This weekend saw all three cadet sections — Royal Navy, Army, and RAF — successfully complete their fieldcraft training during an intensive blank firing exercise at Altcar Training Area.
The weekend began with an early start on Saturday. Cadets assembled at the school for 0700hrs and arrived at Altcar by 0800hrs. Once on site, they were issued their bergens and webbing, packed with everything needed for the weekend ahead. After weapon issue and final preparations, cadets deployed into the field to begin their training.
Throughout the day, they were taught key fieldcraft skills, including fire and movement, which they then practised using blank rounds in realistic scenarios. That evening, cadets established a harbour area, learned night observation techniques, and rotated through sentry duties — all while operating in wet and challenging conditions.
Sunday began early once again with a 0600hrs wake-up call after a night spent under improvised bashas. The morning was dedicated to further blank firing drills, with a focus on pairs fire and movement, reinforcing teamwork and tactical awareness.
Over 5,000 rounds were fired over the course of the weekend, with every cadet completing the required training. Despite the cold, wet weather and living on rations, morale remained impressively high. Cadets demonstrated resilience, enthusiasm, and teamwork throughout — many even asked, “When can we stay out again?”
A huge thank you goes out to the senior cadets who supported the training throughout the weekend — both in delivering lessons and enthusiastically playing the enemy force. Their leadership, energy, and commitment made a significant difference to the success of the exercise.
Well done to everyone involved!
