Day 1 – Arrival, Rifle Range preparation
On the first day, cadets arrived to the CCF lawn at Royal Russell School early in the morning, bringing their bags and energy for the whole week.
This year, cadets were headed to Brunswick training camp, which is the place where Summer camp 2023 and Winter Camp 2024 was held. The journey to Brunswick was a settling one preparing cadets for the enjoyable week that was ahead of them.
Once cadets arrived at Brunswick, they all started to work hard from the get-go. They settled into their billets and began to clean their rifles to ensure they would function perfectly during the range session the next day. After all that work, everyone enjoyed themselves outside of the billets, cracking jokes and playing card games in their free time.
Day 2 – Range, REME Talk
On the second day, cadets went off to an electronic target range to fire live rounds. This range was particularly special due to the fact that shots were measured accurately, and targets would fall over and pop back up automatically when hit.
When a section wasn’t shooting, they were lessons with either PI Edney or Sergeant Solly.
PI Edney ran a lesson on bearings which was then followed by a challenge where cadets had to navigate using their newfound skills to a location. Sergeant Solly ran a lesson on Six Section Battle Drills with cadets which was followed by practicing Fire Control Orders which was to be useful for the Fieldcraft day later in the week.
The range closed at 1600 hrs, and all cadets had a chance to shoot from 100m, 200m and 300m. The Best Shot of the Day was awarded to LCPL Krzemineska and the most improved shot going to Cadet Mitchell.
The Army Section headed back to Brunswick camp where we were fortunate enough to have Major Owen Larson (who is an Ex RRS CCF Cadet) introduce us to the Royal Electrical Mechanical Engineers (REME) Corps Engagement team who gave a talk on the REME and their experiences within the regiment. The REME trades people were kind enough to hand out branded souvenirs including: dog tags, pens, phone holders, highlighters and lanyards.
Day 3 – Water Day, Rifle Cleaning
On the third day, cadets went to Horseshoe Lake Activity Centre where they took part in adventure training on the water in sections of two. This involved kayaking and paddle boarding.
After a packed lunch, cadets were tasked with raft building using barrels, wooden logs and rope. There were three objectives to be achieved and who ever completed the most out of the three would win.
The three objectives were:
- Use the raft to go around the buoy and return.
- Save Captain Bob (A dummy) from drowning.
- High five an instructor after the other two objectives were completed.
Ultimately, two-section won.
Then the final activity on the lake was Dragon-boat racing. Sections One and Three had to race against Sections Two and Four. This was a very enjoyable activity among cadets. Sections Two and Four one the first two races easily. However, Sections One and Three managed to win the final race where they were tasked with rowing around an island which ended the races in a tie.
Therefore, a tie-breaker had to be put in place. Cadets from sections One and Three had to pair up with someone from sections Two and Four and attempt to push each other into the water.
Later that afternoon, we returned to Brunswick for weapon cleaning following the Range day prior to the fieldcraft exercise later in the week.
Day 4 – REME LAD to 3 Rangers, Obstacle Course, Radios
On the fourth day of camp, the Army section received a presentation from Regular REME soldiers who were attached to 3 Rangers Light Aid Detachment (LAD). Every time the Rangers go on an expedition / deploy, at least one REME specialist must come with them in order to repair and maintain their vehicles and equipment.
The Army section received a talk from a REME armourer, who showcased various weapons and answered all questions. Afterwards, the cadets were allowed to explore the weapons and experience what they felt like.
Following this, the cadets had a talk from REME vehicle mechanics. They were then given the opportunity to enter and explore the vehicles used by the mechanics, such as ATVs and Land Rovers.
After lunch, the Army section went to Frimley Park, known as the home of the Army cadets. Upon arrival, half of the section set to work on the obstacle course, learning techniques from Captain Fisher and PI Edney to overcome various obstacles including a 7ft wall. Meanwhile, the other half participated in a radio lesson conducted by Lieutenant Blows and Sergeant Solly. The cadets were introduced to the PRR radio and had the chance to test them out. After an hour, the two groups swapped activities.
Once all activities were completed, the Army section assembled in front of the main house at Frimley Park for a Section photograph. They then departed for Brunswick, had dinner, and ended the day with kit packing for fieldcraft the next day.
Day 5 – Fieldcraft
On the fifth day, the Army section went off to Aldershot training areas for the 48hr fieldcraft exercise. Upon arrival, PI Edney and Sergeant Solly gave the platoon a lesson on Hasty Attacks followed by a quick demonstration.
After that, the platoon split down into four sections and navigated to their stands. The stands involved: Hasty Attacks, GPMG Weapon Stripping and Observation Post, First Aid scenario, Vehicle Recovery, and PRC 710 Radios.
