CCF Recruits’ Camp to Brunswick

At the very start of February half term, departing on the Friday after school, 58 intrepid cadets embarked on CCF Recruits’ Camp to the Brunswick Training Centre, near Woking, to undertake their basic recruit testing and begin their section-specific training. 

Capt A Muirhead, School Staff Instructor, reports back: 

“Saturday started with a hearty breakfast before cadets undertook a round-robin of stands, including the obstacle course, skill-at-arms revision and drill practise. After lunch, cadets had another run over the obstacle course, an introduction to the field gun and more skill-at-arms revision. Cadets were then given the opportunity to choose which section – Royal Navy, Army or Royal Air Force – they would like to specialise in. The evening saw cadets undertake their weapon handling test on the Cadet GP Rifle – demonstrating that they can handle the weapon safely. 

Sunday morning gave cadets the opportunity to demonstrate their skill on the drill square with their drill test, confirm their basic first aid ability and get settled into their new sections. The new members of the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force sections got to know some of their senior cadets and got up-to-speed with how their sections operate. The Royal Navy section spent some more time on the field gun – a traditional Royal Navy activity. The Royal Air Force section started learning about the principles of flight, and put it to the test by making their own model aeroplanes. The Army Section cadets packed their bergens ready to deploy to the training area. Once on the area, the cadets had to cook their own dinner with food from their 24-hour ration packs. 

Monday was a full day of section training and a highlight for the Army Section cadets was firing the Cadet GP Rifle for the first time on exercise – undertaking a defence of their harbour area. Royal Navy cadets learnt more about the nuances of the Royal Navy (including their somewhat tricky to decipher badges of rank), and the Royal Air Force cadets started work on their radio skills and undertook a radio exercise around camp. 

On Tuesday, the main activity before departing was a field gun competition between the cadets in their new sections. All cadets put in a strong effort, demonstrating that they were already working together well in their new sections. Ultimately, though, the Royal Air Force team were the winners. 

The camp was very successful, and cadets can look forward to more exciting activities in their own sections.” 

Third Year student Micah said, “Imagine shipping a large group of anarchic 14 year-olds to an army camp like you see in the movies. Most of the results were as you would expect! At least we left it in a better state then when we arrived (I hope so because otherwise I did all that mopping for nothing). The instructors taught the same teenagers how to jump 15-foot walls, crawl through tight pipes, cross large gaps and disguise themselves to look like a bush. Oh, and how to get away without being caught. I really don’t think they realise what they have done…at least I can escape from my next Friday detention.”