On the 2nd and the 3rd of December the recruits were at their skill at arms (SAA) weekend learning all about the L98A2 Cadet GP Rifle and how to use and maintain them properly and safely. The recruits arrived at the CCF hut on Saturday the 2nd of December bright and early at 0800hrs ready for a fun day of Skill at Arms training.
Read more: Skill At Arms Training 2023There were approximately 35 recruits who were all keen to learn about the rifles with 4 senior cadets and the Officers ready to teach.
The first day consisted of learning all about the parts of the rifle before moving on to complete the drills required the handle to a rifle safely. This consisted of learning how to pick up a rifle, conduct Normal safety precautions (NSPs), a load, ready and an unload. The cadets also learned how to conduct pre-stripping drills in order to strip and reassemble a rifle. This was followed by a functions test before learning how to properly maintain the rifle and handle them safely. Additionally cadets were taught about the Marksmanship principals and firing drills. The cadets then headed home to revise the training they had received that day and prepare for their skill at arms test the next day. The Marksmanship principals and Firing drills are particularly important, as cadets who successfully passed their Weapon Handling Test would be firing on the Live Range in January.
The second day was focused on getting as many cadets to pass their SAA test as possible. We started with a recap of the previous days information followed by brushing up on their stoppage drills, which are the drills we conduct when the rifle fails to fire. For the rest of the day the Officers were conducting the SAA assessments to allow the cadets to qualify to use a rifle in the field and on firing ranges.
We are very proud to say many of the hard-working cadets passed their SAA tests this weekend and we are confident with just a little more time the rest of the recruits will soon follow.
Sergeant Stanley Harrison