Cadet Competition Beckingham Training Camp, Woodbridge Achieves Gold

Last weekend, army cadets from Woodbridge School CCF took part in the annual Combat Cadet competition, which took place at Beckingham training camp. Year 12’s Oscar W, who captained the team, reports on the competition.

Year 12’s Oscar W

During the competition, the selected squad took part in many different aspects of field craft, from patrols to weapons handling. The team were required to carry out a series of mock military events at different stands, including a building assault, a casualty extraction under fire, a stalk exercise to retrieve information and a two-hour long patrol lanes in order to recce a position – not to mention a timed 2km run after a long day with very tired legs.

It was a great test of everyone’s personal skills as well as the control skills required for the Section Commander (IC) and second in command (2IC) to manage the team on all stands.

We had to carry out the exercises on each stand at the same time as planning ahead for the upcoming stands; for example studying the map and working out a route card. A special mention to our 2IC Year 12’s Oliver B who worked so hard behind the scenes ensuring the orders were followed and that all cadets were carrying out the required personal admin, such as having clean boots!

We’ve been preparing for the competition for months, including a whole day training at School over one weekend, and I’m really proud of the team; everyone worked hard, putting in the time and effort required. All the hard work paid off as the team placed 6th achieving the gold standard.

Well done to everyone and thank you to Mr Garvie and Mr Capjon who made it all possible.