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CCF

The school Combined Cadet Force (CCF) is a joint enterprise, which involves Bedford School, Bedford High School and Dame Alice and in total has over 300 members spread between the schools, with the Dame Alice contingent contributing about 110 girls.

It is a school based military organisation, which is in partnership with the three armed services, the Royal Navy, Royal Airforce and the Army. The students join the force on a voluntary part-time basis and are expected to attend on Wednesday afternoons each week after school between 4pm and 6pm and attend camps and courses run during weekends and holidays throughout the year. This commitment is not onerous and in any one year we expect each cadet to participate in at least one week's course and a minimum of two weekend exercises. Because so much is on offer, not only organised by the school CCF but also by the regular forces as well, there are many opportunities to fulfil your commitment at a convenient time.

A wide range of common skills is taught to all cadets when they first join, based on a military pattern which includes weapon handling, camp craft, navigation and drill. After the recruit stage more specialist training is given by the service you have joined for example the RN cadets will learn sailing, boat work and coastal navigation and the RAF section have many opportunities to participate in powered flying, gliding and aircraft operations.

The CCF provides a means to help you to know yourself; it teaches leadership, confidence, team spirit and the qualities of good citizenship. It provides challenge, adventure and success outside the classroom and will truly give you experiences that will last a lifetime. For example during the summer of 2004 Dame Alice cadets participated in a Royal Navy adventure training expedition to Vancover Island where they sailed, mountain walked and sub-aqua dived. This was only one of many exciting activities that involved cadets throughout the year.

Lt. Cdr. David Jackson