army sections may wear their own capbadge. Royal Navy and Royal Air Force sections wear the appropriate RN/RAF other rank and officer capbadges.

The CCF is separate from the [[Community Cadet Forces]] namely the [[Sea Cadet Corps (United Kingdom)|Sea Cadet Corps]], the [[Army Cadet Force]] and the [[Air Training Corps]], and the [[Volunteer Cadet Corps]]. Pupils normally join at the age of 12 or 13 (Year 8), or later at the discretion of the Head, with both sexes able to take part.

== Uniform ==
=== Royal Navy Section ===
[[File:Combined Cadet Force Naval Section Badge.png|150px|thumb|Badge of the Royal Navy section.]]
They may be issued with combat uniform if required and some schools have [[Royal Navy uniform#Blue No. 1 dress|No 1 uniform]] for senior cadets. Number 3 uniform is normally the parade uniform for the CCF (RN) and consists of a white shirt, black tie, blue trousers,<ref name="uniform5">{{cite web |date=2017 |title=Pupils on parade - CCF Inspection 2016 |url=http://www.hppc.co.uk/CCF-Inspection-2016 |access-date=15 February 2019 |archive-url= |archive-date=}}</ref> and blue heavy wool jersey, worn with plain black shoes; a [[brassard]] (armband) should be worn on the right arm, displaying qualification badges.<ref name="uniform">{{cite web |url=http://www.take2theweb.com/pub/vcj/ccf/b.html |title=CCF Uniform |access-date=12 February 2019 |archive-url= |archive-date=}}</ref><ref name="uniform2">{{cite web |url=https://s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/files.combinedcadetforce.org.uk/Naval-uniform.pdf?mtime=20170811094353 |title=Royal Navy Uniform |work=CCF Connected |access-date=15 February 2019 |archive-url= |archive-date=}}</ref><ref name="uniform6">{{cite web |url=https://studylib.net/doc/8152751/sea-cadet-uniform-regulations |title=Sea Cadet Uniform Regulations |access-date=15 February 2019 |archive-url= |archive-date=}}</ref> Number 4 uniform is the standard working uniform of the Royal Navy, in one form or another it has been in existence for over 60 years. This uniform is fire-retardant and consists of a blue shirt, blue trousers, blue heavy wool jersey, beret, with CCF badge and black boots.<ref name="uniform2"/>

==== Royal Marines Section ====
Royal Marines sections wear the bronzed Royal Marines [[Cap badge#Royal Marines|cap badge]] of other ranks with a red "tombstone" backing on a blue beret with MTP (Multi-Terrain Pattern) clothing, and either brown or black boots.<ref name="uniform3">{{cite web |url=https://s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/files.combinedcadetforce.org.uk/Field-uniform.pdf?mtime=20170811094558 |title=Field Uniform |work=CCF Connected |access-date=15 February 2019 |archive-url= |archive-date=}}</ref> They may also wear a version of [[Uniforms of the Royal Marines#Number 1A dress 'Blues'|No.1]] Ceremonial Uniform with Cadet insignia for special occasions.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dameallans.co.uk/MainFolder/Newsletters/CCF-newsletter.pdf |title=Royal Marines CCF section launch, May 2017 |date=May 2017 |website=Dame Allens |access-date=15 February 2019 |archive-url= |archive-date=}}</ref><ref name="uniform6"/>

=== Army Section ===
[[File:Combined Cadet Force Army Stable Belt.jpg|thumb|right|Combined Cadet Force Army [[Stable belt|Stable Belt]]]]

'''Working uniform'''

The Army Section dress regulations are set out in '''Army Dress Regulations, Part 8 (Cadets)'''.<ref name="armycadets.com">{{cite web |url=https://legacy.armycadets.com/county_uploads/Cumbria/Formspring/20130417_Army_Dress_Regulations_Pt8_(Cadets).pdf |title=ARMY DRESS REGULATIONS (ALL RANKS) : Part 8 : Dress Regulations for Combined Cadet Force (Army Sections) and the Army Cadet Force |date=April 2015 |website=Legacy.armycadets.com |access-date=1 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181203152100/https://legacy.armycadets.com/county_uploads/Cumbria/Formspring/20130417_Army_Dress_Regulations_Pt8_(Cadets).pdf |archive-date=3 December 2018 |url-status=dead}}</ref> and Cadets wear the [[Uniforms of the British Army#No.8: Combat Dress|No. 8 Combat Dress - Multi-Terrain Pattern (MTP)]] uniform ('combats') for most occasions.<ref name="uniform5"/>

All cadets wear a rank slide with the word "CADET" in embroidered red capital letters at the top, any rank is then shown underneath in black. Cadets may be given permission to wear a stable belt of CCF, school, or affiliated unit pattern. Cadet Force Adult Volunteers (CFAVs) wear rank slides with "CCF" underneath.

