On Friday 29th of November our new Year 9 cadets embarked on an exciting training weekend to prepare for their weapons handling test with the L98A2 Cadet General Purpose (GP) rifle. A significant milestone in their cadet journey preparing them for some exciting shooting camps being held in January!
The training was held over three days, providing cadets with hands-on experience and expert guidance from qualified instructors and experienced SNCOs .
The cadets arrived at Royal Russell at 1730hrs and departed for Longmoor camp shortly after. Evening training consisted of a GP rifle practice period before putting the rifles away and heading to the billets for a good nights sleep in preparation for a full day of learning.
The weekend kicked off with a series of engaging lessons lead by Captain Quick and Major Lacey covering weapon safety rules, understanding the mechanics of the L98A2 and the responsibilities that come with handling firearms. Cadets learned about the rifle’s key components and how it operates.
Before lunch cadets were split down into two groups and progressed through Rifle lesson one, two and three. These lessons included, Normal Safety Precautions (NSPs), Stripping cleaning and assembling the rifle and basic handling drills (the load, ready and unload). These lessons were taught through excellent technique – Explanation, Demonstration, Imitation and Practice (EDIP) from Instructors and SNCOs. Having these drills slowly carried out while another instructor thoroughly explained all of their movements allowed cadets to develop an in depth understanding of the drills but of course the best way to learn is by practicing yourself, so after receiving demonstrations the cadets themselves picked up their rifles and with instructors slowly instructing them the cadets carried out their drills while SNCOs watched meticulously to help and assist anyone who needed it.
After their lunch break cadets came back energetic ready to learn Rifle Lesson, five, six and seven. These are the Marksmanship principals and firing drills. These lessons teach cadets how best to hold the rifle and make it an extension of their body. Ultimately by correctly employing these techniques cadets would get a better score on the range.
After Dinner, cadets continued training through rifle lesson eight and nine. This is firing from alternative positions and learning the Immediate action drill and understanding how to clear a stoppage if the rifle fails to work correctly. After a completely full day of learning, understandably cadets were exhausted and had some free time to relax and soon went to bed for a good nights sleep in preparation for their assessments the next day.
An early 0700hrs breakfast had cadets up. Followed swiftly by collecting rifles and heading back to their classrooms for the final parts of their training: practice periods 1&2. This is a fun and interactive way to remind the recruits everything they learnt the day before, and to put them at ease prior to the much anticipated Weapon Handling test.
After an intense weekend of training many cadets felt completely prepared for their weapons handling test and stations were set up to go through all the individual drills for any cadets who wanted some more practice.
As the weekend drew to a close, it was clear that it had been a great success with 36 out of the 40 cadets attending the camp passing the L98A2 Weapon Handling Test! and even those who didn’t have time to have a retest have learnt all of the skills they need to pass and can retake their test on a CCF parade night. But it was clear that every cadet made remarkable progress, had a good time and have some amazing opportunities awaiting them on future camps!
Sergeant A Healey
