CCF Cadets put training into practice

The annual overnighter provides an opportunity for cadets to develop their fieldcraft, teamwork and leadership skills while gaining valuable experience operating in the field. For Fifth Form cadets in particular, the exercise represented an important step in their CCF journey, allowing them to take on greater responsibility and put their training to the test.

After arriving on site, platoons established harbour areas in the woodland, setting up bashas and bivvy bags before preparing evening meals on hexi stoves. Once darkness fell, cadets embarked on one of the key activities of the exercise: a night-time platoon ambush. Working together to plan and execute the operation, they successfully engaged an ‘enemy’ contingent made up of Lower Sixth NCOs before returning to camp for the night.

The exercise also gave NCOs the opportunity to lead sections in the field, developing their communication, organisation and decision-making abilities while supporting younger cadets through each stage of the programme.

Reflecting on the exercise, Upper Sixth NCO Evie M said:

“This overnighter was a brilliant opportunity for 5th form to develop skill at arms, teamwork and to step into leadership roles for the first time. The cadets second ever night ambush was a huge success and an improvement as a new confidence and secure understanding was evident throughout the contingent. The same for the section attacks; with military knowledge and intelligent decision making the cadets plan and coordinate their attacks and movements on the L6th NCOs as the enemy, displaying their skills that they’ve attained throughout the two years. We were able to use brand new laser guns, enabling us to practice taking aim unlike with blank firing. This created some interesting competition between cadets to see who could shoot all the enemy the fastest. Overall, the overnighter was a true display of skill, understanding, and knowledge. As an U6th who has been through it for four years, it’s a pleasure to see everyone enjoying the activities and committing to every part of the overnighter. Hopefully, it inspires a batch of new NCOs for next year.”

Upper Sixth NCO Shimon M added:

“After arriving in the early evening, the platoons set up their harbour areas in the woods, preparing their bashas and bivvy bags before nightfall. Once camp was established, cadets cooked their ration-pack meals on hexi stoves, before heading out into the dark for the main event of the evening – a platoon ambush. Lying in wait for an ‘enemy’ contingent of L6 NCOs, the platoons sprang the ambush before pulling back through the woods to the harbour for some well-earned sleep ahead of an early start the next morning.

Thursday’s main focus was section attacks, with sections beginning by practicing battle drills and reacting to enemy fire. With these in place, the sections carried out a simulated patrol and section attack using blank rounds, bringing everything together in a fast-paced and realistic exercise.

A definite highlight of the trip was getting the chance to try out the CCF’s brand-new laser guns for the first time, adding a new and exciting element to training. Unlike blanks, laser guns provide real feedback on every shot, so cadets could finally see just how accurate they were.

For the NCOs, leading sections in the field was both challenging and hugely enjoyable, requiring them to stay organised, communicate clearly and keep their sections motivated throughout. It was great to see both NCOs and cadets growing in confidence over the course of the overnighter and working well together as a team.

As always, a huge thank you goes to Ms. Horwell and the rest of the CCF team for organising and running the overnighter. Their hard work and careful planning made sure everything ran smoothly, and the cadets are all very grateful for the time and effort they put into making it such a success.”

Fifth Former Phoebe B also reflected on her experience:

“The CCF overnighter was so much fun! I loved sleeping outside and cooking meals with my friends, but my favorite part was the section attack. Being able to put all we had learnt on Wednesday afternoons into practice in such a lovely way was amazing. It was such a unique and exhilarating experience to shoot blank rounds at an enemy even if we had to pick up the brass after. It was a fantastic experience and one I’ll remember for a long time!”

The overnighter was another successful and memorable experience for Lancing’s CCF contingent, providing cadets with the opportunity to challenge themselves, strengthen friendships and develop the skills that lie at the heart of the programme.