NAP 2006

By ASgt R. Worthington Surrey Wing ATC
Last Update: 30/11/2006 17:36:58

Over seventy cadets and staff from 323, 328 and 1349 Squadrons, attended an adventure training camp at Napier Army Barracks in Folkestone over the October half term week. The camp was a great success, due to the varied and exhilarating training programme.

The cadets travelled to Sir John Moore Barracks, the new home of the UK's resident infantry Gurkha battalion, just outside Folkestone on Friday 20th October.

On day one, the cadets took part in a day navigation exercise around the local countryside. Those who had not seen a map before were taught the basics, and then taken out in the afternoon to put into practice what they had been taught. Regardless of their experience levels all cadets returned with sore feet and a better understanding of navigation.

There were many activities that took place over the week long camp including; a shooting day at Hythe, one of the UK’s most sophisticated range complex’s which included all cadets firing on the new DCCT range (Dismounted Close Combat Trainer) and the ETR (Electronic Target Range). All cadets abseiled off the 70ft water tower at the barracks. One cadet described it as: "The abseiling was unreal. I was a little scared at first, but once I got over the edge I didn’t think about the fear, because I was having so much fun.”

As well as sport, camp craft, night navigation, swimming, route marching and .22 shooting, the cadets also had a chance to relax and enjoy a fun day which involved them bowling in the morning and watching a film at the cinema in the afternoon. However, this was not the only social activity on the programme. The cadets also had a chance to let their hair down and dance the night away at a party organised by the staff.

" NAP 2006 has been the best yet.” Said a cadet from 328 Squadron. "Not only do we get to learn lots of new skills in Adventure Training, but we also get to meet new friends from around the Wing and enjoy activities like bowling and swimming with them as well.”

Throughout the week, the standard flight competition was held. However, a slightly more unusual competition was won by Corporal Varilone from 323 Squadron. Cpl Varilone designed a crest for the Camp which was professionally re produced and embroidered onto t-shirts for all the cadets and staff. Corporal Varilone said: "I used the emblem of the Gurkhas and the Union Jack, I was just lucky that it catches the eye really.”

The week was rounded off with a casualty simulation exercise that saw 20 of the cadets covered in makeup, fake blood, sweat and tears. The rest of the cadets were then told to make their way to the casualties’ location immediately. As you can imagine, when they arrived they were all very shocked to find their friends acting as causalities screaming, moaning and covered in blood.

All the cadets on the camp had a great week, learnt new skills in adventure training and have already started thinking about the camp next year!

Related Internet Links

>