Page 87 - Mercian Eagle 2016

QMGS Combined Cadet Force
As usual the period from January through to March was particularly busy one with more than one weekend per month being held
for 25-30 cadets at a time. Recruit training packages were the main effort which was made all the more enjoyable by some very reasonable weather. The Cadet Command and Control Weekend saw REDLAND try
its luck again with an amphibious landing on the Welsh coastline. For those who are puzzled think Command and Staff Trainer or Battle Group Trainer, albeit on a smaller budget! It is one way to give cadets a chance to use radios and voice procedure.
On March 18 the Contingent Annual Inspection took place at a very busy Swynnerton Training Area. We gained a strong report from the inspecting officer
Air Commodore Mike Quigley. Over three hundred cadets and more than 20 staff were involved in a wide variety of Army and RAF training activities.
Moving into early April the annual Adventurous Training package based at Farchynys was as popular as ever with
5 staff and 20 cadets tackling some impressive peaks in and around Snowdonia. This gives cadets experience in mountain walking, navigation and camp craft skills over some spectacular but arduous terrain. Sadly the weather showed its other side and the party was faced with some wet and chilly conditions at times.
Over Easter some 38 cadets attended RAF section Annual Camp which took place at RAF Valley. An exciting and varied programme included visits to all parts of the station including a high ropes course. One lucky cadet was given a trip in a Hawk trainer. He’s still “dining out” on it! Later in the year small numbers of senior cadets were fortunate enough to complete visits to Gibraltar and Cyprus.
In June a large party of mostly RAF cadets attended the Desert Warfare weekend at Farchynys whilst on 30 Jun all Year 9 Army cadets completed their first overnight outdoor training exercise known as EX SLEEPLESS NIGHT at Swynnerton training area. This expanded into a full Field Day on Fri 1 Jul with the rest of the
Headshed 2015-16 Ward, Miller, Hill
Contingent arriving to enjoy a package of team building confidence activities.
Army Camp in July was self-help this year and seemed to be a success. Brunswick Camp Pirbright was a first for us but facilities and training areas were all very good. Plenty of adult support was available and thanks
to all who participated. Congratulations to the cadets who coped splendidly with some very warm and humid weather
We have once again received excellent support from CTT staff and Reserve Forces personnel (the latter mostly old boys!).
We are already looking forward to next March 2017 when we have been invited
to supply a section of Army Cadets to
take part in a FTX run by 210 Battery RA, now commanded by old boy Major Tom Williams.
I conclude these notes with a name many readers of a certain age will know well, especially if they have served in the Territorial Army. January 2016 saw the retirement of W02 CW O’Mara from the post of Contingent SSI. Bill has a very long memory and a wealth of experience that he has been able to pass on to cadets. His service with South Staffords, Mercian Vols, Staffords, Mercians, QMGS CCF and RWGS CCF takes some beating. Many hundreds of cadets have passed through the Contingent during Bill’s time and I think it is safe to say that every single one will have carried away a memory and at least one piece of sound advice from the SSI. “Where’s your rifle?” springs to mind. Many thanks Bill. Sgt Youngman has a hard act to follow.
REM
Mil Skills 2016 lead by New RSM Ward, (centre)
THE MERCIAN EAGLE
CADETS
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