14 minute read
The briefing
News from across the detachments
THE BRIEFING
Cadet Cambrian Patrol success
Formidable navigation skills, resilience and endurance were in evidence in April when cadets from England, Scotland and Wales took part in the Cadet Cambrian Patrol. The gruelling 36-hour exercise across Sennybridge Training Area in Wales has a reputation for being the most demanding and strenuous event in the Cadets calendar.
Patrols were tasked with navigating 30km cross country over 48 hours, while being tested on fieldcraft, tactics, shooting, first aid, observation, and command and control skills. This was carried out without CFAV supervision: patrols' movements were monitored via satellite trackers. On completion, they were awarded either a certificate or a bronze, silver or gold medal.
CTT Wales Training Officer Captain Brian Baldwin, who planned and delivered the exercise, said: ‘The aim of the Cadet Cambrian Patrol is to provide a challenging patrol exercise to enhance team cohesion. Stands and tasks are intended to test all eight team members within the section. By completing the exercise we hope our cadets are inspired to strive for exceptional achievements.’ Despite limited opportunities for build-up training (due to the pandemic), 120 cadets took part. They were supported by 50 staff from the Army and Army Reserve, and CFAVs. The event, which aims to replicate the Army’s Exercise Cambrian Patrol, was hosted by CTT Wales and HQ 160th (Welsh) Brigade.
Best Welsh Patrol Clwyd and Gwynedd ACF
Best International Patrol Tunbridge Wells Girls’ Grammar School CCF
Best ACF Section Commander Cadet Colour Sergeant Ferguson, Hampshire and Isle of Wight ACF
Best CCF Section Commander Cadet Regimental Sergeant Major Dembinski, Dulwich College CCF
Gold medals Dulwich College CCF, Tunbridge Wells Girls’ Grammar School CCF
Silver medals Dollar Academy CCF, Hampshire and Isle of Wight ACF, King Edward’s School Bath CCF, Maidstone Grammar School CCF, Royal Grammar School High Wycombe CCF
Bronze medals Barnard Castle School CCF, Durham ACF, Clwyd and Gwynedd ACF, Gwent and Powys ACF (1), Gwent and Powys ACF (2), Monmouth CCF, St Brigid's School CCF
The briefing
News from across the detachments
Jordan Wylie visits military skills competition
Army Cadets National Ambassador Jordan Wylie had words of encouragement for cadets from HQ West Midlands CTT who took part in a military skills competition in April.
The award-winning adventurer spoke to the cadets during the two-day competition at Swynnerton Training Camp in Staffordshire. The competition centred on military exercises that included first aid, navigation, antiambush, CIS, gun run and casualty evacuation under contact. There was also a military knowledge assessment, an orienteering course and a Scorpion Air Rifle shoot.
The CCF winner was King's School Worcester CCF, and the ACF winner was Inkerman Coy, Shropshire ACF.
Summer camps
Summer camps return this month with plenty of exciting activities on offer.
‘Camps will vary, but you should expect a range of fieldcraft and shooting elements, signals training and some adventurous and teamworking activities, as well as the old favourite, drill,’ said Major Simon Mann. ‘Some camps will take advantage of operating in the built environment by using skills houses, as well as a range of obstacle courses and other physical activities.
'After the last two years we are all looking forward to the summer 2022 Army Cadet annual camp period, returning to something like the pre-Covid camps. As always, we thank our CFAVs who make these camps happen and their enthusiasm for ensuring all our cadets have a fun and active camp, with an eye on progressing skills and behaviours in a safe environment.’
CCF camps start in June; ACF camps start with 51 and 38 Brigades in July.
Brigadier Neville Holmes and Colonel Catherine Jardine visiting master cadets at Longmoor Training Camp.
Master Cadet Course
Top cadets from across the country took part in the Master Cadet Course in April. The course is the pinnacle of a cadet’s career and is open to 4-star cadets aged 16 and over. Its aim is to broaden and develop leadership, instructional and administrative responsibilities. There were 32 cadets on the course, which culminated in a dinner at CTC Frimley Park attended by General David Eastman MBE and Brigadier Neville Holmes MBE.
Find out about the Master Cadet Course here or scan the QR code.
Lance Corporal Robert Hawkes, Corporal Ben Dunkley, Sergeant Amelia Lawton, Corporal Luca Stingone, Corporal Paul McKay.
Rolling Thunder
Sussex ACF were hailed champions for the third year running at Ex Rolling Thunder, the national signals competition which took place at Blandford, Dorset, in March.
‘Having been a Signaller since 2018 and worked up to my current role of platoon sergeant, I was extremely excited to take my team to this competition,’ said Cadet Sergeant Amelia Lawton of Sussex ACF.
Competitors were tested on their knowledge of the syllabus and also had to set up a field telephone and utilise semaphore to crack a code and free a prisoner.