Tactical Recognition Flashes are not to be worn by CFAVs or cadets of the Combined Cadet Force, irrespective of any affiliation to a Corps or Regiment.<ref name="Dress Regs">{{cite web |url=https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/626107/2017-03109.pdf |title=ARMY DRESS REGULATIONS (ALL RANKS) |archive-url= |archive-date=}}</ref> Cadets and CFAVs do wear county and contingent flashes.<ref name="Dress Regs" /> 
[[File:Commémoration de l'Appel du 18 Juin 1940 Saint Hélier Jersey 18 juin 2013 5.jpg|thumb|Cadets during commemorations in [[Jersey]] 2013. Showing the RAF Section No. 1 uniform (left) and Army Section No. 2 uniform (right)]]

=== Royal Air Force Section ===
[[File:Brighton_College_Cadets.JPG|thumb|Brighton College CCF cadets in Army Section uniform left and RAF Section uniform right. Uniform berets have [[Uniform beret#Civilian organizations|colours]] and [[Cap badge#Civilian organisations|cap badges]] of the armed forces they are affiliated to.]]
RAF cadets wear a version of the RAF [[Uniforms of the Royal Air Force#Service working dress|No.2 dress]]. This consists of either light blue shirt and tie or a dark "working" blue shirt, blue-grey trousers or skirt/slacks, a blue-grey jumper: V-neck or round neck version, and an RAF blue beret with the RAF [[Cap badge#Royal Air Force|cap badge]].<ref name="uniform"/><ref name="AP1358C"/><ref name="uniform4">{{cite web |url=https://s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/files.combinedcadetforce.org.uk/RAF-uniform.pdf?mtime=20170811094500 |title=RAF Uniform |work=CCF Connected |access-date=15 February 2019 |archive-url= |archive-date=}}</ref> They also wear a [[brassard]] to distinguish themselves as cadets.<ref name="AP1358C">{{cite web |url=https://1360sqnatc.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/AP1358c-V1.08-Dress-Regulations.pdf |title=Uniform Dress and Appearance Regulations for the Air Cadet Organization (AP1358C) |date=January 2017 |access-date=12 February 2019 |archive-url= |archive-date=}}</ref> Except for the cap badge and brassard badge, this is identical to the uniform of the [[Air Training Corps|ATC]] and regulations for its wear can be found in ACP1358. Most RAF sections wear combat clothing, formerly the [[Disruptive Pattern Material|CS95 DPM]] standard, but many now wear [[Multi-Terrain Pattern|Multi-terrain pattern uniform]] (MTP).<ref name="uniform3"/> Officers wear the [[Uniforms of the Royal Air Force#Ground duties|RAF tactical recognition flash]], Adult Warrant Officers and Senior Non-Commissioned Officers wear the RAFAC Staff formation flash, and cadets wear RAFAC Cadet formation flash.<ref>{{cite web |title=Uniform Dress and Appearance Regulations for the Air Cadet Organization |url=http://2484aircadets.org/AP%201358C.pdf |page=50 |publisher=[[RAF Air Cadets]] |access-date=16 May 2020 |archive-date=27 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201127143435/http://2484aircadets.org/AP%201358C.pdf |url-status=dead}}</ref>

== Cadets ==
[[File:Cadets Saint Peter Port 2012 b.jpg|thumb|Parade and church service in Saint Peter Port, featuring [[Air Training Corps|ATC]] and CCF cadets, [[Guernsey]], 16 September 2012]]
[[File:Battle of Jersey commemoration 2013 07.jpg|thumb|Army Cadet Force (ACF) Cadets during the [[Battle of Jersey]] commemoration in 2013]]
[[File:Royal Visit 2012 0007.jpg|thumb|Royal Navy Cadets, during a Royal Visit at [[Victoria College, Jersey]]]]

