Junior Leaders rise to the Challenge

Cadets in the Fifth Year train to become instructors and leaders on their JNCO Cadre. A key part of this training and assessment came on a camp over half-term, as ever a joint venture with our friends at Trinity School CCF.

Based at school, Day 1 saw the two contingents get to know one another on the high ropes, the field gun and the tug of war as competitive spirits rose and friendships broke out in equal measure. After a relatively restless night in the Rudd Hall, the two camps split. RAF cadets remained at Caterham to deliver their assessed lessons to their peers, receiving feedback from officers on their methods of instruction. There followed a demanding series of command tasks built into a military scenario, Ex Harris. Several of the cadets were commended for their efforts, with Cdt Pond A being awarded ‘Best RAF PNCO’ for her splendid all-round performance.

Meanwhile Army cadets deployed for a three-day field exercise. Our first stop was a privileged visit to the Royal Engineers at Gibraltar Barracks, where officers and sappers gave the cadets a look into the world of military engineering. Thence to Minley training areas, where Ex BLACK WATER began with the potential NCOs tasting command for the first time in section defence and fire control orders.

The second day, once the Army cadets had also delivered their assessed lessons, focused on commanding a section in combat, with some super showings by several at their first attempt. Later, orders were issued to chosen section commanders to prepare their own orders and models for future operations – ambushes and deliberate attacks. Late into the night and with great diligence, the PNCOs wrote their orders and constructed detailed models – Cdt McMillan’s DIY bridge a particular highlight.

After a late-night ambush on an enemy convoy and a slick raid on a bridge, the exercise concluded with the usual rites. Back at school for a final parade, Cdt Rooney was lauded as ‘Best in the Field’ and LCpl Peachey was, very narrowly amid stiff competition, awarded ‘Best Army PNCO’.

The cadets’ efforts won the staff’s admiration – it was a very demanding exercise indeed – as too did the commitment of their stellar Upper VI instructors, without whose expertise and dedication their juniors would have had a much less enriching and productive time.

Capt Owen