Page 5 - The Light Blue Volunteer Journal 2021

ADX 2021
This year’s ADX saw CUOTC deploy
to Dorset for a chance to finally put
into practice the skills they had learnt virtually throughout the pandemic. OCdts enjoyed catching up with
each other as for some this was to be their first in person training since the lockdowns. The first few days focused on revising lessons such as platoon tactics and signals, while the new OCdts from the Stormberg intake had the chance to finally get hands on with the weapon system. Inters OCdts valued the opportunity to undertake a TEWT
in the field. Being able to view and take in the terrain of the Littlebredy estate added new challenges as previously the majority of combat estimate training had been done virtually. This coupled with a navigation exercise across some challenging terrain set the OCdts up well for the FTX.
Visits day at Bovington allowed OCdts to visit the Tank Museum and 17 Port Maritime Regiment of the RLC. OCdts valued the opportunity to talk to the soldiers of 17 Port Maritime while being taken out on the Solent on a number
of the regiment’s high-speed vessels. Despite the RLC soldiers’ best efforts to soak the OCdts the visit was enough to inspire many OCdts to think about the diversity of roles within the British army. The diversity of jobs within the army was also highlighted further upon the visit to the Tank Museum with the opportunity to learn more about the history and
role of the Armoured Corps from the knowledgeable museum staff. Both these visits certainly increased interest in regular and reserve roles within the British army as well as deepening the understanding of the capabilities these corps possess for those already set on joining.
The last phase of Bovington involved some green training in the field. Inters got the chance to practise command roles during an advance to contact. For a small number this was the first time they had command roles due to the lack of field weekends during lockdown. Additionally, those OCdts fresh out of Juniors had
had very little command experience and this was an invaluable day to learn how
a platoon attack functioned and learn
the various command roles prior to the FTX. This training was followed by a 24 hour SERE package on the Littlebredy estate with lessons in shelter building, butchery, fire starting and trap building before splitting into syndicates and setting up their own camps. Both more senior and junior OCdts enjoyed doing some training that was different from