A very quick summary of what the cadets have done today, which is also captured on the photo gallery.
Most of the cadets spent last night outside in bashas, where they had a surprisingly good night's sleep despite the heavy rain showers. We decided to keep the more junior cadets, 1 Platoon, inside our converted farmhouse because we knew they'd probably get soaked through inexperience.
After rising at the unusually civilised hour of 0700 hrs the cadets got washed, cleaned their kit, polished their boots and started preparing breakfast. Depending on their choice of ration pack they either had bacon & beans, beans & sausage or creamy porridge oats. Even the porridge tastes good after a spending the night in the bracing fresh air.
Straight after breakfast the cadets cleaned their weapons, which they are responsible for until we get back to camp on Monday. The damp conditions means they need to be kept clean and well oiled so they don't seize up and become rusty, which happens remarkably quickly if left unchecked.
The Padre, Major Stephen Caddy, visited the Company out in the field. We spent a few moments reflecting on the responsibilities of being an army cadet and remembering the fallen.
Back out onto training and the cadets finished their preparation for the assessment phase, which begins later today. They have been practising obstacle crossing, duties of a sentry and fire & movement, to name but a few.
Just before lunch the Deputy Commander of 15 (NE) Brigade, Colonel Jeremy Hughes, visited the farm and toured some of the training. with the OC, Major Mark Ewart, and 2IC, Capt Tom Jackson. He spent some time chatting with the cadets to find out what they thought about the ACF and Army in general. 15 Brigade is responsible for all of the British Army units between the Humber and Scottish border.
After lunch the cadets moved 2 miles eastwards across the training area to their new location for tonight's assessment phase. 1 & 2 Platoons, under the command of SSI John Rollo and Lt Barry Lister respectively, are spending this evening practising their harbour drills, observation and sentry skills whilst 3 Platoon, under the command of Lt Keith Marchant, are conducting patrols against an enemy force located a couple of kilometres away.
The cadets are all likely to work late into the night, with their position being attacked periodically to test their response. That will involve lots of flares, smoke and blank ammunition, which they should all enjoy.
I haven't mentioned the cadets of Minden Company much, because they have been working separately to the rest of W Company. They're all doing well and were very chatty when our paths crossed earlier today.
Tomorrow 3 Platoon have an all out assault on the enemy's farm buildings so stay tuned!
New photos uploaded.
Most of the cadets spent last night outside in bashas, where they had a surprisingly good night's sleep despite the heavy rain showers. We decided to keep the more junior cadets, 1 Platoon, inside our converted farmhouse because we knew they'd probably get soaked through inexperience.
After rising at the unusually civilised hour of 0700 hrs the cadets got washed, cleaned their kit, polished their boots and started preparing breakfast. Depending on their choice of ration pack they either had bacon & beans, beans & sausage or creamy porridge oats. Even the porridge tastes good after a spending the night in the bracing fresh air.
Straight after breakfast the cadets cleaned their weapons, which they are responsible for until we get back to camp on Monday. The damp conditions means they need to be kept clean and well oiled so they don't seize up and become rusty, which happens remarkably quickly if left unchecked.
The Padre, Major Stephen Caddy, visited the Company out in the field. We spent a few moments reflecting on the responsibilities of being an army cadet and remembering the fallen.
Back out onto training and the cadets finished their preparation for the assessment phase, which begins later today. They have been practising obstacle crossing, duties of a sentry and fire & movement, to name but a few.
Just before lunch the Deputy Commander of 15 (NE) Brigade, Colonel Jeremy Hughes, visited the farm and toured some of the training. with the OC, Major Mark Ewart, and 2IC, Capt Tom Jackson. He spent some time chatting with the cadets to find out what they thought about the ACF and Army in general. 15 Brigade is responsible for all of the British Army units between the Humber and Scottish border.
After lunch the cadets moved 2 miles eastwards across the training area to their new location for tonight's assessment phase. 1 & 2 Platoons, under the command of SSI John Rollo and Lt Barry Lister respectively, are spending this evening practising their harbour drills, observation and sentry skills whilst 3 Platoon, under the command of Lt Keith Marchant, are conducting patrols against an enemy force located a couple of kilometres away.
The cadets are all likely to work late into the night, with their position being attacked periodically to test their response. That will involve lots of flares, smoke and blank ammunition, which they should all enjoy.
I haven't mentioned the cadets of Minden Company much, because they have been working separately to the rest of W Company. They're all doing well and were very chatty when our paths crossed earlier today.
Tomorrow 3 Platoon have an all out assault on the enemy's farm buildings so stay tuned!
New photos uploaded.
