Page 41 - Cadet Review Autumn 2023

EXERCISE WOLF CUB
A Company Fieldcraft training weekend at Strensall
By Sergeant Instructor Cassie North
In June A Company, with a few guests from B Coy, embarked on Exercise Wolf Cub, their fieldcraft training weekend at Strensall.
The one star fieldcraft platoon were taught basha building, hygiene in the field, reaction to fire control orders and obstacle crossing, amongst many other things. Section one of the one star platoon wanted to see how many cadets would fit under the basha, the answer: all 8 in the section. The two star platoon completed training around patrolling and three stars section battle drills and ambush drills. Saturday was extremely hot; training was stood down for a period of two hours during the highest heat and the cadets took this opportunity to have a well-earned nap.
Exercise Wolf Cub culminated in a blank firing exercise on the Sunday morning which gave the cadets an opportunity to be tested on their fieldcraft and tactics skills. The one stars reacted to a fire control order and defended the patrol harbour area, the two stars conducted a clearance patrol but they were contacted by the enemy and had to break contact and withdraw; luckily the elite fighting forces of the three stars were able to support and conducted an ambush as the enemy moved back and then went on to win the fire fight and fight through the enemy location. SMI Mikey Torr, who was the Exercise Conducting Officer said: ‘the cadets were absolutely fantastic in terms of the ever increasing heat and remained focused throughout the exercise, I am very proud of what they achieved across the weekend and the final blank firing exercise and they demonstrated some excellent skills in the field’.
The weather remained hot and sunny for the weekend, but cadets and adults alike kept hydrated and protected from the sun. It was a long and tiring weekend for all, but morale was high from start to finish.
Following the end of the exercise a final parade was held where some cadets were presented with star level awards.
Cadets Kaiden Tock, Harry Cannom and Archie Bricklebank received
their Basic Training Certificate whilst Cadets Summer Tingle, Luke Ingram and Max Ford were awarded their One Star Certificate.
When leaving to return to home locations smiles could be seen on many faces. Major Richard Lenton, Officer Commanding A Company said: “the weekend could not have taken place without the commitment of all the Adult Volunteers and the support of B Coy staff. Hoorah the wolf pack!”
CADET REVIEW AUTUMN 2023 41
CADETS TEST
THEIR FIELDCRAFT
SKILLS C COMPANY
BATTLE CAMP
By Staff Sergeant Instructor Donna Nixon
June saw C Company deployed to Strensall training area to put their fieldcraft skills to the test in a two-day exercise.
After a swift refresher on how to construct "bashas" (improvised shelters made with ponchos / waterproof sheets) the cadets spent the night in platoon harbours and woke up early prepared for the training ahead.
They learnt more about living and operating
in the field and conducted Army Cadet Syllabus (ACS) fieldcraft training; taking part in instruction in general fieldcraft, weapon training, battle lanes, section attacks and reconnaissance patrols.
The training was immediately put to use in a blank firing exercise, where cadets conducted patrols and section attacks whilst firing blank ammunition.
After a second night in the field and more action the cadets and staff all headed back to Doncaster for a final parade. At the parade the Company Commander, Major Erica McCabe took the opportunity to make some promotions.
Cadet Violet Allen of Doncaster was promoted to Cadet Lance Corporal and said: "It’s been a camp to remember due to me receiving my first rank hopefully of many.”
Cadet Corporal Charley Foster Tomlinson of Adwick was promoted to Cadet Sergeant. She said: "It’s been an action-packed weekend with lots of highlights."