30 ROUNDS

From being on drill team to competing in tug of war, joining the CCF, and being part of the Army section, provides so many opportunities to challenge yourself, develop many skills, and work as part of a team, making new friends across year groups. Becoming part of the Combined Cadet Force can be a life-changing experience for many young people, including myself. Being a cadet will allow you to seize opportunities, which may never be offered otherwise, to take part in a variety of exciting and adventurous, military-themed activities. Some of these include white water rafting, parachuting, being a member of drill team, raft building, or even flying a plane. There is definitely something for everyone! Whether you join Royal Navy, Army or Royal Air Force, you will be sure to quickly build important skills, such as teamwork, confidence and self-discipline, as well as having the opportunity to take on leadership roles. CCF offers you a chance to get to know so many people across the 4 different year groups involved, from both Merchant Taylors and St Helen’s, and work together closely to take on new engaging challenges. Regardless of your academic ability, CCF can offer you the chance to shine and be the best version of yourself. Before joining the Army Section, in Year 10, I was apprehensive about becoming part of CCF, as I knew I would be putting myself in a position to face challenging activities, which may push me outside of my comfort zone. Despite my initial anxieties and worries, I was keen to try something different and therefore joined the Army section. My confidence, to start, at the beginning of Year 10, was not very high, as I didn’t want to be judged by others or not succeed in something, however after nearly 2 years of being a cadet, I am so proud to be in CCF and really do believe I am a much more confident person. I think that CCF has enabled me to trust by own ability and put myself forward for anything that comes my way.