Sandy Cadets Learn Fieldcraft

On Friday 8th March, Air Cadets from 22 (Sandy) Squadron took part in a fieldcraft training weekend, along with cadets from 73 (Huntingdon) and 2331 (St. Ives) Squadrons.

The weekend was held at RAF Barnham in Suffolk, taught cadets new to fieldcraft, the skills they would need living outdoors, including cooking from ration packs, building shelters, camouflage and concealment, and much more. For the cadets already with fieldcraft experience, the weekend also allowed them to put their skills to practice.

On arrival at the camp on Friday night, the cadets were busy setting up campsite, and the experienced cadet setting up their shelter they would be using for the night.

Saturday the cadets were up early for the day’s lessons, starting importantly with cooking in the field, which also served as breakfast. The cadets with experience of fieldcraft, undertook a number of activities during the day, including making small shelter out of branches

The weekend ended with an exercise Saturday evening, with the skills learnt by the cadets being put to practice in finding and recuing a downed pilot, being portrayed by a member of staff.

Cadet Peter Hessey (14) said “I’ve had an amazing time, despite the weather. I’ve learnt a lot this weekend, especially cooking in the field, and the exercise was definitely the best part of the weekend”.

More photos can be found on our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/sandy.aircadets