The Volunteer Cadet Corps ( VCC ) is a national youth organisation managed by the United Kingdom 's Royal Navy and sponsored by the UK's Ministry of Defence . The VCC comprises:
55-581: The VCC is not part of the Sea Cadet Corps but exists alongside it as part of the Royal Navy's 'Navy Cadets' organization, which also includes CCF(RN) and RN Recognised Sea Scouts. The Royal Marines Volunteer Cadet Corps are part of the Royal Marines Cadets family alongside the Royal Marines Cadets of the Sea Cadet Corps and Combined Cadet Force . The VCC traces its history back to the formation of
110-402: A 3 to 6 month probationary period before being confirmed as a CFAV. Training is offered to all staff, including safeguarding, both locally and through RN, RM and SCC shared resources. Applications are welcomed from all walks of life (subject to intended level of involvement) and previous military experience is not a basic requirement; a willingness to learn and be an example to the cadets very much
165-503: A Cadet 1st Class (CFC) will complete the CFC to Ordinary Cadet (OC) training. Skills learned in a cadet's time in the SCC usually fall into one of two categories - Specialisations and Proficiencies. Specialisations are often larger subjects than proficiencies, and so are split into three levels; Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced, each level increasing in difficulty by building on the knowledge gained from
220-530: A cadet corps unit similar to the Royal Marines Artillery Cadets in Eastney. The Admiralty granted permission and soon units were also established at HM Dockyard Devonport , HM Dockyard Chatham , HMS Dryad , HMS Daedalus , HMS Dolphin and HMS Vernon , as well as the three RNVCC units that still exist today. Entry was originally restricted to the sons of serving ratings but
275-537: A civilian instructor first, unless they were a Petty Officer Cadet then they will be able to join as a Probationary Petty Officer. The ranks of Marine Cadet 2nd Class (MC2) and Marine Cadet 1st Class (MC1), which were equivalent to Ordinary Cadet and Cadet 1st Class respectively, were phased out at the end of 2018. The rank of Marine Cadet (MC) is now equivalent to all three Sea Cadet ranks of Cadet, Cadet 1st Class and Ordinary Cadet (OC). All Royal Marines Cadets are required to complete boards for each promotion. The higher
330-604: A more practical version of the Sea Cadets training programme. When Junior Sea Cadets turn 12 years old, they can move up to being a New Entry to learn the New Entry courses, before moving up to become a Sea Cadet. For 12 to 18-year-olds, young people can join as a Sea Cadet and work their way up through the training programme. When cadets turn 18, they can either leave the Corps or they can stay and train as staff. For 13 to 18-year-olds,
385-466: A musician or drummer, or proceed to Naval General Training (RNVCC) or General Duties Training (RMVCC). Cadets then follow the VCC's Cadet Common Military Syllabus (CCMS) and progress through a number of phases and command courses to achieve promotion. Each unit usually meets on two training nights per week, and some unit offer extra activities such as evening swimming lessons. There are also many weekends away and
440-475: A person joined as a Civilian Instructor and wanted to be a uniformed member of staff, they would become an Acting Petty Officer or Sergeant, following a 6-month probationary period. From 2020, an adult can join as a uniformed member of staff as a probationary Petty Officer or Sergeant on completion of their application process. Officers are commissioned under the Cadet Forces Commission. Another rank
495-399: A probationary period (during which time they will undergo an induction programme). Cadets can take part in a variety of activities including: Boys and girls join their chosen VCC unit as 'recruits' and undergo a 4 to 5 month basic training period before 'passing out' for duty during a ceremonial parade in front of family and friends. Where a unit has a band cadets can choose either to become
550-654: A rigiflex 360, in addition to vessels designed specifically for the SCC such as the Trinity 500 rowing boat and RS Quest dinghy. Also on loan from the MOD, canoes, kayaks, and windsurfing equipment. Larger Boat Stations and Training Centres have larger ribs and other vessels TS Royalist , the Sea Cadet flagship, is a tall ship owned by the MSSC. She is used to providing week-long training courses for Sea Cadets and Royal Marines Cadets. The ship
