Ampleforth College

Combined Cadet Force

Background

The Ampleforth College CCF was formed in 1911 as an Officer Training Corps. It stayed this way until 1940 when the name changed to the Junior Training Corps and Air Training Corps. These were the combination of the two remaining sections of the Army and the Royal Air Force. In 1948 the name changed again to what it is now: The Combined Cadet Force. There have been nine Contingent Commanders and eleven School Staff Instructors since the formation in 1911. The school has a fine military heritage which boasts the likes of Colonel Sir David Stirling (founder of the SAS), Brigadier Simon Fraser (founder of the Commandos), Captain Michael Allmand VC and Major General Sir Freddie de Guingand (COS to FM Montgomery from 1942-44) along with many other senior serving and retired officers in all three services.

Aim of the Ampleforth College CCF

The aim of the CCF is to provide cadets with the opportunity to develop self-discipline and a sense of responsibility; improve self-reliance, endurance and resourcefulness through active participation in numerous activities and encourage them to persevere in all tasks often in difficult conditions, in order to develop their leadership skills.

Core Values

The CCF has a good reputation within the school based largely on its spirit, and on the high standards of professionalism, behaviour and self discipline that the cadets consistently display. We depend on team work, which comes from demanding training, strong leadership, comradeship and trust. Such trust can only exist on the basis of shared values, the maintenance of high standards, and the personal commitment of every individual to the task, the team and the organisation. Every adult and cadet within the CCF has a duty to develop such trust and to uphold the core values shown below:

Selfless Commitment

Courage (physical and mental)

Discipline

Integrity

Loyalty

Respect for Others

Three Pillars

The three pillars on which we must build a successful CCF are:

Sound Administration

Effective Training

Inspiring Leadership

Equality and Diversity

Everyone in the CCF is treated fairly. We recognize that everyone is unique and respect differences. We aim to give all cadets the opportunity to develop their abilities fully, whilst emphasizing their responsibility to others and the Corps. We expect all our cadets to operate as members of a close knit community, where trust, cohesion and teamwork are decisive factors in our success. We rely on leadership at all levels and the effective contribution of every cadet to achieve this.