Annual Camp - Ripon 2011

Oxfordshire Army Cadet Force held its Annual Camp at Ripon in Yorkshire.

If you were there, join the Ripon 2011 Facebook group. Also download the Camp photo.

Day 1 - Saturday 13 August 2011

On the first day of Annual Camp 2011, over 320 cadets from across Oxfordshire embarked excitedly on long coach journeys to Ripon in Yorkshire. They all arrived safely and the afternoon was focused on camp orientation where the young people found their accommodation and got to know the Camp. They also met their key adults and are looking forward to activities in the week ahead.

The cadets make their beds to exacting standards

It's a challenge to create the perfect hospital corner

Day 2 - Sunday 14 August 2011

Today we launched fully into a busy programme of military training. All cadets awoke to the sound of a bugle call at 6:30am, as they will every morning, and then spent the day with their cadres.

One Star Alpha began with a morning of drill on the parade square, and then received instruction in basic map work which prepares them for a practical navigation exercise on Tuesday. One Star Bravo focused on weapons training and fieldcraft, setting themselves up for the Battalion Exercise. The 2 Star Cadre spent the day learning skill at arms and achieved many passes on the L98A2 rifle. Finally, our senior cadets on the 3 Star Cadre began a course on the methods of instruction, which will enable them to begin teaching lessons.

Instructors in all cadres have been very impressed by the cadets' attitude and turnout, particularly at this early stage of Camp. All cadets were given some well-deserved down time in the evening and tomorrow looks to be another great day.

A platoon marches onto the parade square

The cadets wear their uniforms smartly and proudly

The warm weather allowed for some mapwork training outdoors

In the evening, some cadets formulated a plan to retrieve a key locked inside its locker

Day 3 - Monday 15 August 2011

All cadres had another fantastic day of progressive training.

Cadets in One Star Alpha spent the morning taking their skills a stage further on the Cadet GP rifle, and then went into the field after lunch to practice tactical movement and obstacle crossing. They finished the day with a round robin of sports activities, and their instructors were hugely proud of their unbounded enthusiasm.

One Star Bravo had a very busy day. They began by training on the Dismounted Close Combat Trainer (DCCT), which is an indoor range where cadets aim their rifles at targets projected on a screen. They then moved on to fieldcraft activities, which culminated in deployment to the field under the cover of darkness. They will spend tonight under bashas.

The Two Star Cadre did some great map and compass work, including learning how to set and measure bearings. They also had the opportunity to train on a paintballing course, taking out targets along an alley through the woods. In the evening they took their turn on the DCCT.

The Three Star Cadets completed their Junior Cadet Instructors’ Cadre. Now they just need to be assessed on some lessons that they teach, and they will earn a new badge for their brassards. This will be a significant landmark in their cadet careers, as they start delivering instruction as well as receiving it.

One Star cadets begin their work in the field

They learn to patrol in different tactical formations

Outstanding senior cadets are supporting the 1 Star Cadre

Physical training always begins with an active warm up

Sports are excellent for teambuilding as well as fitness

1 Star Alpha celebrate an outstanding day

In the early evening, some cadets practise rifle drill on the parade square

Day 4 - Tuesday 16 August 2011

Getting well into the swing of Camp, One Star Alpha enjoyed an exciting and varied programme of activities. They began with some weapons training and then moved out onto the training area for a navigation exercise where they had to find checkpoints using a map. This was followed by an evening of fieldcraft stands including basha building and an observation alley.

One Star Bravo awoke in high spirits despite the very wet night and continued with fieldcraft training throughout the day. They covered topics such as harbour drills and field signals, and spent the evening conducting night patrols. Tonight they spend another night under canvas, and thankfully the weather is dry.

The Two Star Cadre spent the day on ranges, first shooting the Cadet GP rifle and then moving out to fire shotguns on the clay target range. In the evening they prepared their kit for the field.

It was similarly a busy day for the Three Stars, who were assessed on some Teaching Practices and then fired on the DCCT. They also had the opportunity to fire the Light Support Weapon, which was a highlight for many cadets as it is an automatic weapon.