605-567: A separately funded arm of the Corporation of Trinity House, funded the design and development costs of the boat. In a partnership between RS Sailing and the Sea Cadets, a new dinghy known as the RS Quest was designed by Jo Richards, who is also responsible for formulating the design for the Trinity 500 rowing vessel. The RS Quest was designed to accommodate the need for a new sailing dinghy within
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#1732852231189660-778: A week long annual summer camp. The VCC also provides Display Teams that appear at public events in the South West and South East of England, and sometimes further afield. In recent times, the VCC has appeared at the Castle Combe Steam Rally, Cumbria Steam Rally, Attleborough Tattoo, Kirkcudbright Tattoo and the Battle of the Flowers in Jersey. The Display Teams generally provide a 20 to 25 minute display and are ideal for fetes, fayres, tattoos, carnivals and other such public events. A modest donation
715-510: A wide range of craft, in response to the requirement of the Sea Cadets for modern, low maintenance, purpose-designed fixed seat rowing boat with good performance under oars and with the capacity to mount a small outboard motor. The Trinity 500 is named to mark the quincentenary of the incorporation of Trinity House , the statutory authority for aids to navigation in England, Wales, The Channel Islands, and Gibraltar. The Trinity House Maritime Charity,
770-984: Is Chaplain, they also commission under the Cadet Forces Commission. Cadets are issued two uniforms. Some units ask for a deposit for uniforms that is returned after the uniform is given back. The two primary uniforms that cadets receive are: Sea Cadets Marine Cadets There are also other uniforms cadets can wear like 2s (Evening Mess Dress). As well as 5s (Working Rigs) which consist of aviation dress, catering dress, and physical training dress. All uniforms except 4s and 5s are split into 3 categories A, B, and C which are used for different occasions. The Sea Cadets have three classes of offshore vessels, all of which are capable of coastal/offshore passage making. Sea Cadet voyages normally last for 6 days, with cadets gaining RYA qualifications for their voyage. Individual Sea Cadet units also have various boats including MOD motor boats such as Vikings, Champs, Dories. Units may also have 1 or more ribs equipped with outboard engines, and possibly
825-750: Is a national youth charity . It is present in England , Scotland , Wales , Northern Ireland , Malta and Bermuda . Cadets follow an ethos, training plan and rank structure similar to that of the Royal Navy , and are recognised by the UK Ministry of Defence . In 1854, a Vicar in Whitstable, Kent returned from the Crimean War and founded an orphanage where sailors taught nautical skills to prepare orphans for future careers. Multiple similar orphanages were founded across
880-755: Is a separate registered charity, affiliated to the Marine Society & Sea Cadets. The trustees are elected annually, except the Commanding Officer, who is appointed ex-officio. They form the Unit Management Team, responsible for providing the resources to safely carry out the training programme. The Sea Cadet Corps follows the Cadet Training Programme (CTP) which covers various water-based activities and skills as well as first aid and leadership with lots more. Royal Marine Cadets also complete
935-448: Is asked for, which is put towards the cost of attending, and any funds left over are put back into the VCC to fund its other activities. Boys and girls enter as a Recruit, and having 'passed out' at the end of their basic training become a cadet. Command Courses allow the cadets to progress up through the rates: All uniformed and non-uniformed staff (cadet force adult volunteers or CFAVs) undergo enhanced DBS (formerly CRB) checks and
990-408: Is assisted by Deputy Commander VCC, Executive Officer (Training) and Executive Officer (Support). There are also a Regional Officer (South) and a Regional Officer (West.) The VCC as a whole does not have charitable status but each unit is either a charity or in the process of applying. Each VCC unit is either based within or provided support from a designated Royal Navy parent establishment. The CO of