The ''MOD Sponsored Cadet Forces Statistics'' are published annually.<ref name="auto"/> Statistics are provided for the Community Cadets (the [[Sea Cadets (United Kingdom)|Sea Cadet Corps]] and [[Volunteer Cadet Corps]] (VCC), [[Army Cadet Force]] (ACF) and [[Air Training Corps]] (ATC)) and the Combined Cadet Force. The Volunteer Cadet Corps (VCC) is included in these statistics for the first time, as its status changed to become the fifth MOD sponsored cadet force in 2017.<ref name="service.gov.uk">{{cite web |url=https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/711494/MOD_Sponsored_Cadet_Forces_Statistics_April_2018.pdf |title=MOD Sponsored Cadet Forces Statistics |date=1 April 2018 |website=Assets.publishing.service.gov.uk |access-date=1 February 2019 |archive-url= |archive-date=}}</ref>

=== Number of CCF Cadets (nationwide) ===
The strength of CCF, both Cadets and CFAVs is published every year by the [[Office for National Statistics]], usually in April.<ref name="gov.uk">{{cite web |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/mod-sponsored-cadet-forces-statistics-2020 |title=MOD sponsored cadet forces statistics: 2020 |archive-url= |archive-date=}}</ref>

{| class="wikitable"
|-
|+Size of sections<ref name="auto"/>
|- 
! scope="col" | Section
! scope="col" | Cadets
|-
! scope="row" | Army
| style="text-align: right; padding-right: 1em;" | 29,920<ref name="Stats 2020">{{cite web |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/mod-sponsored-cadet-forces-statistics-2020 |title=MOD Sponsored Cadet Forces Statistics |date=1 April 2020 |access-date=7 March 2021 |archive-url= |archive-date=}}</ref>
|-
! scope="row" | Royal Air Force
| style="text-align: right; padding-right: 1em;" | 8,960<ref name="Stats 2020" />
|-
! scope="row" | RN/RM
| style="text-align: right; padding-right: 1em;" | 6,140<ref name="Stats 2020" />
|-
! scope="row" | Total
| style="text-align: right; padding-right: 1em;" | 45,020<ref name="Stats 2020" />
|}

In November 2019 the Government announced that it had achieved its target of 500 contingents under the Cadet Expansion Programme (CEP)<ref>{{cite web |title=Cadet Expansion Programme reaches 500 unit target |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/cadet-expansion-programme-reaches-500-unit-target |access-date=18 February 2021 |website=GOV.UK |language=en |archive-url= |archive-date=}}</ref>

<!-- Need to find updated numbers since the 500 expansion, for the below table
In October 2007 the under-secretary of state for defence gave details of the total number of CCF sections, and the number present in state schools.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200607/cmhansrd/cm071029/text/71029w0075.htm#0710313000004 |title=Parliamentary written questions |publisher=[[Hansard]] |date=29 October 2007 |access-date=13 March 2008 |archive-url= |archive-date=}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable"
|- 
! scope="col" | Section
! scope="col" | No. of sections
! scope="col" | No. in state schools
|-
! scope="row" | Army
| style="text-align: right; padding-right: 1em;" | 359
| style="text-align: right; padding-right: 1em;" | 161
|-
! scope="row" | Royal Air Force
| style="text-align: right; padding-right: 1em;" | 199
| style="text-align: right; padding-right: 1em;" | 41
|-
! scope="row" | Royal Navy
| style="text-align: right; padding-right: 1em;" | 110
| style="text-align: right; padding-right: 1em;" | 12
|-
! scope="row" | Royal Marines
| style="text-align: right; padding-right: 1em;" | 18
| style="text-align: right; padding-right: 1em;" | 1
|-
! scope="row" | Total
| style="text-align: right; padding-right: 1em;" | 686
| style="text-align: right; padding-right: 1em;" | 215
|}
-->

=== Cadet ranks ===
{{See also|Ranks of the cadet forces of the United Kingdom}}
All cadet ranks are standard [[non-commissioned officer|non-commissioned]] ranks, prefixed by "Cadet". The highest rank depends on the size of the contingent, but are usually Cadet [[Regimental Sergeant Major]], (Army and RM Sections) and Cadet [[Warrant Officer]] (RN and RAF Sections). 
Some contingents may have Junior (and sometimes Senior) [[Under Officer]]s. Cadet Under Officers' rank badges are blue bands 12&nbsp;mm wide across each shoulder slide, with the addition of the letters CCF underneath.

