ANNUAL CAMP 2023

DAY 6

Charlie Cadre are completing some training in camp today. Delta Cadre are still having fun at the AT location. Alpha Cadre are in the final phase of their fieldcraft exercise before they stand down this afternoon. Bravo Cadre prepare to move out off the main camp to our remote location before the start of their fieldcraft exercise. On arrival they were issued their kit and were given some lessons on cooking in the field before they cooked their own ration packs. The Battalion Commandant and Battalion Training Officer visited the remote location this afternoon and while Alpha Cadre were relaxing after their hectic days in the field there was time for a cadet version of Question Time with the visiting officers.

DAY 5

Alpha Cadre are now well into their fieldcraft exercise, meanwhile Delta Cadre are having fun at Adventurous Training. Back in camp Bravo Cadre continue training with the Scorpion air rifle. Charlie Cadre are on their day out visiting the Gordon Highlanders Museum.

DAY 4

Day 4 dawns and after a hearty breakfast Alpha Cadre prepare to travel to their fieldcraft exercise location. Bravo Cadre are on the range with the scorpion air rifle while Charlie Cadre are undertaking training on the Cadet Information System and later in the afternoon were completing their Skill at Arms using the A2 Cadet GP rifle. Delta Cadre have arrived at their Adventurous Training location and are busy preparing for the next 2 days of fun.

DAY 3

We are now into day 3 since arrival at Annual Camp and the cadets have been put through their paces in advance of the various activities taking place over the next week and a bit. Cadets have had the opportunity to learn about the CSBTR (Cadet Small Bore Target Rifle) before shortly going on to be the first to use the recently built indoor tube range that was added to our training facilities earlier in the year. Shooting marksmanship is a key part of the syllabus and cadets are challenged to get the best scores they can – and then better it at the next training level.In the meantime, they have also been in the classroom genning up on their military knowledge in order to learn about the ACF organisation and how it fits into the Defence network through Regional Command HQ. Of course, on a lovely day they would rather be outside (as would the adults) so it was on with the sports kit and they could take part in physical activities as part of the Keeping Active module in the ACS21 syllabus. In anticipation of the warmer weather though each cadet has been issued with a small pack that has a water bottle, sun cream, insect repellent, hand sanitiser, lip balm plus notebook and pencil and are regularly reminded to keep hydrated and reapply the sun blocker.Of course, while cadets learn about how to use the GP (L98 A2) rifle for range and fieldcraft purposes and for their Skill at Arms (SAA) module, they also use them for their 2 Star Drill training so practice has been progressing towards getting assessed later on and completing that part of their training as well.The senior cadets have been practicing their Cane Drill as part of the Three Star training and also looking at working on 4 Star elements where they can. They can be seen honing their skills along with cadets from two other cadres, using the parade square to the fullest potential.Today is the last day that all four cadres will be at Boddam Camp for some time however. Tomorrow some will be setting off to locations in Dingwall and Fort George for their Adventure Training and Fieldcraft packages. To take advantage of this, the cadets had a presentation this evening from SSgt Buchan of the Army Engagement Team from the local Armed Forces Careers Office to brief them on the opportunities and routes of entries for those who may be considering a rewarding and fulfilling career in the British Army.With the sun still shining, the cadets are now in their down time phase of the day and while some take the chance to wind down and chill with their friend, others still have the energy to play games and challenge their mates to a round of tag rugby. Camp is starting to settle in and the fun continues!

DAY 2

Cadets wake up this morning to the sound of the highland bagpipes in the traditional manner. After a hearty breakfast Col Rae Battalion Commandant addressed the Battalion on the parade square, then it was off to start the days training.

Skill at Arms training for Alpha Cadre under the watchful eyes of SMI Walker and SSI Reid. Meanwhile Bravo Cadre are brushing up on their navigation skills with 2Lt Rogalski.

Charlie Cadre are undertaking drill practice under instruction from SI Harrison.

Evening muster parade and a number of cadets are presented with their star awards and certificates in recognition of their hard work in their detachments throughout the past year. Cadet Corporal Matthew Young of the Banchory Detachment was awarded this 3 Star badge and was also promoted to Cadet Sergeant. It is not only cadets who get rewarded for their dedication to the ACF, 2 of our officers also received promotions. Company Staff Officer 2nd Lieutenant Chris Revill was promoted to Lieutenant while Battalion Training Officer Captain Martin Munro was promoted to Major.