Page 47 - Cadet Review Spring 2025

woods with smiles and solidarity, clearly energized
by the competition and fun activities they were taking
part in.
After lunch, it was onto more advanced testing
situations, including an Observation Post task and a
STEM challenge that involved radio communication
to build a device in the woods. Though the time limit
added pressure, the cadets were able to complete
their mission and set off flares, something they
don’t get to do that often—a thrilling moment for all
involved.
The evening culminated with a night-time
reconnaissance exercise, where the cadets
navigated towards a Forward Operating Base (FOB)
under the cover of darkness. Despite a misstep
involving a trip flare that gave away their position,
the cadets gathered crucial intelligence, highlighting
the importance of stealth and planning in military
operations; a lesson they will never forget moving
forward in their training and development.
SUNDAY: MARCH AND SHOOT FINALE
Sunday, began with another brisk morning and the
task of breaking down the camp before heading
out to the Wathgill Ranges for the final event: the
"March and Shoot." The cadets displayed impressive
marksmanship, firing at static targets while
managing ammunition. The event tested both their
physical endurance and shooting accuracy, bringing
With spirits
extremely high
the cadets
completed
the exercise,
demonstrating
resilience,
teamwork,
and leadership
skills and
a sense of
belonging.
together all the skills they had honed over their time
in the ACF and over the weekend itself.
Just when they thought the action was over, the
cadets were issued blank ammunition and told to
prepare for a possible ambush. In a dramatic twist,
they arrived at the very FOB they had scouted the
previous night, where they engaged in an intense
simulated battle with smoke grenades and gunfire,
fighting through enemy lines and finishing the march
as a team. With spirits extremely high the cadets
completed the exercise, demonstrating resilience,
teamwork, and leadership skills and a sense of
belonging.
After a final air rifle shoot, weapon cleaning, and
a formal prize-giving ceremony, the exhausted but
elated group made their way home, stopping at
McDonald’s to refuel after a weekend of high-octane
action, a much-deserved treat.
The weekend was hailed as a resounding success,
offering cadets not only a taste of military life but
also valuable life skills such as leadership, problem-
solving, and resilience.
Both instructors and cadets are already looking
forward to next year’s exercise, which promises to be
even bigger and better. Exercise Merlin Manoeuvre
was more than just a competition event—it was an
unforgettable adventure that strengthened bonds
and instilled confidence in the next generation of
leaders.
CADET REVIEW SPRING 2025 47