Cadets are promoted on their level of experience and their level of commitment to the cadet force. Also cadets are promoted on excellence or merit. Senior cadets' duty is to help the running of parades etc. and to help their Contingent Commander or another officer of their contingent.

The Naval Cadet that is in command of the naval section is also addressed as '''''Coxswain'''''.

{| style="border:1px solid #8888aa; background-color:#f7f8ff; padding:5px; font-size:95%; margin: 0px 12px 12px 0px;"
{{Ranks and Insignia of UK/CDT/CCF/RN}}
{{Ranks and Insignia of UK/CDT/CCF/RM}}
{{Ranks and Insignia of UK/CDT/CCF/Army}}
{{Ranks and Insignia of UK/CDT/CCF/RAF}}
|}

Army cadets ranks share associated regiment's equivalent rank title (e.g. [[Corporal]] in the [[Royal Artillery]] becomes Bombardier.)

== Cadet Force adult volunteers (CFAV) ==
Cadet Force Adult Volunteers (CFAVs), who are the uniformed civilian staff that work in the school contingents, provide training to the cadets. Unlike the other cadet organisations (ATC/SCC/ACF), most adult volunteers are commissioned officers, the exception often being the School Staff Instructor (see below) and the newer position of Sergeant Instructor (SI).

=== CCF Officers ===
CCF officers are not members of the armed forces and are usually teachers or other school staff. As such they are not subject to military law, but are subject to CCF Regulations they are subordinate to officers in the Armed Forces whether Regular or Reserve. Until 2017 CCF (Army) and CCF (RAF) officers were in special categories of the reserves of their service whereas CCF (RN) Officers were 'appointed' and did not hold commissions. However, on 1 December 2017, the Cadet Forces Commission was introduced and since then this type of commission has been held by all CCF officers.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://combinedcadetforce.org.uk/news-media-centre/news/2017/hm-the-queen-approves-new-commission-for-cadet-force-volunteers |title=HM the Queen approves new commission for cadet… |date=1 February 2019 |website=Combined Cadet Force |access-date=1 February 2019 |archive-url= |archive-date=}}</ref>

=== Training ===
* Officers in the Naval section of the CCF, undertake the six day CCF Royal Navy officer induction course training at [[Britannia Royal Naval College]], Dartmouth. It is commanded by a course officer (regular Naval Service) and at least two CFAVs to assist. The training is delivered by regular sailors.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://issuu.com/combinedcadetforce/docs/connected.spring2018 |title=Connected - Spring 2018 |website=Issuu.com |access-date=1 February 2019 |archive-url= |archive-date=}}</ref>
* Similar to officers in the [[Army Cadet Force]], CCF (Army) officers attend the Cadet Forces Commissions Board of the [[Army Officer Selection Board]] and must be approved by the Headmaster of the employing school and confirmed by the relevant Army Brigade in order to attend. Prospective officers may be appointed as an "Adult Under Officer", awaiting commissioning.<ref name="armycadets.com" />
* CCF (RAF) officers attend the RAFAC Command and Leadership course and undertake the five day RAF Air Cadets Officers and NCO's combined Initial Course at [[RAF College Cranwell]], as Acting Pilot Officer. Upon successful completion of the course, they are awarded their Cadet Forces Commission.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://issuu.com/combinedcadetforce/docs/connected.summer2018 |title=Connected Summer 2018 |website=Issuu.com |access-date=1 February 2019 |archive-url= |archive-date=}}</ref> Their rank slides are similar to their RAF counterparts, with the addition of the text 'RAF Air Cadets' underneath the displayed rank.<ref name="AC101 Ranks">{{cite web |url=https://aircadet101.weebly.com/cfc-explained.html |title=CFC Explained |website=Air Cadet 101 |access-date=5 October 2018 |archive-url= |archive-date=}}</ref>

All CCF adult induction/basic/initial courses cover the basic skills needed for CFAVs who wish to serve in the CCF, such as drill and turnout, leadership and teamwork tasks, weapon training, navigation, etc.

