Pupils who join the CCF can expect to be challenged, both physically and mentally, whether that is through the expectation that they will maintain their own uniform or taking part in leadership exercises aimed at stretching their capabilities. Ultimately, they will become the leaders and instructors for the recruits and cadets that will follow in their footsteps in the years to come. Some will take the academic steps in their stride, but struggle to maintain their uniform, others will lead themselves everywhere but be unable to lead others anywhere. This is where the bond of service will help them to come together to achieve both their own personal goals as well as those of the organisation.

As they progress, cadets will be given the opportunities to take ownership of their activities including: arranging demonstrations for visitors, organising trips, recruit training, mentoring younger cadets and recruits, charitable activities, annual inspections and the overall running of the training programme. This environment will provide opportunity for the cadets to plan, organise and orchestrate, activities from beginning where the need to take control or to support, communicate through both talking and listening, find solutions through knowledge or trial and error, and gain the understanding that failure can teach as much as success, are key factors in developing themselves.