W Company

The first full day of annual camp focused on range and weapon training.

First thing on Sunday (21st Aug) morning the 2-Star training group, known as 3 Platoon at camp, headed to the Electric Target Range (ETR) and completed their regular weapon handling tests under the watchful eye of SSI Cy Dilger. Once assessed as safe and competent with the weapon system they zeroed their weapons and completed the 2-Star assessment shoot. The Automated Marking System (AMS), which automatically plots the falls of each shot, was used to help coach the cadets to get their shots on target. Photos of the range, set on the spectacular Eden hills, feature on the photo gallery.

Meanwhile, back in camp, the 1-Star training cadets of 1- and 2 Platoons were carrying out their weapon handling tests before moving onto the DCCT (Dismounted Close Combat Trainer) range. The DCCT is a computerised range, which does everything the outdoor ranges do but in a more controlled environment. Several practice shoots were conducted to prepare these more junior cadets for live firing tomorrow.

The evening was spent doing administration in preparation for tomorrow's training, which will also be on the ranges and obstacle course.

All the cadets are in good spirits, but a few of the junior ones are obviously missing home a bit already. We're doing our best to keep the cadets

Warcop is another one of these strange places with a climate of its own. Despite glorious sunshine all the way from north Northumberland as soon as we hit the Eden Valley the clouds formed and rain began to fall.

The cadets spent last night settling into their new surroundings and becoming familiar with where everything was. They are accommodated in rooms of about 12. The was also a certain amount of admin to deal with on the first night. Each cadet was allocated to a room and bedspace, nominal rolls and training groups were finalised and a fire practice was held. The cadets also experienced their first meal in the cookhouse, which included an option for Cumberland sausage rings quite appropriately. Later in the evening the cadets got some down time in the NAAFI.

Today (Sun, 22 Aug) began with the customary selection of cooked breakfast or cereal, before an early start with training. Today and tomorrow the cadets will be live firing on the ranges, using the DCCT range (firing at a computerised screen) and practising their weapon handling skills. It's looking bright and sunny at the moment, which will hopefully hold for the rest of the day when the cadets are out and about.

Photos will be published on our dedicated camp photo page.

In common with a lot of other rural Army camps the internet facilities at Warcop aren't great. Even so the Company hopes to provide regular updates on the cadets' progress on this website.

We will also be Tweeting as we go if you want to follow us that way!

The cadets of W Company will begin the move to Warcop Training Camp on Saturday (20th Aug 11) morning.

Transport times are available in the previous post.

The cadets will travel in civilian clothing and adult staff in uniform.

Should parents need to get in contact with their youngster during camp the Guardroom telephone number is 01768 343236.

The Guardroom is manned by MOD Guard Service staff 24 hours a day and they will be able to get a message to us.

The full postal address for camp is:

[Cadet's Name]
W Company
Northumbria ACF
Warcop Training Camp
Warcop
Appleby-in-Westmorland
Cumbria
CA16 6PA

Hopefully the cadets should be thinking about packing their kit by now. A quick reminder that a suggested kit list is available to download here.

We look forward to seeing everyone on Saturday!

Transport timings for the move to Warcop Training Camp, on Sat 20th Aug 2011, will be as follows:

- Coach 1 (IC Lt Marchant):
 Berwick 1200 hrs
 Alnwick 1240 hrs
 Broomhill 1315 hrs

- Minibus 1 (Dvr SI Watson):
Belford 1200 hrs
Alnwick 1230 hrs (2IC)
Amble 1245 hrs

- Minibus 2 (Dvr SSI Dilger):
Bellingham 1200 hrs

- Minibus 3 (Dvr Lt Lister):
Rothbury 1200 hrs

Cadets should arrive at least 10 mins prior to the departure times given above. The transport will not wait for latecomers.

A recommended kit list for annual camp can be download here. Cadets should address any questions to their Detachment Commander in good time.

