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Personally Tailored Teaching
Combined Cadet Force Expeditions, Camps & Exercises
Field Day Tuesday 2 Jun 2009The weather was fantastic as we boarded the coach and departed for Dreghorn Barracks; this was our Summer Field Day and most were pleased to get a welcome break from the school routine and the numerous exams which were ongoing. A team of regular soldiers from the Army provided support for our first assignment. After a short brief cadets were faced with numerous interactive, hands on challenges. The tasks were designed to develop teamwork, communication skills and decision making with a strong focus on problem solving. Everyone learned from the different tests and we all had great fun. Captain Jack laid on an escape and evasion exercise which all seemed to find particularly enjoyable. Further and final training was given by SSI Meikle on the L98A2 rifle, this is the new rifle issued to cadets; we had carried out substantial training over the proceeding weeks and all were looking forward to firing it later that day, this was our chance to get in some last minute practise. Corporal Angus Marshall went through the contents of a ration pack which is always popular, especially as we could eat what we cooked! In the afternoon there was just enough time for lunch which was in the form of a packed meal, it was great to have a seat in the shade and enjoy the nice cool breeze. All too soon we were trying our best to camouflage one another, we would be required to advance towards the enemy, those who had done a good job in trying to blend in with their surroundings stood the best chance of survival. With our new rifles we closed with, and wiped out the enemy, nae bother! Our knowledge of first aid was tested as Captain Miller set up a scenario with numerous casualties; some good acting by the senior cadets and excellent make up made the casualties look extremely realistic. With blackened faces the coach took a lively group of cadets back to school; this was an excellent days training, many lessons were learned and a great deal of fun was had at the same time. By Sergeant Major Jamie Macrae |
Trip to RAF LeucharsSeven cadets and two German exchange students ventured over to RAF Leuchars for the annual airshow. Unusually good weather promised a good flying display, and we all arrived in time to see the RAF parachute display team descend to start the show as we walked from the train station to the entrance. It was then a case of finding a place in the crowds to sit and watch the displays. Blue skies allowed the Red Arrows to show their best. There were also several other aerobatic teams and wing walkers in the programme. The Vulcan V-bomber was fogged in last year but this year soared into the sky seeming to defy its large mass. It was loud - but quiet in comparison with the Mig 29 from the Polish air force. As well as the flying, several aircraft were parked around the arena and the cadets managed to negotiate a tour around a USAF tanker, sit in a Saab fighter and talk to the Red Arrows pilots after their display. We left early to avoid the rush for the train, watching the final displays as we stood on the platform after an excellent display of aviation skills. |
Army Section External Training Camps 2009
Easter Camp - Thursday, 26 March – Thursday 2 April |
Summer Camp - Saturday, 27 June – Saturday 4 July |
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For many cadets the best part of CCF is taking part in an external camp. Traditionally the Academy run two, one week camps, at Easter and Summer. Both offer a variety of opportunities and challenges in unfamiliar surroundings; they improve self confidence and determination whilst a great deal of emphasis is placed on team work. For the junior cadet it serves as the final piece in the jigsaw, everything clicks into place and begins to make sense. For the senior cadet it offers an opportunity to hone their organisational skills and develop their leadership. For all it is a great social occasion, enjoying a week away from home with their friends. Cadets develop so much during CCF training, those who choose to take part in an external camp benefit most. Easter Camp this year was held at Garelochhead in the west of Scotland whilst Summer Camp took place at Catterick in North Yorkshire. Comments, both light hearted and more meaningful are listed below, please read on.......... Cadet commentsFresh air, rock climbing, paintballing, flares, smoke grenades, shooting, camping......definition of fun. PT was great, there should be more of it!! Warrant Officer Class 2 Jamie Macrae It was a life changing experience, what you make of it depends on you and those around you. Excellant training, good food and friendship; if only it could last. Cadet Christian Todd I laughed so loud I had cramp in my diaphragm! Getting down the hill was far more fun than getting up it! Cadet John Ellis. Even though the weather was testing, I had a great time. I loved all elements of the camp and feel I have come out with more confidence and knowledge. Corporal Angus Inwood. This was my first camp but I think it will be hard to beat. Doing all the challenges made everyone gain confidence. It was great to see individuals drive themselves on when the going got tough. Cadet Davis Catonio. Over the past week my confidence and leadership has improved drastically; I enjoyed being with my pals. Cadet Aonghas Maxwell Even if Carlsberg did CCF The Edinburgh Academy would still, simply, be the best!
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Cadet Alasdair Walker Not hearing about the Stock Market for a week made me happy! I don’t think there was a day where we did not laugh for at least an hour of every day. Sgt Alastair Green The CCF enhanced my leadership; we worked well as a team as opposed to individuals. The night exercise was a great test of our skills and training – it pushed us to our limit. Cadet Cody Tennant You learn discipline, respect and that you can do anything if you try. I learned so much in that week. Cadet Fergus Munro You’ll be surprised how many useful things you learn whilst having great fun at the same time. An experience you will always remember. Cadet Julian Joseph The camp was good but the banter was better. I didn’t think I could do a 17km hill walk! Corporal Struan Murphy Absolutely amazing, by the end you’ll feel better about yourself and any other challange seems insignificant. Great week, great weather, great start to the summer Lance Corporal Julian Joseph I really enjoyed summer camp because of the experiences, different activities and the laughs. The food was also excellant. Cadet Angus Adams No matter what, we were always on the go, having a great laugh; even when things went wrong, everyone stuck together and came out the other end smiling. I loved the leadership activities, they helped give me such confidence in my command skills. Cadet Douglas Morgan Great time with a great bunch of people; can’t think of a better way to end my school career. Corporal William Glashan |