At this point mid-way through the first week, this is what some cadets had to say:

"We're having a great time at Camp with all the instructors, learning new things and having fun." - Cdt Hancock
"It's absolutely legendary." - Cdt Long
"I didn't want to do the shooting at first but I did it and I really enjoyed it." - L/Cpl Jordan
"I'm enjoying all the activities especially first aid because I just passed 3 Star. Looking forward to the four-day exercise." - Cpl Hamilton A
"We are learning great new skills." - L/Cpl Bell
"It's amazing." - Cdt Mannion
"The atmosphere created by the adult instructors and the NCOs is very positive and we're getting lots done." - Cdt Cannon
"Cadets has been a life-changing experience. I used to be scared about going away from home but I've really enjoyed it and I feel much more comfortable going away now." - Cdt Edwards
"Cadets has made me who I am. Coming away on Camp is the highlight of the year." - Senior cadet
"The breakfast is good" - L/Cpl Eggleton

Some cadets practise their weapon drills in preparation for a test

A qualified instructor explains how to strip a rifle for cleaning

A section of cadets gathers round in the field to take notes

Instructors give an example of poor basha building and personal admin

Day 5 - Wednesday 17 August 2011

One Star Alpha started the day with drill and turnout, and then spent the afternoon learning fieldcraft in anticipation for deploying to the field tomorrow. One Star Bravo and the Two Star Cadre both commenced training for the Battalion Exercise, with a particular focus on contact and harbour drills which they will soon need to put into practice. The Two Star Cadre also began advanced field training to prepare for the Exercise, and the Three Stars spent the day improving their shooting skills on the ranges.

Something new - the cadets learn to fold a 12 x 12 tent

A group chills out before moving on to the next activity

Adults from One Star Bravo gather for a field briefing

The cadets are having a fantastic time in the field

1 Star Bravo cadets practise in preparation for blank firing

Day 6 - Thursday 18 August 2011

Thursday was Visitors Day with a number of civic representatives from Oxfordshire visiting camp, including the Lord Lieutenant, the Chairman of Oxfordshire County Council and the Mayors of Banbury, Carterton, Didcot and Wallingford. Also visiting was the Honorary Colonel and 145 Brigade Commander.

After an introduction by the Commandant and OC Battalion Training Team, the party visited the cadets training at various locations off camp. The visit started with the Two Star Cadre who were using the 25m range and obstacle course at Claro Barracks. The Three Star Cadre were then visited at Laver Banks training area, five minutes from Camp, where they were completing their field training for the Battalion Exercise over the weekend. In the afternoon, One Star Alpha Cadre were visited at Ripon Parks training area where they were learning basic field tactics and camouflage. The Mayors joined in by agreeing to have cam cream put on their faces, much to the delight of the cadets! One Star Bravo spent the day on the ranges at Strensall.

SSI Jones is promoted to SMI by Brig Baverstock

A team warms down after the obstacle course

Personnel from One Star Alpha wait to move out

Cllr Greene, Chairman of Oxfordshire County Council, talked with our cadets

The mayors were escorted by cadet and adult hosts to visit the training groups

The Lord Lieutenant and Mayors of Carterton, Didcot and Wallingford all cam'd up

Brig Baverstock (OC 145 Brigade), Mr Tim Stevenson (Lord Lieutenant), Brig Drapper (Hon Colonel) and Col Carson (Comdt)

Day 7 - Friday 19 August 2011

Today was “happy snapper” day, with due respect to the photographer who came to take formal photos of the cadres. Before the end of Camp, each cadet will receive a copy of the photograph they appeared in.

While the photographer made his rounds, training continued. The Two Star Cadre prepared for the exercise before deploying to the field just prior to lunch. The Three Star Cadre had moved out the previous day and were now patrolling to establish a harbour area and observation positions.

One Star Alpha Cadre split into two groups, one shooting on the 25m range at Claro Barracks and the other on the ranges at Catterick. One Star Bravo undertook map and compass training followed by a fun competition finding clues around the camp. In the afternoon, both One Star cadres then undertook some final exercise preparation before joining the rest of the Battalion in the field.

Day 8 - Saturday 20 August 2011

Having deployed to the field, the cadres were re-formed into two companies, A and B. Senior cadets had planned the exercise themselves, a challenge they grabbed enthusiastically with both hands; they also gave all the briefings. The adults acted as safety supervisors but left the cadets to organise and implement command and control at all levels

In the simulated battle environment, orders were passed from battalion level down to companies, platoons and sections. Formulating their own tactics, the cadets embarked on reconnaissance patrols and set up observation posts to observe the enemy. In periods of down time, they got used to a work routine of sentry duties and personal administration. No contact was made with the ‘enemy’ in the course of the day.

