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Thursday 1st May
CCF

Biennial Inspection and 24Hr Exercise Returns

Oswestry School’s CCF contingent had its biennial inspection on the 1st May which involves a high ranking regular officer inspecting the contingent’s effectiveness in delivering opportunities for its members, as well as developing personal and team qualities.  Col Potter, of 143 Brigade, was this year’s representative.
 
The contingent deployed to Nesscliff training area with all year groups on the evening of the 30th April with Years 9 and 10 involved in separate exercises.  The evening was spent patrolling in groups and establishing harbour areas in the woods prior to further activity.  The Year 9s were taken on a night patrol and taught how to cross obstacles in poor light as well as how to see effectively in dark conditions.  The Year 10s were given the opportunity to establish and run observation posts on their own which was a challenge to which they all rose admirably.  The staff then provided activity for the observations to log before their extraction back to the harbour areas at 1am.
 
The morning saw the Year 10s receive a plan for a Company level attack on suspected enemy positions with the Year 9s providing the enemy force.  This attack was then mounted with the remainder of Year 9 watching with commentary from Capt Leonard.
 
After this exhausting activity, which involved lots of noise, smoke, running and teamwork in what could be a confused environment, the Year 10 group went back to camp to start a series of stands which included the climbing tower, a command task and a computerised shooting range.  In addition the commander of the nearby Defence Helicopter Flying School also brought a Squirrel training aircraft for the cadets to look at as well as explain the role of the school and how to become a pilot.
 
Col Potter arrived in the afternoon and was encouraged by the keenness of the cadets who all demonstrated enthusiasm for the cadet force and the opportunities it provides.  The afternoon ended with cadets Hana Foggin, Becky Long and Simon Bas all being flown back to school in the helicopter with Becky being allowed to take control of the aircraft for part of the flight.  After the aircraft had departed Nesscliff, the contingent formed up on the parade ground and Col Potter addressed them.
 
This was the final exercise of the year but demonstrated that the contingent is an asset to the school which was identified by Col Potter during his brief visit.

ADO