The Hasty Attack exercise led by Captain Quick involved what was taught in the lesson earlier that day. Whilst patrolling, a section would be attacked by the enemy. The section then split into two fire teams. The first fire team (known as Charlie) contained the section commander and would have to flank (left or right) to destroy the enemy. Meanwhile, the second fire team (Known as Delta) contained the section second-in-command (2IC) and would have to provide covering fire whilst Charlie dealt with the enemy.
The Weapon Stripping exercise was conducted by two REME armourers who taught a section on how to strip a GPMG (General Purpose Machine Gun). This was then followed by a small competition where cadets were assessed on the time to disassemble and reassemble the weapon and on how well they did it.
The Observation Post exercise, led by Major Lacey, required cadets to leopard crawl to an observation post. Once there, they used binoculars and a rangefinder to locate 10 items left behind by the enemy. After identifying these items, the cadet’s leopard crawled back and reported their findings to Major Lacey. This exercise tested the cadets’ stealth, observational skills, and ability to accurately report information.
The First Aid exercise, conducted by Sergeant Greenwood and Ms. Grant, involved a simulated bus crash scenario. Cadets had to assess and treat each patient’s injuries, ensuring they provided the necessary care to keep everyone alive. This hands-on exercise allowed cadets to apply their first aid skills in a realistic and high-pressure situation.
The Vehicle Recovery lesson, conducted by REME recovery mechanics, provided cadets with hands-on experience in vehicle recovery and rescue missions. One of the highlights of the lesson was the impressive trucks equipped with cranes powered by pulleys and hydraulics. The cadets participated in a challenging competition where they used the crane to maneuver a jerry can through a maze without letting it touch the floor or hit any obstacles. The goal was to complete the task in the fastest time possible.
The Radio Lesson was conducted by Lieutenant Blows and Sergeant Solly which was a follow up from the Radio lesson at Frimley Park the previous day. This time, they showed cadets the PRC 710 radios which were able to transmit over longer distances.
Later that evening, the Platoon established a harbour and had dinner. After that, the platoon bombed up a magazine and took part in an ambush where they had to ambush the “Minley Menaces”. The ambush was lead by Corporal Petkov (As Platoon Commander) and Corporal Pop (as Platoon Sergeant) and was conducted efficiently and successfully.
Day 6 – Fieldcraft, Rifle Cleaning, Pizza, Awards
On the sixth day, the platoon woke up in their harbour to an unfortunate rain. However, instead of having ration packed breakfasts, the platoon had an English breakfast – alfresco style!
After taking down the harbour, Corporal Pop and the section 2ICs got together to construct a map model using natural resources for the next activity – a deliberate attack!
After the model was completed, the platoon gathered around the model for a set of orders from Captain Quick and soon departed to the location of the attack using staggered patrol. Section two would be the assaulting section who would head-to-head with the enemy. Sections One and Three would provide covering fire from a location further away. Upon arrival, the sections got into their positions just before H-Hour (the time the firefight begins) and waited patiently. The Platoon Commander then ordered sections One and Three to begin firing at the enemy. Around a minute later, the Platoon Commander ordered section Two to begin attacking the enemy head-on however at the same time – tactically.
After the enemy was eliminated, the platoon regrouped in an all-round defence whilst the Platoon Sergeant made sure that the platoon was deployable with full magazines.
Ultimately, more enemies arrived and began to attack the all-round defence. However, they were soon dealt with. Once again, the platoon gathered in an all-round defence as searches on the enemy were being conducted to ensure that they were dead. The platoon had accomplished their mission and it was back to Brunswick camp for Post-Exercise admin and Dominos Pizza for dinner! This was followed by the annual SNCO Summer Camp awards, where cadets received humorous awards for memorable or unique actions during camp.
Day 7 – Cleaning, Inspection, Departure
On the final day of Summer Camp, cadets woke at 0530hrs feeling refreshed, proud of their hard work and excited to go home. After breakfast, intense cleaning of the billets began to ensure that Brunswick training camp was handed back in a good state. After inspection, cadets helped to load kit onto the van and gathered on the drill square for final parade where a number of promotions were handed out.
Promotions
From Cadet to Lance Corporal
- H Cosgrove
- A Gironella
- A Krzemienska
- P Mpagi
- A Ormond
From Lance Corporal to Corporal
- J Pop
From Staff-Sergeant to Sergeant-Major
- Franchesca deGuingand
Overall, all cadets enjoyed this year’s Summer Camp. It has created bonds within the Army section and become memorable with every person left camp with their heads up high and a massive smile, content with the unforgettable week that they just had.
A special thank you to the amazing instructors who helped make this year’s Summer Camp incredible and fun. We also extend our gratitude to the kind staff at Brunswick Training Camp for their hospitality and care.
Thank you to Company Sergeant-Major deGuingand and Company Sergeant-Major Swain for their dedicated service and kindness during their 5 years with the Royal Russell CCF. We wish them the best of luck in all their future endeavours.
Lance Corporal B Hackett | Corporal D Cross | Corporal K Petkov | Corporal M Soji
