Nearly three hundred and fifty cadets and almost one hundred staff from South and West Yorkshire Wing returned this weekend from the annual Wing Camp at Beckingham Training area in Lincolnshire.
With the drawdown on camp places on RAF stations meaning fewer opportunities for cadets, some years ago the Wing began a massed camp exercise to allow more places to be available.
With 34 of the 39 South & West Yorkshire Squadrons represented the camp was a mammoth exercise for Squadron Leader Trevor Souter, the Camp Director. “With so many cadets and staff travelling from all quarters of the wing it took eight coaches and some mini busses to get everyone here and back” said Trevor and he added “However, with the activities being in modules, and the qualified staff giving up so much time, the week flew by and a great deal has been achieved.”
The cadets were divided into 6 flights, A to F, with a mixture of cadets from across the wing in each, and each had a series of rotating modules to complete on different days.
Within the shooting module, there were opportunities for both .22 25m ranges and L98 100m shooting. Some very lucky cadets also got the chance to train on the new L85 rifle which will be coming into service during 2009. In addition to the range activities there was plenty of dry training and a series of weapons handling tests meaning ever cadet on the camp either qualified or moved up a grade in shooting terms and they all got the opportunity to fire.
Wing Shooting Officer, Flight Lieutenant Barry French said, “This camp gives us the chance to upgrade and maintain high levels of marksmanship throughout the wing. A number of awards have been reached and for some cadets, this is the only opportunity they get to fire full bore weapons. The shooting team are all very highly qualified and safety is absolutely paramount in all activities we do.”
Another shooting opportunity was the DCCT range, a computerised indoor range which allowed the cadets to take part in scenarios but within a safe environment. The DCCT range uses gas powered laser weapons and is the military equivalent to Laser Quest, but with more meaning.
For the Fieldcraft/Command tasks module, another fun day, the cadets had the opportunity to go through full training in camouflage and concealment, observation, movement and reconnaissance. For the first time this year, this module was taught by Instructor Cadets, Warrant Officer Richard Armstrong and Flight Sergeant Adam Ellis from 2460 (Pontefract) Squadron but under the supervision of ex-cadet and RAF Police Corporal Gareth Hall who gave up a week of his time to support the camp.
Richard said “This section gave us the chance to put into practice the new ACP 16 manual and as we had attended the planning weekends, we volunteered to run the activity”. Adam added, “We had a great time running the module and hopefully the cadets have enjoyed it too.”
For the command tasks, once again under the guidance of Warrant Officer (ATC) Pete Catrwright, the cadets found themselves handling nuclear bombs and building “bashers” to sleep in as well as crossing rivers of shark infested custard and crawling under obstacles. Pete commented, “This is a fun activity and this year we’ve been able to develop it to test the leadership skills and teamwork of all the cadets on camp. It’s rewarding to see their faces when the penny finally drops and they work out the solution to the task as well as to see their confidence grow and communication improve.”
Richard said “This section gave us the chance to put into practice the new ACP 16 manual and as we had attended the planning weekends, we volunteered to run the activity”. Adam added, “We had a great time running the module and hopefully the cadets have enjoyed it too.”
For the command tasks, once again under the guidance of Warrant Officer (ATC) Pete Catrwright, the cadets found themselves handling nuclear bombs and building “bashers” to sleep in as well as crossing rivers of shark infested custard and crawling under obstacles. Pete commented, “This is a fun activity and this year we’ve been able to develop it to test the leadership skills and teamwork of all the cadets on camp. It’s rewarding to see their faces when the penny finally drops and they work out the solution to the task as well as to see their confidence grow and communication improve.”
The adventure training module saw the on-site climbing wall being put to good use with the cadets developing their skills and techniques under the guidance of professional staff bought in for the week. By the end of the half day events, the cadets had the opportunity to climb a variety of obstacles and there were some happy faces when they sat on top of the structure looking down on where they had been. This also gave them chance to build on their teamwork skills and practice climbing techniques.
The wet activities during the other half of the day took place at Newark Canoe Club, with all the facilities and equipment as well as instruction provided by the club. The cadets learnt kayaking and canoeing skills as well as how to fall out, get wet, get back in and fall out again. Probably the highlight of the day was the launch ramp where the task was to try and remain upright as the canoe ran down the ramp into the lake. Not all achieved it and many rolled over but Warrant Officer (ATC) Iain Kirk (103 (Doncaster) Squadron) managed a superb solo effort, on his second attempt, and stayed in the boat, and the right way up to the applause of his cadets and staff colleagues.
Iain said, “The water just comes up so fast, you just have to hang on and hope. It’s been a fantastic event and I think I’m going to have to look into doing more of this when I get back. I’m sure there are some local facilities in Doncaster and all the cadets would love to do this again.”
The final module was the “Alton Towers” day when the flight went off to the world famous theme park to ride things like Oblivion and the strangely named Rita as well as “Air” and some truly scary machinery. Despite the queues over the bank holiday weekend, this was a fun day and a welcome break from the camp environment.
In addition, there were evening activities and events taking place. As well as the “Best Burger Van in the World” being on site for those hungry cadets who could still manage to eat after three full meals, (which means most of them), the computer range was available and the Wing Band Officer, Flying Officer Lizzie Arnott, was on hand assisted by Sergeant (ATC) Andrea Nash to provide musical opportunities and instruction. Along with all the general socialising taking place, when there was time for it, the camp returned home, tired but happy on Saturday to present parents and partners with huge bags of washing.
So would they go again in 2009. “YOU BET THEY WOULD!”
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