Combined Cadet Force
The Combined Cadet Force (CCF) operates in over 400 secondary schools across the UK, with many in the South West. The CCF offers students structured, exciting, and educational activities that promote leadership, self-discipline, and personal responsibility.
Each CCF is a partnership between a school and the Ministry of Defence, with cadets choosing to join Army, Royal Navy, Royal Marines, or RAF sections. Through military-themed and adventurous training, such as fieldcraft, navigation, camps, and specialist courses like gliding, powerboating, or Royal Engineers training—students gain practical skills and a strong sense of public service.
Distinct from community cadet forces, the CCF provides an in-school environment where young people can thrive, challenge themselves, and grow into confident, capable individuals. Wessex RFCA supports these contingents through estate management, safeguarding, and promoting cadet development across the region.
To find out more about the Combined Cadet Force in the South West, contact Les Tanner, Schools Cadet Expansion Officer on wx-sceo@rfca.mod.uk