CCF Cadet Stars

Posted at 12:43 pm on 9th January, 2020

Royal Navy Cadets Celebrate Success

Wellacre’s CCF Royal Navy Cadets are celebrating achievements as part of the school’s squad as they successfully complete training and exams to move up the ranks from Ordinary Cadets to Able Cadets, and for some, to Leading Hand.

Wellacre’s recruits first received basic training throughout the first three terms of their time in the CCF Royal Navy (RN) Section. The training has consisted of gaining knowledge of the aims and organisation of the CCF, security, introduction to RN camps and courses, correct wearing of uniform, RN ethos, ranks and rates.  

Practical exercises have seen Wellacre’s cadets complete squad drill, a Naval Cadet Force swimming test and rope work.  Upon completion of all basic training, Wellacre’s cadets were promoted to the rank of Ordinary Cadet.

The next phase of the training syllabus saw the students promoted to the rank of Able Cadets.  This training included: Afloat training (dinghy sailing, canoeing, power boating, etc.), RN flag ceremonial; RN piping; recognition of ships, submarines and aircraft; weather information; communications; sea terms; advanced rope work; map and compass; leadership styles and tasks.

The completion of further stages in the syllabus earns them additional stars on their rank slides and Wellacre is pleased to report that students Christian, Adam, Ellis, Lewis and Taylor (Year 9), Ryan, Joe and Matthew (Year 10), and Alex (Year 11) have earned their one star.

Year 11 students Max and Daniel have also been promoted to Leading Hand.  In their senior years, cadets of outstanding quality can be promoted to cadet non-commissioned officer ranks. They will then receive training in conducting lessons for junior cadets, acting as team leaders and taking command of a formed squad.

Year 11 student, Daniel, said:

“I feel really proud to be awarded the Leading Hand position and I’m looking forward to extra responsibilities such as taking drill, leading classes and giving support to the other cadets.”

Depending on performance and open positions, cadets can be promoted along the line of Leading Hand, Petty Officer, Chief Petty Officer and Warrant Officer.

SLt Wise said:

“We are immensely proud of the achievements of all Wellacre cadets who have represented the school and the unit with pride and worked hard for their one star.  

“Our new Leading Hands, Max and Daniel, show the calibre of the cadet squad and have the opportunity to establish leadership roles as we grow the unit and welcome our new recruits in the Spring Term.”