Throughout the month of September, the RGC CCF have been incredibly busy with a number of events, competitions and training sessions.
 

Army Section compete in National Military Skills Competition

Some of our Army Section Cadets headed to Barry Buddon this month to participate in the National Military Skills Competition. 

Competing against elite CCF and ACF Contingents from across Scotland, the pupils worked hard throughout the weekend and were awarded 2nd place overall and a gold award for their outstanding performances.

Both achievements are the highest awards and accolades that the CCF have received and we look forward to seeing the pupils build upon this for many years to come.
 

Pupils take to the skies at RAF Kirknewton

Working towards their practical objectives for their flying qualifications, RAF Cadets travelled to RAF Kirknewton to continue their gliding lessons this month. 

Congratulations to five of our cadets who successfully completed their gliding air examinations and were awarded their bronze wings.

Flt Lt Rhodes commented: “Our cadets wouldn’t benefit from these unique and valuable experiences without the commitment and dedication from our Cadet Force Adult Volunteers (from a broad cross-section of whole school staff). They commit so much time and effort behind the scenes to ensure these opportunities are available within the Safe Operating Envelope. We have an amazing team!”

 

S2 Recruit Platoon

Our new S2 Recruit Platoon mustered for the first time before Founder’s Day when we welcomed 65 new S2 pupils to our contingent. 

Their CCF development will be overseen by Lt Johnson and under the guidance of Senior Cadets who will help train them in basic life skills such as our Core Values, map and compass, first aid and leadership based command tasks before they choose their preferred section - Army or RAF in December.

 

Pipe Band awarded 1st place in Pitlochry Highland Games

Congratulations to our Pipe Band pupils who, after a wonderful musical display achieved first place in the Pitlochry Highland Games. 

Representing the RGC Pipe Band, some of our pupils also competed in the solo piping competition. Congratulations to James F (2nd Place), Murray B (4th Place), and Andrew F (Highly Commended). 

 

Audition success for James Fraser

Congratulations to S5 pupil James who, following a rigorous audition process, has been accepted to join the National Youth Pipe Band of Scotland. 

This follows a successful outdoor solo competition season (including success at the Braemar Gathering) for James where he was placed 2nd in the Grampian League.

James shared: “I am very pleased to get back into the National Youth Pipe Band of Scotland this year. It is a good chance to play with other great pipers my age and play some different music. Last year we played at the Usher hall in Edinburgh but this year we are playing in the Perth concert hall, another amazing venue.”

 

Wing Commander Montgomery retires as Contingent Commander after 29 years service

Wing Commander Montgomery recently retired as Contingent Commander of Robert Gordon's College Combined Cadet Force after 29 years of loyal and unbroken service, 26 of those years were served as our Contingent Commander.

Mr Montgomery is a well respected member of the school community and also commands influence throughout the wider CCF community nationwide including significant roles at RAF Cranwell, CCFA Grants Panel, RFCA and SSAFA.

As Contingent Commander Mr Montgomery has overseen the development of well over 1000 cadets some of which progressed into significant leadership and command roles within the regular Armed Forces.

Wing Commander Montgomery was dined out by CCF staff in the Regimental Gallery at the Gordon Highlanders Museum and was piped down the drive with cadets streetlining following his final CCF Parade.

There is a saying commonly used across all branches of the military, “we don't say goodbye, we say see you soon. We wish Mr Montgomery all the very best for the future and in his retirement and look forward to hearing about his future adventures.