Kelvinside Academy - Kelvinside Academy Combined Cadet Force

Kelvinside Academy Combined Cadet Force

The Combined Cadet Force (CCF) is a tri-Service (Navy, Army and Royal Air Force ) youth organisation. Today the CCF forms a vibrant, inclusive organisation for pupils aged between 13 and 18, offering significant developmental opportunities. Through the use of military-orientated and adventurous training, cadets also have the opportunity to develop their sense of responsibility and the qualities of self-reliance, resourcefulness, endurance, perseverance and a sense of service to the community. The acquisition of these personal attributes at a formative stage will remain of value throughout the cadets' lives and will be relevant in whatever career they pursue.

The CCF is an educational partnership between the School and the Ministry of Defence (MOD). Whilst the MOD sponsors the CCF and provides uniforms, weapons and ammunition, and advice on military and adventurous training, the School Teaching Staff provide the Officers and the bulk of the instructors. Kelvinside Academy Combined Cadet Force has Army, Navy and Royal Air Force Sections. The Army Section is affiliated to IV Para and wears the beret and cap badge of the Parachute Regiment. The Navy Section has as it's Parent Establishment HMS Rosyth and it is affiliated to HMS Vanguard. The Parent Station and affiliation of the RAF Section is with RAF Leuchars.

At the start of the current session, contingent strength was as follows: Army Section - 4 officers and 96 cadets, Navy Section - 2 officers and 26 cadets, RAF Section - 2 officers and 40 cadets.

The purpose of the training programme is to provide cadets with the opportunity to develop responsibility, self reliance, resourcefulness and endurance, within the school syllabus. Training takes place every Thursday from 3.45pm-5.15pm during term time, and over several weekends and ‘field days’ each term.

Kelvinside Academy CCF can trace its origins back to1883. Over a century on it continues to thrive. All S3 pupils must join the CCF and they have a choice of spending at least one year in either Army, Navy or RAF Sections. Irrespective of which section they join, they learn military rudiments including drill, weapons, map and compass work and about surviving in the outdoors. They are also able to participate in a wide variety of adventurous activities including hillwalking, expeditions, rock climbing, kayaking, canoeing, caving, subaqua diving, sailing, flying, gliding......

The CCF then becomes voluntary, but most opt to stay on to pursue advanced training and take leadership courses and become NCOs. They are then able to instruct the younger cadets; indeed the bulk of the instruction is carried out by very competent 6th Year instructors. Cadets also have the opportunity to gain BTEC qualifications in Public Services, Marine Engineering and Music. Many cadets (and adults) opt to spend in excess of 50 days every year on camps and courses. The CCF Office and Stores are located in Mirlees Drive.

The Senior Ranks in the Combined Cadet Force for the current session are:

RSM - Andrew Jephson
RQMS – Craig Guthrie

The Annual Inspection

The CCF Annual Inspection and Prizegiving is held at Balgray Playing Fields in June every session. In keeping with tradition, a formal parade, inspection of the ranks, and marchpast is taken by a member of HM Forces. This is followed by a formal prizegiving ceremony after which the Inspecting Officer and his party meet the cadets and officers in the Tea Room. Parents are encouraged to attend this important occasion in the CCF calendar.

Staff
Contingent Commander : Lt.Col.A.J.Gilliland
Army Section : Capt. N.Fischbacher, Capt. D.Simpson, Capt. N.G.MacLeod, Miss F.Donald
Navy Section : Sub Lt J.Cuthbertson, Sub Lt S.Paterson
RAF Section : Flt Lt J.Paterson, Sqn Ldr J.Mann, Mrs A.Busby, Mrs A.Stewart
School Staff Instructor : Sgt M.McAlister

If visiting the school, it is worth viewing the top corridor of the main building which has been converted into a CCF/Outdoor Education display area of photographs and memorabilia. Past RSMs (and their equivalents) back to 1938 are celebrated on display plaques.

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