=== School Staff Instructors (SSI) ===
Supporting officers in the running of the Contingent is the School Staff Instructor (SSI) - usually a retired Senior Non-commissioned Officer (SNCO) or [[Warrant officer (United Kingdom)#British Army|Warrant Officer]]. Although they are civilians, they retain their rank as a courtesy and are employed by the school to instruct and assist in the running of the Contingent.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ams.mod.uk/content/docs/jsp336/3rd_ed/vol12/pt3/pam13/s3.doc |title=Uniform regulations for officers and instructors |website=Ams.mod.uk |format=DOC |access-date=2007-09-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070610004924/http://www.ams.mod.uk/content/docs/jsp336/3rd_ed/vol12/pt3/pam13/s3.doc |archive-date=10 June 2007 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

Whilst the majority of the SSIs are (former) SNCOs it is also possible for them to be a Cadet Forces commissioned officer. There is usually only one SSI per Contingent and they are also supported by other external staff, including the RN's Area Instructors, various Brigade Cadet Training Teams (CTTs) and [[RAF]] TEST SNCOs.

=== Civilian Instructors (CI) ===
Like the community cadet forces, some Contingents may have one or more Civilian Instructors (CI). These are adult volunteers who may instruct in either a specialist (first aid, signals, etc.) or more generalised role when the establishment level of officers does not include sufficient suitably qualified and experienced personnel to teach these subjects. Many are members of staff at the school.<ref name="combined_cadet_force">{{cite web |url=https://combinedcadetforce.org.uk/about-the-ccf/roles-ranks |title=Roles & Ranks |first=Electric |last=Putty |date=24 September 2019 |website=Combined Cadet Force |access-date=24 September 2019 |archive-url= |archive-date=}}</ref>

{| class="wikitable"
|- style="text-align:center;"
! rowspan=3| RN (CCF) [[Royal Naval Reserve|RNR]]
|Chief Petty Officer
| rowspan="3" |''No equivalent''
|- style="text-align:center;"
|'''CPO'''
|- style="text-align:center;"
|[[File:British Royal Navy OR-7.svg|50px]]
|- style="text-align:center;"
! rowspan=3| Army (Cadet Forces)
| Staff Sergeant Instructor
| Sergeant Instructor
|- style="text-align:center;"
|'''SSI'''
|'''SI'''
|- style="text-align:center;"
| [[File:CFAV Staff Sergeant Instructor.svg|50px]]
| [[File:CFAV Sergeant Instructor.svg|50px]]
|- style="text-align:center;"
! rowspan=3| RAF ([[Royal Air Force Air Cadets|RAFAC]])
| Flight Sergeant RAFAC
| Sergeant RAFAC
|- style="text-align:center;"
| '''FS RAFAC'''
| '''Sgt RAFAC'''
|- style="text-align:center;"
| [[File:RAFAC FS.png|50px]]
| [[File:RAFAC Sgt.png|50px]]
|}

=== Adult Strength ===
The strength of CCF CFAVs is published every year by the [[Office for National Statistics]], usually in April.<ref name="gov.uk"/> At 1 April 2020 it was:

{| class="wikitable"
|- style="background: #efefef;"
! scope="col" | Section
! scope="col" | CFAV
|-
! scope="row" | [[British Army|Army]]
| style="text-align: right; padding-right: 1em;" | 2,170<ref name="Stats 2020" />
|-
! scope="row" | [[Royal Air Force]]
| style="text-align: right; padding-right: 1em;" | 570<ref name="Stats 2020" />
|-
! scope="row" | [[Royal Navy|RN]]/[[Royal Marines|RM]]
| style="text-align: right; padding-right: 1em;" | 600<ref name="Stats 2020" />
|-
! scope="row" | '''Total'''
| style="text-align: right; padding-right: 1em;" | '''3,340'''<ref name="Stats 2020" />
|}

=== Officer ranks ===
'''CCF (RN)''' ranks are almost the same as for RN (and [[Royal Naval Reserve|RNR]]) officers (with the post-nominals 'RNR' used only in writing, not on insignia) but their rank braid is 'wavy' as used in the past by the [[RNVR]].

'''CCF (Army)''' officers are required<ref name="armycadets.com"/> to wear a "CCF" title on their rank slides, epaulettes, or other part of their uniform as appropriate in addition to any insignia of affiliated Army regiment or corps. Some contingents may also have the school or college name on rank slides.

