THE CCF AT KEGS
Cadets began at KEGS in 1904 and in 1948 became part of the Combined Cadet Force, as it is known today. KEGS is one of the few state schools to have a CCF. Ideally, we would have a Royal Navy and RAF section as well as the current Army section, but this would require more staff. The CCF at KEGS is run by Major Brown (Head of Technology), Lieutenant Worrall (Director of Music), and Colonel (retired) Gordon Brown, the School Staff Instructor. The Officers hold a TA category B commission. Cadets are promoted through the ranks as they gain experience and develop the leadership skills which we strive to engender. Senior cadets carry out much of the training. The training is organised into three areas:-
The main part of our training is Military. Cadets work towards the Army Proficiency Certificate Syllabus and then their Advanced APC. This includes Fieldcraft, Map and Compass, First Aid, Expedition Training, Drill, and Target Shooting. Adventurous training activities are mainly carried out at annual camp or as single day activities. These include Watermanship, climbing, and sailing. The Corps of Drums is a major part of our CCF, parading two extra evenings each week. The Corps is often out in the local community performing at Royal British Legion or Army Benevolent Fund events. Within the past 12 years, the Corps has played for Her Majesty the Queen and HRH Prince Andrew at the Last Ever Royal Tournament. They have also paraded twice on the popular TV show “Bad Lad’s Army”. The Corps wear the Essex Regiment uniform and annually perform at the Regimental Reunion. Camps give us the opportunity to practice the skills learnt at our school training sessions. Recruits’ camp takes place in the Autumn and gives new cadets the opportunity to experience sleeping in bashers, cooking on heximine stoves and navigating around the training area. Ambush drills are practiced here. Easter camp is for the more senior cadets and consists of a three day exercise. It challenges the physical and mental abilities of the older cadets. Section and platoon attacks form part of this operation. Annual Camp is based at a training barracks with cadets from other CCFs. This is for Year 9 and upwards. Activities are both military and adventurous in their nature.
