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local shops and indulged in ice cream, with some of our cadets encountering iguanas and pelicans along the way. Later, some cadets engaged in a bit of retail therapy at a nearby shopping mall.
Afterwards, we returned to camp where we
had an hour of swimming in the Garrison Pool.
In all, capping off a day filled with relaxation and exploration before the challenge of the more serious military training to come.
DAY5
We had the unique opportunity to visit the United States Airforce and project 'Olive Harvest,' located at RAF Akrotiri. The base is home to three U-2 planes, these iconic single-seat, high-altitude jet aircraft
are renowned for their role in intelligence gathering, surveillance, and reconnaissance. Widely recognised as one of the most famous spy planes ever built, the U-2, affectionately known as the Dragon Lady, has been in operation since 1956, continually undergoing upgrades to its reconnaissance systems, which often remain classified.
During our visit, we were granted access to explore the aircraft up close, including the cockpit with its intricate controls and ejection seat. We had the privilege of speaking with mechanical and electrical engineers, as well as two experienced pilots, gaining invaluable insight into the aircraft's technology and operation. As a Design Technology teacher, I found this experience particularly fascinating and seized the opportunity to inquire about the materials and cutting-edge technologies utilised in the U-2's construction and maintenance. It was enlightening to witness firsthand how the materials taught in the classroom are used in real-world applications.
We learnt about the full-pressure space suits worn by the pilot, similar to those used by astronauts, this is due to the capability of the plane exceeding 21300
Widely recognised as one of the most famous spy planes ever built, the U-2, affectionately known as the Dragon Lady, has been in operation since 1956
metres in altitude, reaching inner space. The cadets questioned the pilot about his experiences in addition to talking with the serviceman who got the kit ready to use. It was interesting to see how the pilot ate, drank and avoided needing to go to the toilet when on the flight! We tried the tube food that the pilots would use during the long 8 - 12 hour flights.
In the afternoon, cadets engaged in a series of stimulating STEM activities. One highlight was a team-based challenge where cadets constructed and programmed Lego robots to execute specific tasks, using both their creativity and technical skill. These robots were then pitted against each other in friendly competition, showcasing the ingenuity and teamwork of the cadets involved.
Additionally, cadets tackled a construction challenge using the MTA STEM kits, where each team constructed a structure which had to fit each member of their team through in turn. This hands-on activity encouraged problem-solving and spatial awareness, providing a fun and interactive way to explore engineering principles.
Overall, these STEM activities provided cadets with practical learning experiences, promoting collaboration, critical thinking, and innovation in a dynamic and engaging manner.
DAY6
Day 6 was fascinating as we learnt about the Military Working Dog Section (MWDS) who train the dogs to help all over the world in detention and protection. They demonstrated how they train the dogs using
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