‘I would like to thank the team at Blandford for running this competition and say well done to the other teams who competed,’ said Amelia. ‘I’m looking forward to next year with hopes that Sussex can win for the fourth year running.’ THE BRIEFING
Service of Thanksgiving
A Service of Thanksgiving for the life of His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh was held at Westminster Abbey in March.
Alongside the Royal Family and Prince Philip’s friends were representatives from The Duke of Edinburgh’s patronages and charities, including members of Army Cadets (pictured above). The Duke of Edinburgh was Colonel-in-Chief of Army Cadets from 1953 until his death in April 2021.
Navigation hacks
A new book has been launched to give instructors the tools to teach navigation skills in urban environments.
Teaching Navigation in a Car Park: Practical Exercises for Teaching Navigation was co-authored by ACF Instructor and DACF Navigation Officer Andy Bex, and Mark Lamb, a serving soldier with the Scots Guards responsible for teaching navigation at the British Army School of Infantry.
Buy the book on Amazon here or scan the QR code. Cadets and CFAVs can also download a free PDF here or scan the QR code.
Buy on Amazon
Free PDF
Norfolk skydiving success
Cadets from Norfolk ACF took to the skies at Easter for an accelerated freefall (AFF)course at Skydive Hibaldstow in north Lincolnshire. Seventeen cadets and three CFAVs, who had already completed a one-day ground school course to learn safe practices in the air, were given an exciting introduction to the sport.
Over two weeks, they progressed through eight levels of training, learning how to maintain stability during freefall and perform safe landings. At each jump from 15,000 feet they were required to perform different movements to demonstrate control at speeds of up to 150 miles per hour.
To gain the British Skydiving ‘A’ licence the cadets and CFAVs also needed to pass ten solo consolidation jumps. Those who successfully completed this are now licenced to solo skydive anywhere in the world.
'It was a unique experience; not many people can say they’ve learned to skydive!' said Staff Cadet Sgt Maj Jacob Baugh. Cadet Liam Pollitt added: 'You build a connection like no other when you jump out of a plane together.'
Expedition Leader Major John StopfordPickering (also a licenced skydiver) said: 'I’m delighted by the dedication of all those on the course. Skydiving is hugely challenging and every single cadet and CFAV supported each other to reach their personal goals.'
See more photos and videos here
Inspirational cadet
For the first time in its history Army Cadets will take part in the Pride in London parade on 2 July. Ahead of the celebration of London’s LGBT+ community, Cadet Cpl Breadon Thompson has shared a personal message about why diversity and inclusion is important within Army Cadets.
Breadon is a member E Company, Humberside and South Yorkshire ACF, where he attends Grimsby Detachment.
‘All my friends in Army Cadets know I am gay, as do the CFAVs. However, our uniform can often be a great way of hiding who we are.'
On a training weekend just before Christmas, Breadon and his fellow cadets were invited to wear smart clothes for a party. Breadon chose to wear a pink suit, roll-neck top and white heels.
‘The party is always a special night, but I wanted to send a message to people like me who are not so out there. I won’t lie, I was nervous about what my peers and the adults would say about my outfit.
‘Army Cadets is open to us as individuals, allowing us to be proud of who we are. We should never be scared to be us – but it doesn’t stop you being nervous.’
Breadon needn’t have worried: he was greeted with applause and cheers.
Find information on Army Cadets INSPIRE diversity and inclusion programme on the resource centre via Westminster.
DofE leader training
e-induction
Who’s it for? All CFAVs who join Army Cadets must complete the DofE’s online e-induction. It's also a useful refresher for an overview of DofE.
Includes an introduction to the Award and its aims, benefits, sections, timescales and programme activities.
Next steps Go to edofe.org/elearningACF. There’s a short knowledge check at the end, on completion of which you'll receive a letter of completion from DofE. This can be recorded on Westminster.
Introduction to the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (IttDofE)
Who’s it for? Anyone involved in supporting DofE participants, including detachment staff, company- and county-level staff, staff cadets and over-16year-old cadets who want to get involved.
Includes a six-hour course that provides Army Cadet DofE leaders with the knowledge, skills and understanding to help participants with most aspects of the programme. It’s interactive and fun, using group activities, case studies and examples of participants’ work. Ideal for a DofE leader in a detachment advising on a whole programme, or a county shooting officer helping with the skills section.
Next steps Speak to your county DofE officer or look on Westminster for online opportunities. CFAVs aim to empower cadets to learn new skills, overcome obstacles and build confidence and resilience. The following DofE training will enable them to support #EveryCadet to achieve their DofE Award in the Army Cadets. THE BRIEFING
The Expedition Assessor and Supervisor Training Course (EASTC)
Who’s it for? Everyone who’s involved – or wants to be involved – with DofE and ACS21 expeditions.
