CCF Field Weekend

Three field exercises, one outcome: development of the individual.

The cadets of the Combined Cadet Force have just completed three separate 24-hour field exercises over field weekend: A-Company (A-block pupils plus their NCOs) at Leek MOD training area, RAF NCOs and RAF cadre on navigation training and a visit to the Royal Armouries at Leeds, and Army Advanced Military section on a live-firing exercise at Chilwell, Nottingham.

A third of all pupils in the School participated on simultaneous exercise. Each activity offered opportunities to fufil the central purpose of the CCF - to develop cadets' strength of character. In particular, the Sixth Form NCOs displayed exemplary skill in leading the training in all three exercises, repaying handsomely the trust that is placed in them by Officer Commanding Major Gary Lawrence, by their section officers, and by the School. It is worth recalling that these Sixth Form volunteer pupils are the core of Repton Corps activities on a weekly basis.

The A-Coy, after just three weeks of basic training, had a multi-activity introduction to living in field conditions, and were on sparkling form. From chasm-crossing slung under a rope, through emergency casevac drills, to rabbit stew, via GPS nav training and a giant game of "hide and seek", they threw themselves into it. They emerged wet, grubby, well-fed, and tired, but able to take satisfaction from their own development. Next week, they may apply to join either RAF or Army section specialised training.