Target for Master Cadet seemed to be around age 16 (based on the old timescales for Instructor Cadet) but it is flexible.
Oddly enough, cadets in community squadrons are also taking school exams too.
Theyâre also parading for 4 hrs a week (roughly) and join sooner and leave later.
I get there are valid reasons, but all it does is promote an unhealthy âus and themâ attitude, that leads to exactly the kind of ugliness weâve already seen on this forum a number of times recently.
Everybody should have everything open to them.
Doesnât mean everybody is expected to do everything.
I know when I was a cadet - and now, tbh - I couldnât give a monkeys about music. Was it an option? Of course. Just one I didnât take up.
So, some CCF kids might not make it through to Master. Ok. Plenty of ATC kids donât either. But it shouldnât be denied as an opportunity for those who want to give it a go.
1 Like
I agree, but itâs the headmasters train set and his exam percentages come before anything else.
Why is it the head teachers say?
There lies within the problem.
I get the teach to the exam problem and results mean pay part.
Itâs like a 2 tiered system and not in a good way.
Because the CCF only exists at their request, if they donât want a CCF they donât need to have 1. Headmaster is responsible for the school, including the CCF. The MOD cannot stipulated what the school teaches. Plenty of CCFs have fold when a change of head decides he/she no longer wants it.
1 Like
It shouldnât be difficult in theory to have âCCFâ as a package. The head can decide whether or not to have a CCF but doesnât get to dictate the nature of tha CCF in such detail that they pick and choose the constituent elements.
This is a CCF. Take it or leave it.
We donât live in theory, we live in reality and the reality is what it is. I fail to see what effect any CCFs have on the ATC. The bitterness shown towards the CCF is unbelievable. These are 2 different branches of the same org, there are differences, they do exists and no amount of bitterness and a them and us attitude with change it. At the end of the day weâre talking about kids here and getting them a cadet experience. I fail to see how not doing MC draws so much bitterness. Accept what you are and stopping hating what youâre not.
1 Like
They can do the exams and get the BTEC (Although not for free). I have no issue with them wearing the badge due to contradictory information from HQAC.
But the old syllabus which was technically withdrawn with ACP 22 says Part 1 (broadly First class), Part 2 (3 leading exams plus JNCO training) and Advanced (ONE senior/MAC exam plus SNCO training).
Advanced used to also require one specialist or adventurous activity such as a Silver DofE Trek, parachuting, gliding scholarship, ACLC etc.
It also prevents promotion to Cpl without Part 2, Sgt without being an instructor cadet and prevents FS without Advanced.
You do need to remember that CCFs meet once a week rather than twice and meet for fewer weeks a year than the ATC so that limits the academic aspect of the training. And letâs be honest, how much does knowledge of advanced radar affect your ability as an NCO or a cadet in general?
There is only one Military Aircraft Systems subject - at times more than one exam exists, but this is only to ensure that cadets can sit the exam relevant to the version of the subject that theyâve actually studied.
Taking both extant versions doesnât count as doing two subjects.
Yeah, I was just saying Iâve done 11 exams
Iâve tabled this for discussion at our area conference.
While I wouldnât want any more pressure put on CCF cadets, if they have passed the requisite number of subjects at Advanced, and are over 16 (which is a requirement for Master Air Cadet), then why on earth shouldnât they wear the badge? I plan to do the same as @Farmerdan to be honest. FFS I have one cadet who has passed 6 subjects and is just waiting to be 16 to qualify. Itâs not rocket science. (OK, maybe that should be a subject.)
1 Like
FYI the age has been reduced to 15.
Rocketry has been a subject. Think itâs part of Sat Comms?
I am speaking to my TEST SNCO this wednesday, hopefully we can see if he has any clarification from HQAC or other authorities
Whatâs the reference for that? (only, I checked very recently and it said 16 on the document I used, which I think was the PTS poster)
would you mind sending me a screenshot in a DM, My CCF squadron isnât great at explaining stuff and sharepoint is just one of the many things I donât know about.
Itâs its own subject now.
It always was