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No 3 (Somme) Company Camp

25 - 27 February 2022

No 3 (Somme) Company Camp

11 March 2022

  • Greater Manchester ACF

By Major Andy Pilling, Company Commander, No 3 (Somme) Company

The first Company Weekend Camp of 2022 for No 3 (Somme) Company started on Friday 25th of February saw 66 cadets arrive on camp, nearly half experiencing their first weekend camp as cadets.

The weekend started Friday night with a welcome briefing to all the cadets before free time and then off to bed, ready for the 6.30 am start on Saturday morning.

All cadets can experience firing different weapons systems in the ACF. None will handle or fire any weapons until they are trained and can perform safety checks. This training and supervision are always done by qualified and experienced staff.

The weekend training was for new cadets an understanding of the cadet air rifle and the principles of marksmanship. Learning how to safely look after the weapon before getting the opportunity to fire. Some great results by the young cadets, many who had never fired before.

The more senior cadets learnt about the next weapon, the cadet small bore rifle a .22 rifle. Again, learning how to safety look after the rifle before they fired. A great day firing with many cadets passing their next shooting badge.

As a new experience the cadets also had the opportunity to try out archery. Our recently qualified instructors gave the cadets the chance to fire at a target with a bow and arrow. A totally new experience and enjoyable one for all who took part.

Four Cadet Lance Corporals, looking to be promoted to Cadet Corporal spent the weekend learning about leadership and leadership skills. With a mixture of lessons and practical exercises, testing their teamwork, communications skills and leadership knowledge.

On the Sunday they presented a lesson to the County RSM, RSMI Dougie Craddock about what leadership meant to them. Along with explaining their personal leadership coat of arms.

Following a busy weekend. The final parade was time to see promotions from Cadet Lance Corporal to Cadet Corporal for:

Cadet Corporal Alzahawey

Cadet Corporal Gradwell

Cadet Corporal Holmes

Cadet Corporal Miller

Another presentation was made to Cadet Lance Corporal Farrow on the presentation of well-earned Bronze and Silver Duke of Edinburgh’s awards.

A successful and enjoyable camp was had by all who attended. New experiences and new skills learnt. Things that can only be done in the Army Cadet Force.

Pictures by staff from No 3 (Somme) Company - click here

#GmanACFForceForGood #LifelongLearning #LifeSkills #GoingFurther

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