The Combined Cadet Force Army Section provides cadets with the opportunity to engage in activities that they would not normally experience within either a school environment or generally outside of school. Examples of this are:

  • Training in infantry weapon systems
  • Opportunities to fire infantry weapon systems on live ranges
  • Instruction in Infantry tactics, fieldcraft (living in the field), navigation, first aid and drill
  • Opportunities to engage in fieldcraft exercises putting theoretical skills into practice
  • Entry into national navigation (orienteering) competitions
  • Entry into the Cadet Skill At Arms meeting (competition shooting)

The Army Section is affiliated to the Mercian Regiment which has links back to the North West and Cheshire (1st Battalion Mercian Regiment). Whenever possible at field days, weekend exercises and at North West events, soldiers from the Mercian Regiment come along to speak to the cadets and give them an insight into life within the modern British Army.

In July each year, cadets in the Army Section have the chance to attend a week long camp at an Army training facility where they are instructed by Regular and Reserve Forces and can engage in further exercises and simulated tactical scenarios which would generally not be available to them in normal training e.g. Operations in Built-up Areas (OBUA). This training is run by the Brigade “area” in which the camp is based. Previous camp locations have included Cornwall, Norfolk, Suffolk, Cumbria and Yorkshire.

Cadets follow a structured programme of training in the Army Proficiency Certificate (APC) which provides them with life-long skills in, amongst others, self-confidence, self-reliance, leadership and management, all of which are favourable attributes to any future University or employer and make a valuable contribution to the cadet themself.

Cadets can also attend Adventure Training course at the Cadet Centre for Adventure Training (CCAT) and gain National Governing Body recognised qualifications, please click on the link below for details.

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