Combined Cadet Force

The combined cadet force has had a great year, culminating in a fantastic summer camp with 26 cadets spending a week at Dibgate camp near Folkestone.

Throughout the year, cadets were trained in self-discipline, problem-solving, and leadership skills. We made good use of our paintball guns by setting up paired fire and manoeuvre tasks and trained the cadets on basic weapons and survival skills.

We ran an overnight exercise at Mereworth training ground where cadets took the lead in securing a harbour area, setting up bashers (tents) for the night, and cooking meals from army issued ration packs. The following morning, they had to embark on a mine-clearing exercise, rescue a downed airman under enemy fire and avoid capture by the senior cadets.

Summer camp was held at the beginning of July, and we spent the week under canvas.

The cadets showed their skills in archery. Paddleboarding, raft building, mountain biking, rock climbing, axe throwing, creating fire and night navigation. We spent a day on Hythe ranges doing some live firing at 100 metres, and several cadets achieved marksmanship! We also undertook training in section attacks, ambush, TIBUA, and paintballing. On the day of the final competition, we also won a gold medal in archery.