EXERCISE FIRST ENCOUNTER
This military skills competition is run and organised by the
Royal Regiment of Artillery for their cap badged cadet
detachments in the North of England. The 2015 the
competition was based at Warcop Training Area in Cumbria. It
started with a strict kit inspection then moved quickly onto a
number of skills stands. Our first was camouflage and
concealment in which we first had to cam up then on given
signals move towards a spotter. The closer that we got without
being seen the more points we got for the team.
The first aid stand was very realistic, the scenario being that a
vehicle had come under fire and crashed into a bank. We had to treat two casualties one with head injuries and one with cut hands who then
had to be evacuated to a place of safety some distance away. We then practiced out Section Battle Drills before advancing to contact which
happened three times in quick succession. This gave us all a real insight into the importance of following correct sequences, command and
control and physical fitness.
There were two command tasks, one more physical than the other, was
‘leaderless,’ but very good as we had to invent ways of communication
with each other. It involved tyres and poles and a bit of working out, but
the team completed the task in a very quick time. The ‘leader’ task
involved directing blindfolded cadets to safety. The assault course started
with a warm up before being shown how to tackle each obstacle correctly.
We then had to do it twice with the average time counting for the
competition. The navigation stand was next, writing down a letter at each
check point to make a word. The quickest team with the correct word
gained the most points.
Next was the Royal Artillery stand where we learned about the vehicles and weapons they use. This was not assessed, but there was a quiz
later. The day ended with a demonstration of the guns used on operations. Sunday commenced with the gun run. This was over 2.4 kms,
collecting parts of the gun which had to be assembled at the end. As this involved large tyres, a long log and other equipment once again it
was a test of teamwork, fitness and problem solving.
Overall it was a great weekend. The Royal Artillery soldiers were always on hand giving encouragement and praise and safely supervising the
activities. It was good meeting and
mixing with the other teams and we
enjoyed the banter between ourselves
and Greater Manchester ACF cadets.
What we enjoyed most however was the
result of the competition, winners, Z
Company Northumbria ACF. How proud
we all felt.
Cadet CSM J McGregor (Walker
Detachment, Team Leader)
15