New CCF Recruits’ Baptism of Fire

Over fifty new Third Year recruits to Corps enjoyed a three-day sojourn to the Cinque Ports for a bracing dose of military life and autumn weather at the bucolic confluence of the M20 and the Channel Tunnel.

After receiving their new uniforms and a fortifying Army luncheon, which combined the indigestible with the apparently already-digested, the recruits were thrown into a package of training including movement with a rifle, field signals, cooking and living in the field, and some obligatory square-bashing. Saturday night brought the legendary Exercise ‘Wet Feet’: after withdrawing from an enemy ambush, in smaller groups under their JNCOs they tried to maintain their secrecy with mixed success, some evading detection, others learning quickly the hazards of night navigation. Sunday followed, with lessons in first aid, reaction to enemy fire and movement in pairs, along with the first of several shoots on the laser DCCT range.

In a flash it was Monday, when the competition between the three sections came to its final stages as they strove for victory in a drill competition, PT and shooting. Final Parade in sheeting rain saw the award of comestibles and perennial glory to the winning section, and individual awards to Rct Mclean (Best Shot); Rct Howell (Best in Drill); Rct Woods-Scawen (Best in the Field); Rct Pickett (Most Improved) and Rct Wilkinson (Best Recruit). The CO also offered fulsome thanks to the Sixth Form NCOs, under CSgt Luck, who ran the show for the most part: rallying together in the finest traditions of Corps, their relationships with the young newcomers made Recruits’ Camp as successful and memorable as ever.

Capt Mathew Owen

OC Army Section