Pathfinder Challenge 2006

By Flt Lt D. C. Ratcliffe BSc Surrey Wing ATC
Last Update: 30/06/2006 13:21:12

Over the bank holiday weekend of 28th - 30th April cadets from five Squadrons spent a competitive weekend training for the Surrey Wing Bray trophy competition at Pirbright camp.

The Pathfinder Challenge aims to give as many cadets as possible an experience at entering a competition like the annual Wing Bray trophy. However there is one distinct difference, the Pathfinder weekend aims to give cadets a considerable amount of training as well as being competatively assessed. Squadrons are discouraged from preparing for the event and cadets are only invited to attend once as a cadet and once as an NCO.

Cadets and staff from 66, 97, 261, 1924 and 2157 met at Pirbright camp at 2000hrs on the Friday evening. Consent forms and team entry fees were collected and spare cadets were organised into teams. Then an an excellent brief was given by AWO M. McDonnell who outlined the objectives of the weekend and went through the programme. Imediately after the cadets got stuck into their first challege which was an adventure training quiz. The quiz consisited of a number of AT questions and team blah got off to an early lead winning with a score of y. Shortly after this the cadets went back to their billets to retire for the night.

At 0630 hours the cadets were up and preparing their kit ready for a long day of competition and training. After an early breakfast at 0700hrs they marched to the training area. Staff were eagerly awaiting their arrival and quickly directed them to their initial start points.

In true Bray trophy style the teams rotated between a number of points where different AT tests and scenarios were presented to them. However unlike the Bray they spent longer at each point allowing the instructors to train them in the best way to undertake the challenge once they had attempted it.

There were a total of eight activities running in parallel, many of which mirror similar challenges presented at the Bray trophy: First Aid Exercise, command tasks, camoflage & concealment, natural assault course, kit check, tent errection, dry map exercise and rope bridge. The teams spent all day on the training area with a small break to consume their packed lunches.

At around 1700hrs the cadets marched off the training area and headed for the mess for an excellent evening meal. There was then a small amount of free time for them to organise their kit and prepare for the night navigation exercise.

The night navigation exercise started at around 2100hrs and presented a challenge to the teams as they had to construct a map of a small section of the training area given very little information in darkness.

On completion of the exercise the cadets returned for some welcome soup and bread and a final brief on Sunday's programme.

On Sunday the cadets were again up nice and early as they had the additional tasks of packing thier kit and preparing the accomodation for hand over. After a hearty breakfast the mornings programme began. This consisted of four more check points this time based at Brunswick camp. Cadets were tested on their weapons knowledge by being put through a No 8 rifle Weapons Handling test, their ability to tie numerous knots was assessed and another round of camoflage and concealment.

After a final lunch in the mess the cadets got stuck into an enjoyable but relaxing afternoon consisting of a game of rounders and truck pulling. This gave the staff an aopportunity to complete the course photos, add up all the points and print the certificates for final parade.

The last event of the weekend was the final parade. The cadets formed up on D Lines parade square under AWO M. McDonnell. Flt Lt D. Ratcliffe took over the parade and presented the awards. In third place was team x led by Sgt Ross from 1925 ( Shirley ) Squadron, in second place was team x led by Sgt Burton from 97 ( Croydon ) Sqn and the winners of the weekend were team x led by Sgt Cooper from 1924 ( Shirley ) Squadron. Flt Lt Ratcliffe went on to thank all the staff who had worked tirelessly to put the weekend together.

Overall this was an excllent weekend and the cadets learnt many valuable skills which will greatly help their respective Squadrons when fielding a team for the 2006 Bray trophy ( 16 - 17th September ).

Of course the weekend itself would not have happened without an incredible amount of hard work over the last two months by Plt Off C. Crosby and AWO M. McDonnell who completed all the paperwork, planning and bookings for this event. A well done to them both for an excellent weekend.

If you like the sound of the Bray trophy competition look out for joining instructions in the Wing post and speak to your Squadron AT officer.

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