Page 53 - Cadet Review 2_24

ROAD
MARCHING
By Sergeant Louis Webb
The Wing recently attended the RAF Cosford 2 Day WARMA; this event is no easy feat, and I would argue that it is one of the most difficult activities a cadet can undertake in the RAFAC. It involves walking 40km on solid roads in leather boots with only the countryside as the view for 9 hours each day and the constant surprise of the British weather to add the cherry on top. It is not only a huge physical challenge, but also a mental one too.
I remember the earlier training weekends, how
the cadets would keep themselves to themselves, very shy and unsure of what they had signed up to do. However, their confidence grew and grew throughout the training and by the time we had arrived at RAF Cosford, we had a united team of cadets, who became good friends, who all enjoyed each other’s company and would ensure to make this incredibly difficult activity as enjoyable as possible filling the days with top quality ‘banter’.
The team’s efforts have been unwavering to the brutality of the marches, and not once have they complained, they have always kept their chins up and carried on. Most importantly they have represented our Wing to the highest standard throughout.
It has been a privilege to have been able to get to know this amazing group of young adults and take them to the RAF Cosford 2 Day WARMA. A huge WELL DONE to them all for successfully completing the 2 Day WARMA and achieving their Silver Road Marching Badge. I look forward to the continued training towards the Nijmegen Marches 2024!
Some of the cadets gave their thoughts on the event below. Corporal Marcus Moreno of 1053 (Armthorpe) Squadron commented; “As a participant in the 2 Day
WARMA at Cosford,
the journey began
with rigorous training sessions focused on endurance and mental resilience. We started with our first training session being 15km and then ending with our final training session being 45km. Each step
prepared us for the challenges ahead.
At Cosford, coping meant relying on our training,
camaraderie, and sheer determination. Together,
we faced fatigue and adversity head-on, pushing through with unwavering teamwork and support. The team's cohesion was our greatest asset at Cosford. Through communication and mutual encouragement, we navigated obstacles and celebrated victories, emerging stronger as a unit.
The desire to test our limits and push beyond comfort zones drove us to participate. We sought personal growth and a chance to represent our team with pride and honour.
Road marching at Cosford offers more than physical endurance; it builds mental fortitude and fosters camaraderie. The sense of achievement and camaraderie forged on the route is invaluable, making it an experience worth recommending to others. In retrospect, the 2 Day WARMA was not just a physical challenge but a journey of self-discovery and camaraderie. It's an experience that leaves an indelible mark on the mind and spirit.”
Flight Sergeant Brandon Woodhead of 250 (Halifax) Squadron added; “Training for the RAF Cosford 2 day WARMA marches was a very difficult task especially in the winter months of November and December when the end goal of Cosford and Nijmegen (still to come) seemed like such a distant event.
I found that Cosford created an unusual emotion as it was tiring and became mentally exhausting at points and yet I still loved every minute of it.
Being in such a good team that can support you through the whole event is a vital aspect of road marching. Having to sleep on a crammed gym floor with your roll mat a few inches from your other team mates naturally brings you closer together. I remember how difficult it was on the second day having to roll out of the sleeping bag at 4 am whilst running on 4 hours of sleep.”
Together, we faced fatigue and adversity head-on, pushing through with unwavering teamwork and support
CADET REVIEW SUMMER 2024 53