1045-525: Is deputy to the First Sea Lord and the second highest-ranking officer currently to serve in the Royal Navy and is responsible for personnel and naval shore establishments. Originally titled Second Naval Lord in 1830, the post was restyled Second Sea Lord in 1904. They are based at Navy Command, Headquarters . In 1805, for the first time, specific functions were assigned to each of the 'Naval' Lords, who were described as 'Professional' Lords, leaving to
1100-550: Is divided into six areas, which are: Each area is run by an Area Officer (AO) with a small team of support staff. Each area is subdivided into districts of between five and twelve units which are led by volunteers. Each unit is led by a Commanding Officer. Some units also have a Royal Marines Cadets Detachment, headed by a detachment commander. Volunteers fulfil roles such as water sports instructors, fundraisers, administrative staff, etc. Sea Cadets has both uniformed adult volunteers and non-uniformed adult volunteers. Each unit
1155-513: Is fitted with twin Perkins Sabre Type M215C Turbo Diesel main engines, each giving 200 shp (150 kW) at 2,500 rpm. The Trinity 500 is a stable fixed-seat rowing boat, purpose-built for the Sea Cadets to deliver the full SCC Rowing Scheme. The boat has also been approved by British Rowing, to allow for the delivery of their Explore Rowing Scheme. The boat was designed by Jo Richards, Olympic medallist and designer of
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#17328522311891210-465: Is however. CFAVs follow the same ranks as cadets above Petty Officer and Sergeant respectively but with VCC added. Some CFAVs may be awarded a Cadet Forces Commission subject to selection and approval by the Royal Navy. Uniformed staff may serve until their 65th birthday (with annual extensions at CO's discretion) and non-uniformed staff may serve until their 70th birthday (again, with annual extensions at CO's discretion). In November 2019 Ant Middleton
1265-537: Is intended to apply equally to those from all faiths or none. (Sea Cadets' Ethos, 2019, p4) The ethos is underpinned by the Sea Cadet Values which are: Courage, Commitment, Discipline, Respect, Loyalty, Honesty, and Integrity. These are taught by staff throughout the time cadets are with a unit, there is also an expectation that Chaplains will take a lead in such delivery. For 10 to 12-year-olds, Junior Cadets have their own training programme and uniform, based on
1320-542: Is made up of three parts: its values, its mindset, and the customs and traditions of the Royal Navy . The promise made by every cadet who joins the Sea Cadet Corps is as follows: The Sea Cadet Promise : I promise to serve my God, my King, my country, and, the Sea Cadet Corps and to obey the orders of my superior officers. I will be proud of my uniform and be smart and seamanlike in wearing it, and, always do my duty. Note: My God refers to an individual’s own faith and
1375-612: Is of high tensile steel, with her superstructure of glass reinforced plastic . She has a crew of eight, plus up to twenty-four Cadets and two adult trainees. Twelve passengers can also be carried. TS City of London and TS Sir Stelios is the Sea Cadets' new (2017 and 2018 respectively) Rustler 42 yachts which have replaced the Tradewinds 35s TS Vigilant and TS City Liveryman . They are both Rustler 42 yachts and provide nationally-recognised RYA training for those wishing to gain qualifications and experience in yacht sailing. The pair travel
1430-564: The Gillingham bus disaster in December 1951. Each VCC unit is staffed by unpaid adult volunteers, some with former military service, and sometimes with current serving personnel helping the Cadet Corps in addition to their duties. The units are under the command of their own Commanding Officers (usually a cadet force adult volunteer (CFAV)) who report into HQVCC. The VCC is led by Commander VCC who
1485-515: The Levene reforms which were implemented at that time. In 2016 the post was retitled Second Sea Lord & Deputy Chief of Naval Staff and defined as "responsible for the delivery of the Naval Service’s current and future personnel, equipment and infrastructure". Second Naval Lords include: Second Sea Lords include: Second Sea Lords and Commanders-in-Chief include: See: Deputy Chief of
1540-547: The Royal Marine Barracks, Chatham , Deal, Kent , Forton Barracks , Gosport and Stonehouse Barracks , Plymouth. Later on, another unit was formed at Lympstone , Devon ( Commando Training Centre Royal Marines ). RMVCC Deal closed when the Royal Marines School of Music left the town and moved to HMNB Portsmouth ; RMVCC Chatham transferred to the Sea Cadet Corps when Pay & Records Royal Marines left Chatham in
