Military Cadet Organisations?

My school had a CCF with Army and RAF groups, which we all had to join for 2 years in year 9/10 (probably some vain attempt to keep us out of trouble). I hated it. Partly because I'm a pacifist, but mostly because everyone else in my year behaved like dicks, so we spent most of our time being shouted at/punished rather than doing cool stuff. We didn't do much in the way of the fun outdoor pursuitsy things that I know other groups do - it was a lot of marching and rifle drills. We did go on field days and on camp, which were kind of ok apart from more shouting, but I wasn't sorry to leave.

I then got involved in Girlguiding, which was much more my cup of tea!

I wasn't part of a cadet force, other than army cadets i didn't know it really existed! My OH on the other hand joined the air cadets at 13, left for university and now back as an OC for a squadron. He got so much out of it, and loves being able to "give back" and encourages kids to get involved and make the most of the opportunities given to them.

That's fantastic. My OH is a OC and I was to up to the start of this year. It's the best and the worse job all rolled into one. Where is he OC?

My eldest was in army cadets from 12, made the first under officer in years and was Lord Lieutenants Cadet. She then went on to her University Air Squadron as Cadet Officer but this year was her first out of uniform for 10 years, she was very sad to finish it all. Youngest managed cubs for a couple of years and then decided to dance!

I think if it's your 'thing' then there's alot to be gained from it!

I was in the air cadets for 2 years. It was good at first as it gave us quite a few opportunities to be involved in various activities. I also noticed that many kids who were disobedient and badly behaved in school, suddenly did what they were told in a second, once they were in this mock military situation.

Eventually I reached about 14 years old when I suddenly had a new view and saw only middle aged men playing toy soldiers with a group of kids

Interesting viewpoint, do you still think that now?

I do about a small few of the men who were there, but I don't think any less of them. It was still good for many of the kids who went...some who went onto military careers, some who learned discipline and obeying without question, and some, like me, who just met some new friends

I just wondered as there are some people that completely match your description. Not many but some.

I do seriously think it was the compulsory part of it that made it really crap for me. At my sister's school it was optional for girls (somewhat unfair!) but she volunteered for it and stayed in for 5 years until leaving school, then went onto her university OTC. I think she seriously considered joining up but that's changed now.

Her school CCF used to go on an adventure training trip every year which sounded awesome fun - much more than the army camp I went on.

I agree with you Helenia. I think the reason we get so much out of the cadets is because they want to be there, they've made the commitment and they've turned up. I'm not a massive fan of the CCF personally.