The College’s CCF has been in existence since 1887 and in that time has been inspected on numerous occasions. The modern Biennial Inspection has been in existence since 1995 and in this time the inspection has happened every two years without fail until 2020 when Covid, led to it being cancelled.
The purpose of the inspection is for the CCF administrative organisations to gain a snapshot of our CCF’s numbers, progression and qualifications. It also presents an opportunity to visit and see our pupils in action on a CCF afternoon.
The decision was made to hold our Biennial Inspection on 11/11/21. An important date for so many reasons and especially poignant as this would also mark the centenary of the College’s Memorial to the Fallen within the Cricket Pavilion.
The Inspecting Officer for this year’s parade and session was Wing Commander Hélène Gould, Officer Commanding, Sussex Wing, Air Training Corps (ATC). As the Hurst CCF continues to grow, we have been working more closely with our local Community Cadet units and Sussex Wing have been regular visitors to the campus to use our facilities.
The day itself saw all 297 of the CCF’s cadets on parade, filling the Outer Quad and representing each of the three services. The Army as usual dominated the ranks, however the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force Sections continue to steadily grow, as they have for the last four years. The parade is a great opportunity for the Inspecting Officer to speak to the cadets and witness the drills that they have practiced so hard in the weeks leading up to the event.
The Guard and Colour Party showed their expert rifle drill skills and responded to Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM) Will Pearce’s commands throughout. When asked about the experience of commanding the entire parade the RSM said “I was honored to be in the role and be trusted to play my part in such an historic Hurst tradition!”.
After the parade, attention turned to the CCF session itself. Very much a normal day with syllabus training resuming for most sections. The Royal Navy took on disaster relief scenarios using their STEM Skills to demonstrate how they would build bridges and structures to support rescue efforts from disaster zones out of a giant Meccano set. The Army Cadets had the opportunity to get messy and show off their movement and concealment skills through multiple sessions in the mud and woods. The RAF began the first of their sessions in their Theory of Flight syllabus, the first step to taking a flying trip.
The session ended with Wg Cdr Gould addressing the cadets and congratulating them on their efforts and turnout in the parade and the session.
To read more about Outdoor Education
To find out more about the Combined Cadet Force (CCF)
“ The day was a great success and a wonderful reflection of the hard work and dedication of all the CCF Officers and Cadets. ” Sam Amos, CCF Commander