1595-607: The 'Civil' Lords the routine business of signing documents. The Second Naval Lord was the second most senior Naval Lord on the Board of Admiralty and as Chief of Naval Personnel was responsible for handling all personnel matters for the Royal Navy. In 1917 the title was changed to the Second Sea Lord and Chief of Naval Personnel by an order in council dated 23 October. The posts of Second Sea Lord and Commander-in-Chief, Naval Home Command (CINCNAVHOME) were amalgamated in 1994 in
1650-585: The 1960s, and RMVCC Gosport was disbanded and then re-formed as a non-MOD cadet marching band in the 1970s following the traditions of the Royal Marines Light Infantry but closed again in 2006. Cadets from the RMVCC have appeared at Navy Days and the Royal Tournament as well as in the 1955 film The Cockleshell Heroes . As of 6 July 2014, following a tri-partite RMC parade at Buckingham Palace in
1705-514: The CTP but have additional elements such as camp craft and weapon handling, amongst others. When you become the rating of Able Cadet (AC) you start a new syllabus called the LDP (Leadership and Development Programme). This is to perfect your leadership skills and teaching skills, this will also help if cadets are looking to become members of staff. The Cadet Training Program is broken down by ratings. For example,
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1760-617: The Colonel Commandant Royal Marines Cadets (CCRMC), currently Brigadier Ged Salzano MBE, with the Royal Marines Cadets elements of the SCC and CCF. The VCC's motto is ' Meet The Challenge!' (which appears in its Latin form on the VCC Crest) whilst the motto of the RNVCC is ' Be Ready' and the RMVCC is ' Be Worthy' . The former motto of the RMVCC was 'Manners Maketh Man' and whilst it not known when this changed to 'Be Worthy'
1815-1235: The Community (formerly Public Service), Music, and Engineering. Many qualifications are run by the Sea Cadets but regulated by external bodies. In these cases, cadets earn independent qualifications that are recognised outside the Corps. These include paddle sport, where they can gain Paddle Power or Star Awards through British Canoeing (formerly known as BCU), First Aid, where they can earn St John Ambulance First Aid certifications, Rowing, where they can earn British Rowing (BR) qualifications and Powerboating/Sailing/Windsurfing/Navigation where they can gain Royal Yachting Association (RYA) qualifications. National courses are also held, often on Royal Navy bases, to teach skills such as leadership and teamwork. Specialist qualification courses include power boating in Scotland, cooking in Preston, and fire fighting in Cornwall. There are competitions at varying levels in many of
1870-512: The Corps. By the outbreak of World War II , there were 100 Units across the UK with more than 10,000 Cadets. King George VI became the Admiral of the Corps in 1942 and the name was changed to the Sea Cadet Corps. The Sea Cadets had approximately 400 Units and 50,000 Cadets. The Girls Naval Training Corps was formed as well (later renamed Girls Nautical Training Corps in 1950). Queen Elizabeth II became
1925-588: The Director of Strategy and Policy via the Naval Regional Commander NE England. The support provided to the VCC is governed by a Memorandum of Arrangements (MOA) approved by the Second Sea Lord . The VCC does not have an associated civilian charity or association and has always been under the command of the Royal Navy. In this way the VCC is very much 'owned' by the Royal Navy. The RMVCC shares
1980-668: The Patron of the Sea Cadets in 1952. In 1955 the Sea Cadet Council agreed to the formation of the Marine Cadet Section. The Girls Nautical Training Corps became affiliated with the Sea Cadet Corps in 1963. The Royal Naval Association began planning the first British colonial unit in Bermuda in 1964, with TS Bermuda formed on 12 January 1966. Located at Admiralty House, Bermuda , it was followed by two further units (TS Venture at
2035-585: The Royal Marines Artillery Cadet Corps (RMACC) in the Mission Hall, Prince Albert Street, Eastney on 14 February 1901. The new Cadet Corps was then based at the now closed Royal Marines Eastney Barracks in Portsmouth . It was formed, so the story goes, to "gainfully occupy the spare time of sons of senior Non-Commissioned Officers (SNCOs)" after an occasion when the colonel's office window
