How the Combined Cadet Force Shaped My Future: John Downey’s Inspirational Journey

For many young people, the CCF experience is life-changing. For John, it was an opportunity to thrive in a structured yet adventurous environment.

The Combined Cadet Force (CCF) has been a transformative experience for thousands of young people, teaching them discipline, resilience, and leadership skills that last a lifetime. One such individual is John Downey, a former CCF cadet at Warwick School between 1971 and 1975, who credits his time in the cadet force with shaping his character and future career. Now working in education in Sweden, John shares his remarkable journey—from handling historic weaponry to evading patrols on military night exercises, proving that the skills and values learned in the CCF extend far beyond the school gates.

The Power of the CCF: Leadership, Discipline, and Adventure

For many young people, the CCF experience is life-changing. For John, it was an opportunity to thrive in a structured yet adventurous environment.

“CCF was something I truly enjoyed,” John recalls. “From stripping down a WWII Sten gun to polishing my parade boots so well that they were stolen! I was even promoted to Drum Major—a role that filled me with immense pride, especially when I successfully threw and caught the mace without breaking stride.”

This combination of military training, leadership development, and teamwork made his time in the CCF both exciting and educational.

Military Training in a School Setting: A Unique Experience

John’s time at Warwick School’s Combined Cadet Force came with incredible opportunities rarely found in traditional education.

Weapon Training: Handling .303 rifles, Bren guns, and WWII Sten guns

Explosives Training: Preparing C4 plastic explosive charges at MOD Kineton

Rifle Practice: Shooting on an indoor .22 rifle range

Fieldcraft & Survival Training: Participating in orienteering exercises, night patrols, and live-fire drills

It’s hard for many to believe that our school had an armoury, or that we practiced on an indoor rifle range,” John shares. “But that was part of the training—it was real, practical, and incredibly valuable. I love the outdoors, and camping in the 70s was quite basic. Waking up, freezing cold realising that the lakeside location was not so wise when you realised your face was now swollen with midge-bites!
John Downey

Night Exercises and Real-World Problem-Solving

One of the most thrilling aspects of the CCF experience was the night exercises, which tested cadets' navigation, endurance, and survival skills.

“Imagine being dropped off miles from school, deep in the Warwickshire countryside, with only a map to guide you back—while Land Rover patrols were tracking you down,” John recalls. “It was exhilarating, and it taught us teamwork, resilience, and independence.”

From a WWII POW Camp to Initiative Under Pressure

John’s experiences took him to unique locations, including Cultybraggan Camp in 1973, a former WWII Nazi prisoner-of-war camp that became a summer training ground for cadets.

“I tell people I spent two weeks in a Nazi POW camp,” he says. “It’s technically true, but we were there for a summer camp—it was one of the best experiences of my time in the CCF.”

His training also included problem-solving exercises, such as an orienteering challenge where he had to reach a rendezvous point solo.

A kind lady in a sports car stopped and offered me a lift,” he says. “Her son was in the army, so she understood the challenge. I accepted the ride but asked to be dropped off early—but she insisted on taking me the whole way. Fortunately, my officers saw it as an act of initiative rather than cheating!
John Downey

Why the CCF Experience Stays with You for Life

John’s story is just one of many that highlight the enduring benefits of the Combined Cadet Force. The training, experiences, and friendships built during his CCF years continue to influence his life and career.

“Fieldcraft, leadership, teamwork, and discipline—these skills stayed with me,” John reflects. “Now, as an educator, I love telling my students about my experiences. They find it hard to believe a school had an armoury, but that’s what made the CCF such a unique and valuable part of my education. All this was over 50 years ago. I have now retired, will be 68 next month, but am still happy hiking and wilderness walking!”

The Lasting Impact of the CCF

For anyone considering joining the CCF, John’s journey proves that it offers far more than just military training—it builds character, resilience, and leadership skills that set cadets up for success in any career.

Whether it’s navigating through the countryside under pressure, mastering weapons training, or leading a cadet unit, the experiences gained through the CCF leave a lasting impact. As John’s story shows, they also make for some unforgettable memories that continue to inspire future generations.

Interested in Joining the CCF?

The CCF is open to young people across the UK, offering incredible opportunities to develop leadership, discipline, and teamwork skills. If you’re looking for an experience that will challenge, inspire, and prepare you for the future, consider joining the CCF by reading more here.