CCF Shooting Weekend Hits the Bullseye

Our CCF cadets enjoyed another busy but exciting weekend for their final sessions of 2023.

The final CCF parade of the calendar year is traditionally known as EXERCISE CHRISTMAS CRACKER when, armed with Christmas hats, our cadets compete in a friendly inter-section competition, planned by our Senior Cadets.

This year, Upper Sixth Sergeant Laura A skilfully prepared, planned and masterminded the competition. Thank you, Laura!

Cadets were tested on their first-aid skills, having to cope with the acting skills of the contingent staff, solved a Christmas ‘crime’ mystery, engaged in tactical ‘hide and seek’, and successfully learned and performed a short drill routine that traditionally departs from the normal regimented drill of parade square. While we’re not sure that many Regimental Sergeant Majors would have fully approved, we’re certain that great fun was had by all as they wound up this term’s training in style!

The CCF’s final training session of 2023 tested our cadets’ marksmanship skills, firing the air-rifle, cadet small bore target rifle and, turning back the clock a little, with archery. They learned and developed the principles of marksmanship and attempted the ‘Trained Shot’ and ‘Marksman’ qualifications.

Congratulations go to all the cadets who qualified, proving their accuracy and consistency over some difficult shoots. We look forward to awarding their badges at our Promotions Parade at the beginning of next term.

Cadets also developed their skills of teamwork and leadership with several challenging tasks that looked at team cohesion, problem-solving and the pros and cons of leader-led versus leaderless tasks. All the training certainly hit the target for our cadets.