Our Year 9 and 10 Cadets recently deployed to Catterick Training Area for Exercise First Look, an immersive 48-hour field exercise designed to introduce them to the realities of military training and life in the field.
For many of our Year 9 Cadets, this was their first experience operating in a tactical environment away from school, and they approached the challenge with enthusiasm and determination. Throughout the exercise, they learned how to establish and defend a harbour area, apply effective camouflage, and patrol as part of a Section and Platoon. Working together under demanding conditions helped build confidence, resilience and teamwork all key qualities at the heart of the CCF experience.
Meanwhile, our Year 10 Cadets developed their skills further through a series of more advanced Section and Platoon Battle Drills. These exercises encouraged sharper tactical thinking, stronger communication and improved decision-making under pressure, while also giving Cadets greater responsibility within their teams.
Exercise First Look provided an invaluable opportunity for all involved to experience leadership in action and to strengthen the foundations needed for future progression within the Contingent. As they continue their training, many of these Cadets will soon take on leadership appointments as Section Commanders and Second-in-Command on upcoming exercises.
The professionalism, teamwork and positive attitude displayed throughout the deployment were a credit to the Barney CCF, and we look forward to seeing these Cadets continue to grow in confidence and capability over the coming year.
