Henley Army Cadets out in the Field!
Henley Army Cadets recently deployed into Bramley Military Training Area in Hampshire on a Fieldcraft Weekend. The weekend focused on the Cadet’s skills in the field, such as campcraft, cooking in the field, whilst having fun and being in a different environment. The Cadets were split into 3 groups; Basic training Cadets, One star training Cadets and Senior Cadets. Each group had the opportunity to further their training, ready for annual camp in August this year.
The Basic Training Cadets were introduced to overnight training in the field and developed skills such as building a shelter (BASHA’s), cooking in the field with 24 hour ration packs and general teamwork and communication that they will use for the rest of their time in the Army Cadet Force. One Basic training Cadet said “It was really fun doing fieldcraft, we do it at Detachment but it was cool staying out overnight. The part that I enjoyed most was when we were setting up the BASHA’s together, it was fun learning about the different types of ways you can do them.”
The One-star training Cadets were introduced to weapons training in the field. They were given the responsibility of their rifles for the weekend and were shown how to clean and care for them. They also took part in their first blank firing exercise. A One-Star training Cadet said “I really enjoyed the weekend; it was cool using the rifles and being with my friends at the training area. The food was pretty good and it was surprisingly comfy sleeping under the BASHA’s.”
The Senior Cadets spent the weekend revising their fieldcraft knowledge and working together in intense situations to overcome enemy threat. This included firing blank rounds while moving. One Senior Cadet said “My favourite part of the weekend was the section attacks we performed. This is because we were all able to shoot lots of blank rounds which always it even more exciting. It really gets your heart racing, in a good way.”
The Army Cadet Force is a national youth organisation sponsored and supported by the Ministry of Defence for 12 to 18-year olds; Army Cadets provides a challenging and varied syllabus based on military themes. Henley Army Cadet Force parade every Wednesday from 1900 to 2130 at The Drill Hall on Friday Street and are currently looking for new Cadets and Adult Volunteers, feel free to come along and experience something new. For Henley Detachment enquiries – please email the Detachment Commander, 2Lt Mel Fearn on 3360hayne@armymail.mod.uk
1Star Cadre Cadets – Out in the Field!
