Learners from The JCB Academy have recently completed their Combined Cadet Force (CCF) basic training with a passing out parade.
The JCB Academy introduced its CCF unit in September 2017, offering learners a broad range of challenging, exciting, adventurous and educational activities. The aim is to enable the development of personal responsibility, leadership, and self-discipline. The 30 learners from The JCB Academy who enrolled in the CCF, participate on Wednesday afternoons when the academy runs its extension activities (a range of social, sporting and leisure activities that learners and staff participate in over six-week blocks).
The CCF contingent is an Army section affiliated with the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME). REME supports every unit in the British Army and is built upon innovation, meeting the twin requirements of military proficiency and engineering skill.
The passing out parade was attended by family, friends, and staff who were invited to celebrate with learners as they received their REME cap badges from REME Colonel Reserves, Mark Simpson, who took time out of his busy schedule to give a rousing speech to all present. Personnel from the Light Aide Detachment at Beacon Barracks in Stafford also attended, arriving in a huge 32tn MAN SVRs (support vehicle recovery) for the cadets to inspect.
Over the first year, the cadets will gain a firm military foundation based on weapon training, shooting, field-craft, shelter construction, navigation skills, first-aid and drill. The CCF training is delivered by staff at The JCB Academy who attained the Queen’s Commission as CCF Officers; Contingent Commander, Mr. Morgan, School Staff Instructor, Mr. Lane, Cadet Training Team, Mrs. Newman and Mr. Handley.
Head of Physical Education at The JCB Academy and CCF Contingent Commander, Mr. Morgan said: “The Combined Cadet Force provides our learners with opportunities to develop themselves in so many ways. There has already been a visible difference in their teamwork, confidence, and discipline. Joining the CCF allows our learners to participate and experience a huge range of exciting and adventurous activities. We have had our cadets for nearly a full term now and they are making fantastic progress. It was a real pleasure to celebrate them completing their basic training through their passing out parade. They should be extremely proud of the significant progress they have already made in such a short space of time.”
There are also opportunities for cadets to participate in competitions, courses, and adventurous activities. These range from leadership and military courses, through to adventurous training and even overseas trips. Cadets have the opportunity to take part in obstacle courses, field-days and expeditions, as well as activities such as climbing, kayaking and mountain biking. The focus and highlight of the year for the contingent will be participating in the annual summer-camp at Nesscliffe Training Camp in July. Many CCF cadets also participate in The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, another youth achievement award which the academy encourages learners to participate in.
Photos of the parade can be viewed on our Google Photos account at https://photos.app.goo.gl/eE2ESM4yNXhI2cbt2
