Army Commander’s Report 2015

Army Commander’s Report 2015

by Lt Col Mike Slemen

My third year in charge of the Army Section started with a new enterprise in early October as we travelled to Nesscliff Training Camp with 45 new recruits for a weekend of fieldcraft training. Having only been 3 weeks in the CCF the recruits experienced staying out overnight after building their own “bashas”. Over the weekend they also had the chance of experiencing Archery and gained a qualification in “Heartstart”.

Capt. Marie Molloy was in charge of the new Recruits section, ably helped by Capt. Helen Irwin. Throughout the year the basic skills of Drill, Fieldcraft, Navigation and Skill at Arms were taught. The highlights for the cadets include three training days at Altcar in December, March and June where they practised their new skills in the field. The third training day where they stay out overnight, making their own “bashas” and patrolling in the dark is their highlight of the year and culminates in a morning ambush where they fire blank ammunition for the first time. They are then awarded their Red Star to show that they have passed their Army Proficiency Certificate and finished the Recruit Syllabus.

Capt. Ian McKie was in charge of the Apex Section (Year 10) where the cadets move on to more advanced skills from the Recruit year as well as being introduced to Signals and First Aid. As they will have started their Duke of Edinburgh Award at the end of year 9 this fits in well with the Expedition Training necessary for their Practice and Qualifying Expeditions for the Bronze Award. The December training day for them concentrates on Signals and allows them to gain their Crossed Flags Badge which is awarded for Basic Signals. The February Navigation day sees them travel to Beacon Park near Skelmersdale to spend the day Orienteering and following a designated route on Beacon Fell. Their third training day sees them working at Platoon level and culminates in an exciting Platoon Attack with large amounts of blank Ammunition.

The Advanced Infantry (Year 11) ably led by Lt. Harry Parker is an important year in which the cadets are taught Leadership and Teaching as they move towards becoming NCO’s in the 6^th form. Training day 1 in December sees them teaching cadets for the first time as they practise on the Recruits with Fieldcraft lessons.

Adventure Training is an important part of the syllabus for all sections ably led by Capt. McKie and assisted by Capt. Molloy and Lt.Col. Irvine. Usually a week at Easter provides opportunities for years 10 and 12 either in the Lake District or Snowdonia. Unfortunately this did not take place this year due to clashes with other School trips but hopefully it will return next year.

Throughout the year Shooting has a high priority and is ably led by RSMI Brett assisted by Lt. Irwin and Fl Lt Helen Irwin. The cadets have the chance to shoot the L98A2 GP rifle on the ranges at Altcar and those who show ability move onto the Cadet Target Rifle and the Contingent Shooting Team. This year we had a relatively young inexperienced team who nevertheless did as well as could be expected at the CSAAM held every year at Altcar and organised by 42 Brigade.

The end of term saw us move to Warcop in North Yorkshire for the Annual Central Camp with 34 cadets of all ages and 6 staff. The weather was glorious and the camp particularly well run by our own 42 Brigade. There were many highlights throughout the week as can be seen in the Cadets reports and it was probably one of the best camps I have ever attended so far in my 27 year army career.

The last event of Camp is our own Final Parade during which Promotions are made and Prizes given.

Promotions: All L6th NCO’s were promoted to Cpl. before camp and James Ablett was promoted to Under Officer coming from University to help out.

Prizes: Best Recruit on Camp   James Harper

Best Recruit Shot           Wesley Saunders

Best Cadet                       Jacob Foster

Best Shot                         Tom French

Best NCO                         Toby Maitland

Finally my thanks must go to all the cadets and staff as well as 42 Brigade and especially Sgt Peter McBride, a member of 42 Brigade CTT who brought his expertise to Thursday nights and the Training days throughout the year.