Page 180 - Rifles 2017 Issue No 3

THE WORD OF THE WEEK WAS “AWESOME”! THE “COMBAT DAY” TOPPED THE POLLS
Almost there
Wrekin College CCF
Another year has own by with many challenges and the contingent is now in a stronger place. 11 Signals Brigade Colonel Cadets, Kim Knutton, carried out our Bienniel Inspection early in October. The review day went very well, split between RAF Cosford and Swynnerton Training Camp. The Colonel saw and spoke to cadets who were engaged in a variety of activities: ranging from ying, negotiating obstacles, eld craft and command tasks. This was a super day and the Colonel was delighted by the efforts and enthu- siasm of so many cadets. The ensuing report was highly complementary of both the cadets and the training afforded by the very committed adults.
A surprise encounter with B Squadron of the Queens Dragoon Guards in June was, arguably the highlight of our three eld days. The cadets enjoyed the opportunity to look over the Jackals and nd out how a command post operates. Interestingly, the squadron was commanded by a Ri eman Major.
Summer camp at Nesscliff training camp was, as usual, a full on week. The cadets thoroughly enjoyed the variety of the four day training package laid on by the CTT. The word of the week was “awesome”! The “Combat Day” topped the polls, where they particularly enjoyed working with cadets from other contingents. The week culminated in Exercise Carpe Diem. Over a 36 hour period, the cadets were challenged both physically and mentally. Effective
Helping hand
communication skills and good decision-making were the core themes of the week and they were certainly tested in this exercise. It was heartening to see so many young people out in the eld, learning new skills and testing themselves, when so many of their peers will be glued to a screen or failing to surface before noon.
This summer sees the retirement of a real Contingent stalwart, Lieutenant Harry Gray. He has contributed hugely over the past eight years, utterly dependable and totally unsel sh with his time. He will be sorely missed. On the ip-side of the coin, we have two new Serjeants, under the recent initi- ative to recruit CFAV’s by Regional Command. Julie Farmer and Alexandra Williams have spent the year familiarising themselves with the cadet world and successfully completed the rst induction course at Nesscliff.
The contingent staff deserve a huge pat on the back, both from within and outside of the common room. Well done everyone!
Major Jeremy Ballard O/C
LSW range
178 CADET FORCES
THE RIFLES