Includes a six-hour online training programme which teaches skills of remote supervision and the processes required to be an accredited DofE expedition assessor. CFAVs explore the benefits of the expedition section, the criteria (20 conditions) required to complete it and how to plan different levels of supervision. Candidates must be able to demonstrate technical competence in accordance with the AT Manual.
Next steps Speak to your county DofE officer or look on Westminster for opportunities.
Award Verifier
Who’s it for? All county DofE officers must complete award verifier (AV) training in order for them to approve bronze awards within their area.
Includes a two-and-a-half-hour online webinar focusing on what verifiers should look for when checking award submissions.
Next steps Contact your brigade DofE advisor if you’re a county DofE officer and you haven’t yet done this.
Certificate in DofE Leadership
Who’s it for? Anyone looking to develop organisational and leadership skills. Ideal for area DofE representatives and above.
Includes a two-day course with modules on managing a group, and teamwork and leadership skills. Team activities are used to explore team work, team processes and leadership styles. There is a practical DofE leadership module to complete before or after the course. Introduction to the DofE Award is a pre-requisite.
Aiming for excellence
The cream of British cadet shooting talent assembled in March to take part in Ex Maple Taste, run by the Council for Cadet Rifle Shooting (CCRS) for the British (Under 18) Cadet Rifle Team – the ‘Athelings’ – and a squad training for selection for the UK (Under 17) Cadet Rifle Team (UKCRT).
Forty-two cadets and 20 adult volunteers (including top-level coaches) took part in the four-day event which gave cadets the opportunity to showcase their target rifle shooting skills.
Captain Mandy Brookes, a range safety officer for Ex Maple Taste was delighted that two of her cadets from Dyfed and Glamorgan ACF took part: Cadet Sergeant Szymon Kasica and Cadet Corporal Madison Williams competed as members of the BCRT.
‘I’m so proud of them because they’ve shown their commitment, and that you can go from never firing a rifle to competing and representing Great Britain,’ said Mandy.
‘What I love about Army Cadets is that opportunities are open to everyone – whatever your social or economic background. We’ve got the CCRS to thank for that as they provide a rifle and a shooting jacket and support cadets until they reach the age of 25.’
Following Ex Maple Taste, the UKCRT team is confirmed, and they go on to compete against a Channel Islands cadet team. The BCRT competes against the Royal Canadian Army Cadets National Rifle Team (RCAC NRT) at Bisley and at Connaught Ranges in Canada, an annual competition that's been running since 1908.
BCRT – the Athelings (under 19s)
The BCRT is the cadet forces’ premier target rifle team and is comprised of 18 cadets and three reserves. It represents the pinnacle of cadet target rifle shooting from across all five cadet forces. Many members go on to join the GB Under 21, Under 25 or Senior Teams, and many have represented GB in the Commonwealth Games.
Cadet Sergeant Szymon Kasica said: ‘Being selected for the Athelings was a great milestone for me. I wasn’t the best at the start, but the coaches saw my potential and taught me tips and tricks to get me to where I am now. Captain Brookes, our brigade shooting officer, zoned in on my talent.
‘If someone is interested in getting involved in rifle shooting, my advice is to go for it. Do as much training as you can – it will make you a better shot.’
BCRT member Cadet Freddie Lawry of Wellington College CCF added: ‘Not only does shooting give you the opportunity to meet new people and is a very sociable sport, there’s also a ladder you can climb as you get better. This is really rewarding as you can track your progress and show yourself, and others, what you can do.
‘I’ve gained a lot of shooting skills and developed my technique and position, but I've also gained personal skills such as time management, organisation, collaborative skills and working as part of a team.’
THE BRIEFING
Photos: Kate Knight
UKCRT (under 17s)
A squad of 21 is chosen for Ex Maple Taste, which is then trimmed down to a team of 12, plus two reserves, who go on to compete in the Jersey Rifle Association’s (JRA) Summer Prize Meeting in August.
Both the UKCRT and BCRT are awarded full national cadet colours.
Find out more about the CCRS here or scan the QR code below.
CCRS
Inter Services Cadet Smallbore Final
Following the winter months' annual postal competition, the top two teams from the Sea Cadet Corps (SCC) and the Army Cadet Force (ACF) – no entries from the Air Training Corps this year – met at the Lord Roberts Centre, Bisley.
They were competing for single Service trophies, as well as the Inter Services Overall Champions of the Punch (overall best score) and Shell (knock-out) competitions, organised by the National Smallbore Rifle Association (NSRA) and the Council for Cadet Rifle Shooting (CCRS).
Results
News of the World Trophy (top ACF team): 4 Platoon RSB (Hamilton) Glasgow and Lanarkshire ACF.
The Punch Trophy (Inter Services overall winner): a combined team of eight – Derbyshire ACF and 4 Platoon RSB (Hamilton) Glasgow and Lanarkshire ACF.
The Shell Trophy (Inter Services knockout): 4 Platoon RSB (Hamilton) Glasgow and Lanarkshire ACF.