Pick up timings for those cadets attending Minstreacres this Saturday (6th Aug 2011) are as follows:

Broomhill: 0745 hrs
Alnwick: 0810 hrs
Rothbury: 0830 hrs
Minstreacres: 0930 hrs

Minden are expecting the following cadets:
Cpl E. Inkster
LCpl K. Straughan
LCpl K. Netherwood (F)
LCpl C. Arundel
Cpl E. Tribe (F)
Cpl W. Young
LCpl J. Truman
LCpl S. Shepherd
LCpl B. Mayes
LCpl R. Rose (F)
LCpl M. Newson
LCpl P. Barber
LCpl G. Mason
Cdt J. Price
Cdt H. Power

Dress is CS'95 and be sure to bring a waterproof jacket. Minstreacres will provide lunch for everyone attending.

We should be finished at Minstreacres by 1600 hrs, so back up our way by around 1700-1730 hrs.

Timings for those cadets attending the Minden Company field training exercise (FTX) next weekend, 22-24 July 2011:

Friday, 22nd July 2011:
Minibus 1 (RSMI Lawrence to drive):
Alnwick, 1830 hrs (4 x cdts)
Broomhill, 1850 hrs (4 x cdts)
Rothbury, 1920 hrs (4 x cdts)
CTC Otterburn, 2000 hrs

Sunday, 24th July 2011:
The minibus should depart Otterburn at around 1500 hrs for the return journey home.

All cadets will need the correct dress and equipment to head straight out into the field on the Friday night. Speak to your DC for further advice about what to take.

The senior cadets of W Company were put through their paces earlier today, when they completed their JCIC teaching practices at Alnwick TA Centre.

Instructors from the county's senior cadet training company, Minden Company, visited Alnwick specially to test our budding new cadet instructors on weapon handling, map reading and drill TPs, which they had been preparing over the last few weeks.

Speaking at the end of today's session the Training Officer of Minden Company, Lt Richard de Planta, said: "I am very pleased with the performance of all cadets today. In particular their map reading lessons were well above average."

Cpl Will Young of Alnwick Detachment deserves a special mention for achieving an average score of 84% across his weapon handling, map reading and drill TPs.

The cadets now return to their Detachments where they will hone their skills by training junior cadets in basic military skills.

Photos from the assessment day feature in our 2011 gallery.

Those cadets involved with the JCIC TPs at Alnwick on Sat, 16th July 2011 should arrive at the TA Centre for 0845 hrs.

Dress is CS'95 and you'll require a notebook, pencil, packed lunch and any resources you've prepared for your TPs. Also bring anything extra Minden Company has informed you about.

Transport for the Broomhill cadets will depart the hut at 0815 hrs, with PI N. Watson driving the minibus.

Alnwick & Broomhill Detachments have been tasked with the job of providing junior cadet students for the TPs. If you're available to help with this please speak to your DC.

Training will finish between 1400-1500 hrs.

A list of TPs is included in the below Excel worksheet.

Team W Company have just come a very creditable second place in the annual Northumbria ACF military skills competition, Northumbrian Warrior.

The team, led by newly promoted Cdt CSM Craig Holman of Belford Detachment, competed in a series of training stands and a gruelling forced march across the scortched earth of an unusually hot Otterburn training area.

The result matches last years, where we went on to finish in the top 10 at the Brigade military skills competition, Colts Canter.

During Northumbrian Warrior the cadets were tested on their first aid, fieldcraft, weapon handling and practical navigation skills. They were also subjected to a rigorous kit check before setting off on the 6 km yomp across the moors. The march culminated with a timed shoot on Redesdale range.

Tired and sweaty after their efforts in the blistering heat the cadets were all flown back to Otterburn Camp in a Puma helicopter. The team are pictured below just before take off.

Congratulations to everyone who worked so hard to make the event such a success for W Company.

(Edit: New photos added to the 2011 gallery)