“It’s One of the Most Rewarding Things I’ve Done”

LWC Upper Sixth Former, Charlie knows how to read a map.

 

Which means he’s already more advanced than nearly half of the UK adult population, who admit to struggling with directions when their smartphone is taken away.

 

“I remember getting dropped off about ten miles away from LWC and we had to find our way back using a map and a compass,” he admits. “We learn how to read maps in the CCF, which I guess a lot of young people don’t have the opportunity to do. It’s one of a few things that I’ve done with the CCF that makes me feel a step ahead. It’s great for outdoor and life skills.”

 

Charlie joined LWC’s Combined Cadet Force at the first opportunity available, in 3^rd Form. “I’d seen people around in their uniforms on a Friday and wondered what it was all about,” he explains. “I had no real idea what was involved, but I was willing to just throw myself into it, to see what happens.”

 

Over four years later and Charlie now occupies one of the most senior student roles within the contingent – Cadet Staff Sergeant, alongside managing his responsibilities as one of three Heads of College.

 

“CCF is definitely one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done. I don’t think it’s like anything else that we do at the school. There are so many opportunities that it brings. If I hadn’t joined the CCF, my leadership skills wouldn’t be what they are now…or my general life skills.”

 

Charlie isn’t alone in feeling this. Research commissioned by the Ministry of Defence, carried out by the University of Northampton and published earlier this year, maintains there is a real value to school-based cadet forces in the UK.

 

“CCF contingents help to build character, resilience, practical skills and camaraderie in students and staff,” it concluded.

 

“It’s definitely helped me to learn to work in a team,” adds Charlie. “It’s great that our contingent includes cadets from Costello School (in Basingstoke). It means that we can talk to and spend time with people that we don’t see during the week. We do amazing things and get to know each other really well. We’re all really willing to give something a go.”

 

“Summer camps are brilliant. You get to shoot on ranges, do archery, paddleboarding, kayaking… I’ve done caving before – I was petrified of that but actually enjoyed it. One of the best things I’ve done was last year’s Cadet Skill at Arms Meeting (CADSAM), where you compete against other contingents at shooting on the range. It was great fun and a real challenge.”

— Charlie

 

LWC and Costello’s CCF contingent includes 180 cadets and staff from across both schools.

 

“Cadets gain a huge amount from being in the CCF,” adds Ian Rockett, CCF School Staff Instructor at LWC. “They build confidence, learn self-discipline and develop practical leadership skills by taking responsibility for themselves and others. Working in teams helps them improve their communication and cooperation, while outdoor activities and field exercises teach resilience and problem-solving. They also pick up useful skills such as first aid, navigation, and organisation, which transfer directly into everyday life. Most importantly, they experience adventure, make strong friendships, and gain a real sense of achievement and belonging.”

   

But how does this translate into everyday life as part of the CCF? Charlie smiles when asked about some of his favourite moments.

 

“Summer camps are brilliant,” he admits. “You get to shoot on ranges, do archery, paddleboarding, kayaking – those kinds of things. I’ve done caving before – I was petrified of that but actually enjoyed it. One of the best things I’ve done was last year’s Cadet Skill at Arms Meeting (CADSAM), where you compete against other contingents at shooting on the range. It was great fun and a real challenge – we got a medal out of it too, so it was all good fun.”

 

For Captain Rockett, seeing these kinds of skills come together for the cadets is very much part of the appeal of his job.

 

“Watching cadets grow and develop their knowledge and confidence as they learn new skills is very rewarding. Often seeing the least likely recruits developing into great leaders and mentors is fantastic. They become great role models and the younger cadets always look to the older ones for assistance, advice and encouragement. Leadership is something we develop right from the beginning of the cadet experience.”

 

This is certainly the phase of his CCF experience that Charlie now finds himself in. He explains, “I instruct the younger cadets every Friday – which can be a challenge in terms of organisation and aiming for the best and most engaging lessons that you can deliver, but I enjoy it.”

 

Moving forward, Charlie admits to having considered a career in the military, but for now he’s content to enjoy his remaining time in the contingent, developing the life skills that are bound to stand him in good stead for a life beyond LWC.

 

“We learn to cook for ourselves, that’s for sure,” he reveals. “We also learn how to build shelters and carry out first aid.” Hopefully there won’t be much call for the latter two after his time in the 1200 is over, but in an age of smartphones and scrolling, CCF cadets appear equipped with an impressive set of life skills.

 

“Many of the skills we teach as part of the syllabus (both practical and theoretical) are easily transferable and employers value these attributes hugely,” concludes Ian Rockett. “This can only enhance future opportunities for cadets.”

 

And the chances of them getting from A to B without Google Maps.

 

LWC’s Combined Cadet Force is one of more than a hundred co-curricular activities offered at the College. For more details, contact Ian Rockett.