'''CCF (RAF)''' Officers wear 'RAF Air Cadets' on their rank sides, as although they are CCF, they are part of the wider ''Air Cadets'' family.

Since the introduction of the Cadet Forces Commission, ranks do not indicate membership of the [[British Armed Forces]].

{| class="wikitable"
|- style="text-align:center;"
! rowspan="3" |RN ((CCF) [[Royal Naval Reserve|RNR]])
|[[Commander (Royal Navy)|Commander]] (CCF) RNR
|[[Lieutenant commander (Royal Navy)|Lieutenant Commander]] (CCF) RNR 
|[[Lieutenant (Royal Navy)|Lieutenant]] (CCF) RNR 
|[[Sub-lieutenant|Sub Lieutenant]] (CCF) RNR 
|- style="text-align:center;"
|Cdr (CCF) RNR
|Lt Cdr (CCF) RNR
|Lt (CCF) RNR
|Sub Lt (CFF) RNR
|- style="text-align:center;"
|[[File:RNVR CDR.png|50px]]
|[[File:RNVR LTCDR.png|50px]]
|[[File:RNVR LT.png|50px]]
|[[File:RNVR SLT.png|50px]]
|- style="text-align:center;"
! rowspan="3" |Army (Cadet Forces)
| [[Lieutenant Colonel]] 
| [[Major (rank)|Major]] 
| [[Captain (armed forces)|Captain]] 
| [[Lieutenant]] 
| [[Second Lieutenant]] 
|colspan=2|Adult [[Under Officer]] 
|- style="text-align:center;"
|Lt Col (CCF)
|Maj (CCF)
|Capt (CCF)
|Lt (CCF)
|2 Lt (CCF)
|colspan=2|AUO
|- style="text-align:center;"
|[[File:CCF Lieutenant Colonel Rank slide.png|50px]]
|[[File:CCF Major Rank slide.png|50px]]
|[[File:CCF Captain Rank slide.png|50px]]
|[[File:CCF Lieutenant Rank slide.png|50px]]
|[[File:CCF Second Lieutenant Rank slide.png|50px]]
|colspan=2|[[File:CCF AUO rank slide.png|CCF AUO rank slide|50px]]
|- style="text-align:center;"
! rowspan="3" |RAF ([[Royal Air Force Air Cadets|RAFAC]])
| [[Wing commander (rank)|Wing Commander]] 
| [[Squadron Leader]] 
| [[Flight Lieutenant]] 
| [[Flying Officer]] 
| [[Pilot Officer]] 
| [[Acting Pilot Officer]] 
| [[Officer Cadet]] 
|- style="text-align:center;"
|Wg Cdr (RAFAC)
|Sqn Ldr (RAFAC)
|Flt Lt (RAFAC)
|Fg Off (RAFAC)
|Plt Off (RAFAC)
|A/Plt Off (RAFAC)
|O/Cdt (RAFAC)
|- style="text-align:center;"
|[[File:RAFAC WC.jpg|50px]]
|[[File:RAFAC SL.jpg|50px]]
|[[File:RAFAC FL.jpg|50px]]
|[[File:RAFAC FO.jpg|50px]]
|[[File:RAFAC PO.jpg|50px]]
|[[File:Acting Pilot Officer.jpg|50px]]
|[[File:RAFAC OC.jpg|50px]]
|}

== Cadet training ==
Each of the CCF sections have different syllabi with a degree of overlap. All the sections learn [[Parade (military)|drill]] and all cadets are trained to fire the [[L98A2]] 5.56&nbsp;mm Cadet General Purpose rifle, a semi-automatic only version of the L85A2 used by the UK armed forces. There are also opportunities to fire the L144 A1 Cadet Small Bore Target Rifle (CSBTR) and the [[L81 A2 Cadet Target Rifle|L81 Cadet Target Rifle]].

The MoD allocates over five and half million rounds of 5.56mm ammunition to Cadet Training each year.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/army-cadets-ammunition-levels-sufficient/? | title=Army cadets ammunition levels 'sufficient' | date=4 May 2025 }}</ref>

=== Royal Navy section ===
[[File:Naval Section Combined Cadet Force Ensign.jpg|150px|thumb|Ensign of the Naval section of the CCF.]]
Cadets in the Royal Navy section receive instruction in boat-work and other naval subjects (including flying with the [[Fleet Air Arm]]). The Royal Navy also offers many CCF courses during the school holidays which are open to any members of any CCF.