2090-540: The SCC that is strong and easy to maintain and is capable of comfortably accommodating an instructor and up to three cadets. The RS Quest was unveiled at the Southampton Boat Show in 2015. In 2012 payouts made to victims of sexual abuse across all Cadet Forces totalled £1,475,844. In 2013 payouts totalled £64,782, and in 2014 payouts totalled £544,213. Second Sea Lord The Second Sea Lord and Deputy Chief of Naval Staff (formerly Second Sea Lord )
2145-561: The Sea Cadets has detachments of Royal Marines Cadets. They follow a more infantry-based syllabus including fieldcraft; section battle drills, fire and manoeuvre, and general patrolling including reconnaissance missions, ambush, and fighting patrols. Other Royal Marines Cadets exist in the Volunteer Cadet Corps and Combined Cadet Force . The Headquarters of Sea Cadets are in Lambeth, South London. Its departments deal with: The country
2200-709: The UK together each accommodating a crew of two, plus up to six cadets each. These two vessels are the cadets' offshore powered training-ship. They are 24 m (78 ft 9 in) long and each cost about £2.6m. TS Jack Petchey is so named because the Jack Petchey Foundation donated £1m in order for it to be built. The Jerwood Foundation donated £1,216,700 for the construction of TS John Jerwood . The training ships can hold between 12-16 cadets, four permanent staff, and two CFAVs and provides an experience at sea focussing on deck work, navigation, bridge watchkeeping, cook/steward, and marine engineering. Each vessel
2255-450: The ages of 9 and 16 who can serve until their 18th birthday. The VCC is not a pre-service organisation, although any older cadets who show an interest in joining any branch of HM Armed Forces will be given appropriate support and guidance. Many cadets go on to equally rewarding civilian careers. Adult volunteers may join from age 18 to 60 (65 for non-uniformed support staff) subject to application, interview, references, enhanced DBS check and
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2310-656: The board the higher the level the board is run at. The former promotions from Marine Cadet to Marine Cadet 2nd Class and to Marine Cadet 1st Class were run at the detachment level. Marine Cadet to Lance Corporal boards are at troop or company level, Lance Corporal to Corporal boards are at the company level, and Corporal to Sergeant boards are at a national level. All promotions boards have multiple sections all of which must be passed individually. The following rates and ranks can be awarded to uniformed adult volunteers, there are also Non-uniformed Civilian Instructors (CIs) and Unit Assistants (UAs). From 2009 to 2019, if
2365-584: The country, and the organisation became known as the Naval Lads' Brigade. In 1899 Queen Victoria presented £10 (around £1,000 today) to the Windsor Unit to purchase uniforms. In 1910 The Navy League sponsored a small number of units as the Navy League Boys' Naval Brigade, and in 1919 the organisation adopted the name Navy League Sea Cadet Corps. Lord Nuffield donated £50,000 in 1937 to fund an expansion of
2420-611: The former Roman Catholic chapel of the Royal Naval Dockyard, Bermuda and TS Admiral Somers at Convict Bay , St. George's , another former Admiralty property). On 31 March 1980 the Ministry of Defence approved the admission of girls into the Sea Cadet Corps . The successful integration of girls into the Sea Cadet Corps led to the dissolution of the Girls Nautical Training Corps in 1992. The Sea Cadets' ethos
2475-437: The new motto has been in use for at least 50 years. The VCC receives a modest capitation grant from central government each year, but otherwise is self-funding apart from the logistical support each unit receives from their parent establishments. Additional funding is usually self-raised through events and display groups, plus donations and subscriptions/joining fees paid by the cadets. The VCC will accept boys and girls between
2530-734: The parent establishment (COPE) acts as the President of each unit and appoints a senior officer from their staff to act as the Parent Establishment Liaison Officer (PELO) to ensure that the CO is running their unit in accordance with the VCC Regulations. Sponsorship within the Royal Navy is provided by HQ Royal Navy Cadet Forces (HQRNCF) (branded as 'Navy Cadets') under the command of the Head of Youth & Cadets and STEM who in turn reports to
