This weekend saw Dorset ACF Probationary Instructors attend their final training weekend prior to attending an Advanced Induction Course.

Over the last eighteen months for some, with the suspension of training due to Covid, we have seen the Instructors undertake their Basic and Intermediate training, either as physical training weekends or presentations online.

The Instructors have come from a variety of backgrounds, some without prior knowledge or any military skills, and a number of ex-Regular soldiers or Cadets who have either recently left at the age of eighteen or have been away from the Army Cadet Force for several years.

This weekend was the Fieldcraft Training phase where the PI's stayed out under Bashas for two nights and undertook camouflage and concealment training, patrolling at night skills, and stalking exercises. The training concluded with a blank firing phase and the defence of a Harbour Area.

These skills, they will pass on to their Cadets once they are appointed Sargent Instructors after their week-long Advanced Induction course conducted by the local Cadet Training Team.

Lt Colonel Garrett, Deputy Commandant Dorset Army Cadet Force, said: “Covid has had a severe impact on the training of our new Instructors but we have had to adapt, cope and learn new ways to safely deliver the training over the various stages of lockdown. I'm really pleased to see the ex-Regular soldiers taking on the mentoring of the Instructors with no past experience. This has really helped the Directing Staff and built up comradeship between the cohort of Probationary Instructors.”

He added: “We are always looking for new Instructors, especially in the Bridport, Beaminster, Gillingham, and Sherborne areas of the County.

We will also be running our next Familiarisation for anyone looking at becoming a Potential Instructor, this will take place over the weekend of 31st July/1st August at Dorchester.”

RSMI Mickey Matthews said; "I am really impressed with the way our new instructors embraced the training and the effort that they all put into to this weekend, I would also like to thank the staff from Headquarters for their support with stores, weapons, ammunition, and transport, without them these weekends could not happen"

QUOTES FROM THE PI's

"Loved it, great company and awesome fun. So looking forward to attending camp in the future with the Cadets and seeing their grinning faces.

Thanks so much to all involved, top weekend"

PI Razey

"I just want to thank all the DS staff for giving up their weekend and laying on such a fantastic weekend for us all."

PI Blake

#ACF #GoingFurther