Page 17 - The Malvernian - Autumn Term 2020

THE MALVERNIAN
17
CCF Field Day October 2020
Last weekend over 160 cadets took part in our ‘Field Day’ which - in a departure from normal - took place mostly on and around campus. We were fortunate to be able to implement numerous activities which were not only beneficial, but also challenging and safe for all involved.
For the Remove cadets, there was a two-day competition for the “Barry Brown Bowl”. This comprised of eight ‘stands’ run by Lower Sixth Senior NCOs. Stands included: Drill in which had a chance to create a drill routine, completed without commands, on which sections were judged on the quality of their teamwork and execution of the movements; the ‘Gun Run’, enjoyed by all, it was particularly challenging as the course included an uphill segment; Fitness Training, including having to run with water containers and also complete a ‘planking competition’ and other challenges. In the Range, meanwhile, the cadets showed precision and skill on the .22 rifles with some terrific sharp-shooting. Over on the 9 Acre there was a Stalking stand the cadets were fully engaged, ‘camming up’ (concealing themselves) and then sneaking up to reach the Senior Cadets (‘spotters’) at the top of the hill without being seen, even when this meant getting fully soaked and covered in mud! On the Paintball stand the cadets worked hard on learning the idea of Fire Teams, and how to communicate and work in pairs, to defeat an ‘enemy’ in a small ‘scenario’. On the Harbour Area skills stand they learnt how to put up ‘bashers’ properly and cook the food from their ration packs, which will be essential for the ‘Malvern Rifles’ exercise in the Easter Term.
Similarly, the 100 got stuck into the wide range of activities at Tiddesley Woods, having spent a day training, preparing and updating their Weapons Tests on the Sunday. For this the Upper Sixth lead a variety of stands testing the cadets’ fitness, leadership and advanced military skills. There was a Casualty Evacuation (CasEvac), whereby the cadets had to carry a stretcher and other items to a rendezvous point (RV) whilst blindfolded, testing their teamwork and communication skills. The Section Battle Drill – using blank ammunition - brought a lot of drama and excitement
as cadets stormed an enemy location using blank fire and working in two Fire Teams. Meanwhile, the Stalk exercise meant cadets had to move through an area without being detected and gather various pieces of information about enemy location and troop numbers. The impressive level of performance across all sections was down to their brilliant attitude and the variety of challenging and engaging stands, designed and lead by the senior students. Overall the event was a terrific success and everyone involved can feel very proud of all they achieved.
Across all year groups, the cadets maintained high morale and supported each other throughout the challenges of the weekend, allowing every cadet to shine. Special thanks go to Mr Nichols for his tireless efforts to ensure that this event could go ahead, and the staff (Mr Lacey, Mr Reid, Mr Wilson, Mr Jarvis, Ms Parker, Mr Smith, Mr Woodward, Ms Lewis-Roberts, Ms Tudor, Mr Robinson and the numerous visiting staff) who supported and encouraged throughout.
Winners:
Barry Brown Bowl: 1 Section (No.1 and No.4)
Most impressive Section i/c: Max Hilton (SH)
Most impressive cadet: Melanie Du (EH)
Sniper: Lincoln Chu (No.5)
Best Stand (as voted for by the cadets): Stalking (run by LCpls Norbury, Lazar, Rin, Renaud, Roberts)
Jacob Perry (Head of CCF) (SH); Amani Priddy (EH) and Lottie Bulley (No.8)