Ranks and responsibilities for cadets
As cadets progress through their time with the CCF, they are encouraged to take responsibility for themselves and gradually for others. In the early stages, this will involve looking after their uniform and kit, and developing self-discipline and organisational skills to successfully complete their basic training. As they develop their own skills, they may also be given the opportunity to take responsibility for a small group of cadets as a junior non-commissioned officer (JNCO).
As JNCOs develop their leadership skills and grow in confidence, they may be asked to step up to the next level and become a cadet senior non-commissioned officer (SNCO). These cadets support the adult volunteers to run activities, deliver lessons, and plan future training for junior cadets.
Roles for adult volunteers
There are a number of different roles adult volunteers can take on within the CCF. Adult volunteers can come from any part of the school staff, and it’s also quite common for former pupils, parents or other members of the community with links to the school to also get involved.
If you are interested in joining your local CCF as an adult volunteer, please get in touch with the school directly. Volunteer recruitment is carried out locally by individual CCF Contingents, and volunteers who are not from the school staff will need to undergo Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) checks before appointment.
Officer
The majority of adults involved in the CCF will join as an Officer, which is a uniformed role. Each service has a slightly different selection and appointment process for CCF Officers, which may include an interview. Those taking on the role will also complete a Security Clearance (SC) check.
Officers in the CCF will be involved in the planning and administration of the group, organising activities and trips. They may also be involved in delivering practical training to cadets and will have the opportunity to take a number of specialist courses, to allow them to deliver high quality training to the cadets.
Many of the courses on offer through the CCF, for example in expedition training or sports, are run by national governing bodies, meaning that they are a national level qualification, which can also be used outside of the CCF.
Senior Non-commissioned Officer (SNCO)
SNCOs take an active role in delivering training at the unit, with a particular focus on marching, uniform standards, and maintaining standards of behaviour (drill, dress and deportment). Currently, SNCOs are only appointed in CCF (Army) sections.
Non Uniformed Volunteer (NUV)
NUVs may be invited to join the CCF to assist with specialised aspects of training, expeditions or adventurous training.
Leadership roles
Ultimately the headteacher of the school is responsible for the CCF. However, the day-to-day involvement of headteachers varies, and each standalone CCF will also have a Contingent Commander. This officer is responsible for the day-to-day running of the CCF at the school and manages each of the different sections. Where the CCF has more than one section, Section Commanders will be appointed to lead on the Service-specific aspects of training.
These leadership roles offer huge potential for personal and professional development, giving experience of line management, risk assessments, liaison with external bodies (such as affiliated units) and large-scale coordination of extra-curricular activities.