The Cadet RSM gives her exercise briefing

In his 'stand to' position, this cadet defends the harbour area

A cadet section commander briefs the Hon Colonel on his plan

Scoff time! Cadets gather round to cook their rations

If you should go down to the woods today, you might get a nasty surprise!

The Hon Colonel on the left and his 'minder' on the right!

Day 9 - Sunday 21 August 2011

The day of the battle! Following intelligence gathered yesterday, the Battalion were ready to make an assault on the enemy stronghold. This commenced at dawn and tested everyone’s prior training and practice. Thousands of rounds were fired in a highly coordinated attack, and we advanced quickly under the cover of smoke. The enemy were defeated at the site of a burnt out tank.

Then followed breakfast, brought out to the base area and served by Battalion HQ staff, and much enjoyed by all. A Drum Head service then took place at the base area, conducted by the by the two Padres. Before returning to camp, a Battalion ‘field’ photograph was taken. On return to Camp the cleanup of personal kit commenced, along with the return of stores and weapons - and before anyone knew it, it was lunch time.

In the afternoon the Band went into Ripon and played in the Victorian Bandstand, much to the enjoyment of the locals - particularly a number of retired military personnel.

During the attack, some cadets lie up against a bank to provide fire support

Another platoon then advances under cover of smoke

On the way back to the base area, cadets remain in high spirits

Cadets will be cadets - whoops, err, no that's an adult!

After the field exercise, the Battalion gather for the Drum Head Service

Back from the field, the Band perform in the park in Ripon

A potential future cadet(!) makes a donation

Day 10 - Monday 22 August 2011

Today cadets enjoyed a much-deserved Day Out to the Lightwater Valley Theme Park. They made the most of the many rides and attractions, and also the opportunity to relax after a hard week. A great time was had by all the cadets, returning to camp full of enthusiasm for the Battalion competitions commencing tomorrow. In the evening the Officers went off camp to enjoy their Mess Dinner at Dishforth Airfield, home to 9 Regt Army Air Corps.

The cadets were excited right from the start

It was a chance to relax after an exhausting week

In the evening, the Band played for the Officers Mess Dinner

Day 11 - Tuesday 23 August 2011

The first of several competitions began today, with the Battalion Skill At Arms Meeting. The senior cadets went to the ranges at Catterick for the main full-bore competition, while the junior cadets took part in a round-robin of different shooting events, with points awarded for how well they did. These included .22 and air rifle shooting, archery and clay target shooting, so everybody was kept busy throughout the day.

Cadets fired the .22 Rifle on the 30m range at Claro Barracks

They also fired the Air Rifle on a range set up on the training area

A cadet tries his hand at being Robin Hood

Shotgun shooting has been a highlight for many

Day 12 - Wednesday 24 August 2011

Today was the start of the Battalion Skills Competition. While senior cadets engaged in the more physically demanding and advanced military skills, the remaining cadets participated in varied, yet challenging and fun, activities. These included erecting a 12 x 12 military tent (always a challenge even for adults), preparing a presentation on the history of the Rifles, an obstacle course, shooting and other events. Cadets not involved in the competition enjoyed 'scramble' motorbike sessions on a nearby field. The senior cadets took part in a March and Shoot, staying out overnight on the training area.

Cadets enjoy the challenge of the 6ft wall, up...

In an entirely different challenge, teamwork and thought are required to prepare a presentation

Camp has been a chance to learn new skills - including motorcycling

Constructing a tent is part of the Skills Competition

Would you want to spend the night in this tent?

Buglers play in York to raise money for Army charities

The Band also has drummers and bell-lyres

Day 13 - Thursday 25 August 2011

Today was effectively the last day of camp activities. For the March and Shoot, it was a question of 'rain stopped play' and the shoot on the outdoor range was cancelled due to the weather! However, the shoot went ahead on an indoor electronic range, known as a DCCT. In the afternoon, the inter-company drill competion took place with Somme the winners. That was followed by a Prize Giving, when the battalion prizes for a multitude of activities were presented by the Commandant, Colonel Carson, to the very happy winners while the sun shone.

The day, and Camp, was rounded-off with a BBQ for all, much enjoyed by everyone.

Day 14 - Friday 26 August 2011

With everything tidied up, at around 11am the coaches departed for Oxfordshire containing happy, if tired, cadets and adults. All had had an excellent and rewarding Annual Camp and are no doubt looking forward to sleeping in their own beds tonight.