Our Year 10 (Fourth Form) Army cadets and Lower Sixth NCOs took part in Exercise “Summer Nights” over the bank holiday weekend, enjoying an action-packed and rewarding experience despite the high temperatures.

The 32-hour exercise gave cadets the opportunity to put into practice the skills they have been developing during Thursday afternoon CCF sessions. Throughout the weekend, cadets took part in a wide range of activities designed to build confidence, teamwork and self-reliance. Training included air rifle shooting, .22 rifle instruction, laser clay shooting and section battle drills using laser training weapons. Cadets were also challenged through a variety of team-building exercises that tested their communication and leadership skills.

For many, the highlight of the exercise was the night operation. Cadets had to move tactically around the senior school site between grid locations, gathering information while avoiding detection by the Lower Sixth NCOs, who were acting as snipers armed with laser weapons. The exercise provided an exciting and realistic scenario that encouraged cadets to think carefully, work together and apply their fieldcraft training under pressure.

At the end of the weekend, all cadets were awarded their Army Cadet Syllabus (ACS) Basic Star badge and Air Rifle flash in recognition of their achievements. In addition, eight cadets achieved the demanding standard required for the “Trained Shot” badge, recording groupings of 22mm or smaller.

Congratulations to all involved for their enthusiasm, resilience and excellent effort throughout the exercise.