RISING TO THE CCF CHALLENGE

Over the Easter break I participated in the master cadet course, designed to test skills and leadership in the field. A seven-day course featuring a four-day field training exercise (with blanks), log run and obstacle course. We spent the first few days sorting equipment and rehearsing our drills to ensure everyone understood the standard operating procedures. It was also at this time we were given the orders for the exercise and briefed on the enemy. Our enemy were the Zabs, a militia trying to take control over the Jikha province. Despite sounding relatively feeble they did have indirect fire capabilities, a stable command structure and informants, nevertheless, we were utterly excited.

Upon entering the field we began the tactical phase, maintaining strict silence on patrols. We established a harbour, performing a snap ambush (to prevent enemy pursuit), whilst the platoon commander and section IC’S recced the area. Once in the harbour area we sent out clearance patrols to check the surrounding area, then established sentry positions and

dug in. The most challenging part of the exercise was maintaining 24-hour sentry positions forcing us each to wake up in the freezing cold to stare into the woods, and at 2 o’clock in the morning leaves waving in the distance can look an awful lot like heads.

The next two days focused on section attacks and patrols. Everyone got a turn as section commander and 2IC. During one attack, our section moved through thick gorse before being contacted by the enemy. We flanked and returned fire, pushing through the terrain to win the fight. Later, we were ambushed again but quickly regrouped, used a trench for cover, and launched a counterattack. In that moment, standing in the trench mid-assault, I felt a rush, but also realised how serious it could be in real combat.

As section commander, I led a patrol through woods to clear enemy positions. After a short firefight, we were hit again from another direction. I ordered one team to lay down fire while I led the other team around to flank and take out the enemy. At night, we practiced planning and orders using model pits. One mission involved a reconnaissance patrol under a full moon, challenging for concealment. Reaching our observation point, we used a thermal sight for the first time, which was both impressive and a major tactical advantage.The final mission was a full platoon attack. The night before, we’d scouted enemy positions to help plan it. My section was assigned fire support. As the countdown hit zero, mortars fired and we opened up. After the initial assault, we regrouped for the second wave. In the chaos of the final attack, we took a casualty and had to evacuate under fire.

The course culminated in a dinner and then a final parade before we dispersed. I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Cadet Training Centre Frimley and would sincerely recommend to any cadets in the future as a great place to get stuck in with fieldcraft on the very highest levels. Beyond fieldcraft, the course strengthened my leadership under pressure, deepened my appreciation for teamwork and reaffirmed the cadet force’s core values – lessons I will carry forward throughout cadets and life.

Finley, Lower Sixth Form