Page 7 - Cadet Review Summer 2019
P. 7
Joint Service News
EXERCISE ROOKE’S
ROCK – GIBRALTAR
Foreword by Lt Col Steve Emerson
Over the Easter holidays 45 cadets took part in ‘Exercise Rooke’s Rock’ a Joint 10-day overseas training exercise in Gibraltar. The group were accommodated at Devil’s Tower Camp, home of the Royal Gibraltar Regiment. It was a perfect setting with spectacular views of the ‘Rock’. The Exercise was, on occasion, demanding and challenging but above all it was fun and most definitely a unique experience.
The aim of Exercise Rooke’s Rock was, in simple terms, to deliver the ‘Cadet Experience’ by training overseas in a climate different to that ordinarily encountered in the UK with the focus being on ‘high end’ training. The main thrust of the training was to conduct an exciting package that included Training in Built-Up Areas (TIBUA). This was complemented by an introduction to operating in tunnels; something that is unique and rarely offered to regular units, let alone the Cadet Forces.
Of course, there was also the opportunity to conduct a number of cultural visits, in addition to a
The Exercise was, on occasion, demanding and challenging but above all it was fun
day dedicated to water-sports including a visit to the Royal Navy Boat Squadron located at the Gun Wharf. Other highlights of the trip included a visit by the Commander British Forces Gibraltar, Commodore Tim Henry, guided tours of the WW2 Tunnel System and 19th Century Gun Batteries, a Boat Trip to
see the dolphins (no luck on that score!), together with going to the top of the ‘Rock’ and meeting the legendary Apes.
Our thanks go to HQ British Forces Gibraltar, the Royal Gibraltar Regiment and the Gibraltar Detachment of the ACF for helping make our visit a great success.
A report from both sets of participants follows:
Lt Col Steve Emerson and
Commodore Tim Henry
CADET REVIEW SUMMER 2019 7
