The Combined Cadet Force (CCF) is a Government sponsored youth organisation and, although uniformed, it is not a recruiting tool for the armed forces.

Its aims are to:

“Provide a disciplined organisation in a school so that pupils may develop powers of leadership by means of training to promote the qualities of responsibility, self-reliance, resourcefulness, endurance and perseverance.”

Exciting new research into UK Cadet Forces highlights the positive impacts on young peoples’ development, adult volunteers and wider society.

Read more here

Life Sciences UTC is affiliated with 208 Field Hospital, Royal Army Medical Corps. We are both proud and delighted to be the first CCF Contingent to have this affiliation. It is our Contingent’s aim for cadets to develop key personal skills through the CCF Army syllabus, and furthermore understand the massive humanitarian responsibility the Army has worldwide through working with the extensive range of highly skilled professionals who volunteer their time at 208 Field Hospital.

While some students may choose to pursue a career in the armed forces, for many students being a cadet provides an insight into the roles played by the armed forces, and gives a flavour of their values, activities and influence in changing times. Being part of the CCF helps students develop independence, an ability to work as part of a team, and leadership skills: the training syllabuses are specifically designed with this in mind – cadets are expected, as they progress through their career within the CCF, to take a leadership role and deliver training to more junior members of the Contingent.

Upon joining the Life Sciences UTC Contingent, cadets will follow a syllabus called the Army Proficiency Certificate (APC) which gets more challenging each year. APC training is designed to be practical, rather than classroom-based, whenever possible. Cadets can expect to take part in many activities, including: annual camp, field days, day and night exercises, drill, leadership training, navigation, map work, orienteering, expedition training, shooting (small-bore, full-bore, clay and air weapons), blank firing, field craft, outdoor skills, survival skills, first aid, climbing, D of E, visiting regular and reserve units, communications, observation and many other individual service based activities and competitions.

Membership of the Life Sciences UTC Contingent is voluntary. All students will be given an introduction to the CCF; its values, ethos, and activities cadets can expect to take part in as part of induction week at the beginning of the academic year.