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! colspan = "5" | CCF RN Ships [[File:Naval Section Combined Cadet Force Ensign.jpg|30px]]
|-
! Name !! Type !! Class !! Length (ft)
|-
| MV Blue Swan
| [[Motorboat|Motor Boat]]
| ''Talisman''
| 49
|-
| MV Black Swan
| [[Motorboat|Motor Boat]]
| ''Talisman''
| 49
|-
| SV Cornish Air
| [[Bermuda sloop|Sloop]]
| ''[[Rustler Yachts|Rustler]]''
| [[Rustler 36|36]]
|-
| STC Amaryllis
| [[Bermuda sloop|Sloop]]
|
|
|-
| TS Dragon
| [[Bermuda sloop|Sloop]]
|
|
|-
| TS Phoenix
| [[Bermuda sloop|Sloop]]
|
|
|}

==== Royal Marine Section ====
The Royal Marines section, although a part of the Navy, tend to train independently, covering battle drills, weapons handling and marksmanship, fieldcraft, camouflage and concealment and the history of the Royal Marines.

=== Army section ===
The Army section follows the Army Proficiency Certificate (APC) subjects such as drill and turnout, skill at arms, shooting, map and compass, fieldcraft and first aid.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://combinedcadetforce.org.uk/about-the-ccf/sections/army |title=The Army |first=Electric |last=Putty |date=24 September 2019 |website=Combined Cadet Force |access-date=24 September 2019 |archive-url= |archive-date=}}</ref>

=== Royal Air Force section ===
As CCF (RAF) sections form part of the larger [[Royal Air Force Air Cadets]], they are eligible to undertake the same syllabus and training opportunities as the [[Air Training Corps]]:
{{Further |Activities of the Air Training Corps}}

RAF section cadets are given the opportunity to fly in both powered aircraft, most notably the [[Grob Tutor]] and in unpowered gliders such as the [[Grob Viking]]; their training and flying courses are identical to those available to members of the [[Air Training Corps]]. Cadets can also be involved in a multitude of battle training and tactics as well as opportunities to fly in various aircraft from the [[RAF]] and allied nations. The section also learn about aerospace management, aircraft structure and propulsion, engineering, air power doctrine as well as an opportunity to see how most RAF stations, sections and wings or squadrons operate. As well as practical learning, RAF cadets also follow an academic syllabus. Cadets are usually taught "Part 1" before being expected to complete Parts 2 - 4 by themselves through the medium of Bader Learn. Completing Part 4, also known as the Master Cadet Award, leads to a BTEC Level 2 in Aerospace Studies (accredited by [[Pearson Education|Pearson]]) being awarded, although CCF cadets, unlike those in the ATC, have to pay to receive this BTEC.

Cadets may also take part in regional and national competitions, such as the [[Air Squadron Trophy Competition]].

=== Further training ===
All sections can undertake leadership courses as well as adventurous training. There are also other courses available for cadets to enhance their skills, such as Junior and Senior Cadet Instructor Courses (JCIC, SCIC) and Method of Instruction (MOI).

== See also ==
'''Elements of the [[Community Cadet Forces]]'''
* [[Sea Cadet Corps (United Kingdom)|Sea Cadet Corps]]
* [[Army Cadet Force]]
* [[Air Training Corps]]

'''Other MoD sponsored or recognized cadet forces'''
* [[Volunteer Cadet Corps]]

'''Related articles'''
* [[Cadets (youth program)]]
* [[CVQO|Cadet Vocational Qualification Organisation (CVQO)]]
* [[National Association of Training Corps for Girls]]
* [[Reserve Forces and Cadets Association]]
* [[Bermuda Cadet Corps]]
* [[Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps]]

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
{{Commons category}}
* {{official website|https://combinedcadetforce.org.uk/}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20181203152100/https://legacy.armycadets.com/county_uploads/Cumbria/Formspring/20130417_Army_Dress_Regulations_Pt8_(Cadets).pdf Army Dress Regulations Part 8 (Cadets) (2013)]

{{UK Cadets}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:British Cadet organisations]]
[[Category:1948 establishments in the United Kingdom]]