2585-640: The presence of The Duke of Edinburgh (then Captain General Royal Marines ) and in celebration of the 350th anniversary of the formation of the Royal Marines , all cadets from the RMVCC, RMSCC and RMCCF can be titled as Royal Marines Cadets. The Royal Naval Volunteer Cadet Corps was formed in 1904 when the officer in charge of HMS Victory barracks in Portsmouth, now known as HMS Nelson , requested permission from Commander-in-Chief, Portsmouth to form
2640-654: The prior levels. Basic specialisations are often gained at the unit during regular training, while Intermediate and Advanced awards are held on an Area or National basis. Some specialisations and proficiencies, such as Marine Engineering, are also divided into disciplines such as Electrical and Mechanical engineering. All of the following are on offer to cadets, either at the unit or on district/area/national courses. ( Boatswain's call ) Cadets may also work towards recognised qualifications including, Duke of Edinburgh's Award and BTEC qualifications . The BTECs are offered by CVQO , and include Teamwork and Personal Development in
2695-625: The reductions of the British Armed Forces following the end of the Cold War . The original post of Commander-in-Chief, Naval Home Command had been created on 1 July 1969, as a result of the merger of the posts of Commander-in-Chief, Portsmouth and Commander-in-Chief, Plymouth . 2SL is based in Portsmouth in a combined headquarters with the Fleet Commander on Whale Island . Until October 2012, he flew his flag from HMS Victory ,
2750-564: The sports, proficiencies, and specializations of the SCC. Competitions start at a District level and progress through to the National level. From New Entry through to Able Cadet, Sea Cadets are promoted based on their completion of various task-based modules under the CTP - Cadet Training Programme. Leading Cadets and Petty Officer Cadets are required to attend and pass a promotion board (held at an area or national level) before being promoted. If they then go on to become an instructor they must join as
2805-511: The world's oldest commissioned warship, which is preserved in dry dock in Portsmouth. The right to use HMS Victory as a flagship came from his position as CINCNAVHOME, who in turn acquired it from the Commander-in-Chief, Portsmouth. Since October 2012, distinct Commander-in-Chief posts have been discontinued and full command responsibility is vested in the First Sea Lord , who now flies his flag from Victory ; this change formed part of
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#17328522311892860-704: Was appointed as Chief Cadet in the Volunteer Cadet Corps. He left the position nine months later amidst controversy surrounding a comment he made on Twitter , which appeared to compare Black Lives Matter protesters with the English Defence League as extremists and "scum", though he later said he was not equating the two groups. Elements of the Community Cadet Forces Other MoD sponsored cadet forces Related articles Sea Cadets (United Kingdom) The Sea Cadet Corps
2915-402: Was broken by a ball kicked by an SNCO's son playing outside. The RMACC was initially formed with the motto 'Manners Maketh Man', and re-titled as the Royal Marines Volunteer Cadet Corps in the mid-20th century. Girls were accepted and the current title was adopted by all units in the 1970s. However, RMVCC Portsmouth only accepted girls from the mid-1990s. Since 1901, units were also formed at
2970-435: Was later opened up to boys and girls from the general public. The date of the request, 29 July 1904, is regarded as the birthday of the Royal Naval Cadets. Tragedy struck the RNVCC in 1929 when four Royal Naval Cadets were killed during the Gillingham Fair in what is now known as the Gillingham Fair fire disaster . There was equally a sad occasion in the Medway area when 24 Royal Marines Cadets from RMVCC Chatham were killed in
3025-399: Was launched in 2014 to replace the previous TS Royalist , which was over 40 years old when decommissioned. In 2013 there had been an appeal to replace the ageing flagship: £250,000 was needed this target was achieved in April 2013. She is rigged as a 34m brig , with a sail area of 536 square metres (641 sq yd). Her draught is 3.25 metres (10 ft 8 in). The ship's hull
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