Postponed from December when the Company was meant to hold a face-to-face training weekend at Detachment locations due to the tier restrictions for a Skill at Arms and First Aid Weekend and subsequently the lockdown in England virtual training was the next best thing.
Throughout the weekend, the cadets from around E Company took part in a range of APC theory lessons, which included Field Craft, Expedition, Navigation and First Aid. Senior cadets also had sessions on leadership and preparation for their Senior Cadet Instructor Cadre. Additional activities such as Company games and quizzes also took place alongside two guest speakers:
Corporal Andrew Cline (REME) who is attached to 27 Regiment Royal Logistics Corps, and Lance Corporal Jodie Farr of 162 Regiment Royal Logistics Corps who talked about their time as a cadet and their experiences with the Army Reserve. The three talks we’re enjoyed by the cadets who engaged with a lot of questions and comments to the guest speakers.
The weekend was brought to a close by a Q&A session, where the cadets had the opportunity to ask questions to the HQ team in attendance, before Maj. Clare Kirk thanked the cadets and instructors for their hard work over the weekend, through the difficult medium of Zoom training.
Officer Commanding E Company, Maj Kirk said: “It has been a tough year, having to postpone all face-to-face activity due to government guidelines has been upsetting for both cadets and CFAV alike. I requested that Staff Officer (Training) – Capt. V Brooks reschedule the plans for our designated coy weekend in order to be able to provide it virtually. Following an extended stand-down period to usual, this was exactly what the company needed following the Christmas period. Overall, the weekend had a fabulous mix of APC training, fun games and guest speakers, providing us all with the opportunity to re-engage with the ACF. Though we all look forward to the day we can return to detachment locations and CTC Driffield, virtual engagement is paramount until we can do so again”
Maj Kirk went on to say: “As OC, I wish to thank everyone who participated - from the cadets, CFAV and guest speakers, as without their hard work and dedication, the weekend would not have been as successful as it was. It was great to see the positive impact the sessions made, everyone closed the weekend activities with a smile having successfully completed all learning opportunities, but most importantly….we had FUN - for my team and I, this is why we do what we do.”
