Brentwoodian 2019

107 During the term we introduced a new event for the Army SNCOs, an overnight exercise for them to be instructed on the specifics of an in-depth section attack and the requirement for leading sections under their supervision. We visited Pippingford Park Training Area in Kent for the first time and enjoyed the use of an expansive training area with a real variety of terrains. The senior cadets competed in a paintball range shoot followed by a BBQ and then to night-time patrols and defence. Which team could paintball the ‘El Capitano’ dummy to win the event? The morning saw a series of in-depth and rapid section attacks with sections rolling between attack, fire support and reserve. This high paced attack certainly honed the senior cadets’ ability to lead and manage section attacks whilst under blank fire. The Army section entered a team in the Combat Cadet Competition at STANTA training area, near Thetford, Norfolk. Over a long weekend, we competed against 19 other cadet force teams from around the country in a military skills competition. Ably instructed in a short time by C Sgt. Sell, the team prepared on Field Day working on their ability to perform TIBUA (Training in a built-up area), marksmanship principles and weapons- handling skills and drills. This was the second year in a row we had entered this challenging competition and the team performed with distinction. Cadet Sergeant Charlie Bacon led the team to a Gold medal performance. Highlights included Olly Webb's amazing feat of endurance and stealth during the infiltration and evasion stand and the team’s almost faultless effort in the close-quarter battle drills exercise. Well done to the whole team! Lent Field Day saw the cadets on overnight again, and working on the core principles of the six- section battle drills. The overnight was damp and the coaches arrived late but activity was high and morale was positive throughout. Summer Camp 2019 was held at St. Martin’s Plain near Folkestone, Kent. The cadets were in for a package designed to improve their marksmanship and weapons-handling. Intensive days on the firing point culminated in Cadet RSM-to-be, Harry Gough, achieving the heady heights of Marksman 1st Class. Our cadets were praised for many of the activities and competitive events we took part in. The highlight was probably the CQB and TIBUA events held at the incredible facility at Dymchurch Redoubt. Here cadets rotated around this defensive Napoleonic fortification working in tight and dark conditions, with loud and intensive sound effects blank firing at controlled automated targets. Over 6,000 blank rounds were fired in this four- hour exercise, more than any other CCF. The camp week ended in a competition day when we were joined by the Contingent Commander- to-be, Maj Haren, along with Cadet RSM Merrell and Cadet CSM Degan. We competed well in a real mixture of events from a Marines Gun Run to a Gilly Suite clad stalk. The culmination of the camp was the announcement of the senior positions for 2019- 2020. Here we should congratulate Cadet RSM Gough, Cadet RQ Adams, and CSMs Hepburn- Braham, Tomlinson and Marais. These will be supported by CQs Parrish, Richards, and Odendaal. G1 and G7 appointments are Cannell, Phillips, Reeves, Buntrock, Patel, McKnight. Other senior appointments went to Beardwell, Everest, Bajwa and Mayhew. Congratulations to all of the SNCOs and we look forward to another successful year in the Army Company. Thank you to all 2018 to 2019 Senior NCOs who managed the CCF Army section over the year without whose help the Army Section would fail to operate so smoothly. Special thanks go to RSM Chani Merrell and RQ Abbie Chapman for their continued support. Good luck to all the Upper Sixth Army Cadets for the future and I hope you will come and visit us in CCF. By Mr Kiff