Introduction to CCF
The Combined Cadet Force (CCF) is a youth organisation, partly funded by the Ministry of Defence. It aims to give pupils, mainly in Independent Schools, the opportunity to experience a wide range of activities that may otherwise not be available to them and to instil teamwork and leadership qualities that will be of value throughout their lives.
Sedbergh School CCF has three sections, the Army, Royal Navy, and Pipes and Drums which are open to all years. We have links to the regular services including HMS Example and the Duke of Lancaster.
At Sedbergh, the origins of what is now the CCF unit can be traced back to the formation of the Rifle Corps in 1901. The Rifle Corps formed a Company of 2nd (Westmorland) Volunteer Battalion of the Border Regiment. School records show that the First Commanding Officer, the Headmaster, Capt Lowry held the first ‘Drill’ on November 9th 1901. At Sedbergh we now have contingent sections of the army, pipes and drums and navy.
The CCF is a popular choice for pupils who join for a range of reasons. Heritage is a prime motivator, some of the boys are second and third generation of military families, whilst some are looking forward to learning shooting and marksmanship. Others can’t wait to start on fieldcraft and survival skills. Although the CCF is clear that it is not a recruiting proposition for the defence force, a select few pupils, including Alex and Marcus, are looking to build experience ahead of applications to the military after leaving Sedbergh. A couple of Sedbergh pupils apply each year.
