Page 46 - Cadet Review Spring 2025

 HSY ACF
EXERCISE MERLIN
MANOEUVRE 2024
By SI Barry Tribick
Over the weekend of 4 – 6 October, cadets and
instructors from the county took part in an
exhilarating weekend exercise at Catterick Training
Area, offering a blend of military training, teamwork,
and unforgettable experiences. The event served
as a key part of the cadets’ ongoing development,
testing their skills in navigation, first aid,
marksmanship, and more, all under the guidance
of the Cadet Training Team (CTT). The Team Lead
for Exercise Merlin Manoeuvre, SI Tribick takes us
through the weekend.
FRIDAY: PREPARATION AND ARRIVAL
The team arrived at Scarbrough Barracks just
before 6 p.m., quickly completing paperwork and
securing equipment. By 6:30 p.m., we were on
the road, bound for Catterick. Upon arriving at
the rendezvous point, they were greeted by HSY’s
Training Safety Advisor, WO II Martin Field, who
directed us to Shaiba, where they would set up camp
for the weekend. As the first HSY team to arrive, we
snagged the best camping spot, unloading our gear
and setting up shelters swiftly despite the fading
daylight. The cadets received their weapons and
essential supplies for the night, ensuring they were
prepared for what lay ahead.
As the first
HSY team
to arrive,
we snagged
the best
camping spot,
unloading
our gear
and setting
up shelters
swiftly despite
the fading
daylight
SATURDAY: TACTICAL DRILLS AND
LEADERSHIP CHALLENGES
It was a crisp autumn morning, which began with
hearty Operational Ration Pack (ORP) breakfast
before the team launched into their packed schedule.
By 7:20 a.m., the briefing from the CTT outlined
the activities, and soon the groups dispersed to
their first challenge. Cadets tackled the First Aid
scenario first, complete with dramatic explosions,
gunfire, and casualties. The adrenaline was high as
cadets like Lance Corporal Aylish Goff and Corporal
Georgina Tribick swiftly responded to simulated
injuries, showcasing their training, knowledge and
teamworking skills.
Next up was Skill at Arms, where the cadets got
hands-on experience with the Glock 17 pistol and the
7.62mm Sharpshooter rifle. Following a thorough
lesson and Q&A session, the cadets demonstrated
their newfound knowledge in handling these
weapons safely and effectively.
The day continued with a Navigation exercise,
testing the cadets’ ability to use bearings and maps
in the field. Though some areas needed refinement,
the cadets’ enthusiasm never waned and shone
through. They were definitely enjoying themselves
despite the challenging exercise. They capped off the
morning with a paintball session, emerging from the
46 CADET REVIEW SPRING 2025