444 Cadets participate in the Squadron’s first ever full-scale Inness Sword Competition training weekend at MOD Pirbright Training Camp.

On the weekend of 10 and 11 September, 444, 329, 291, 12F and 2324 Squadrons took part in a unique mock Inness Sword competition. The camp under the command of Pilot Officer Rex Nicholls RAF VR(T) of 444 (Shoreditch) Squadron, was a full-scale run-through of the competitions the cadets will face as part of the Inness Sword competition – scheduled to be held on September 17-18 2011.

With more than 10 members of staff in attendance, running the various events – fifty cadets from the Squadrons competed in physical, mental and logistical tasks. Each exercise was designed to replicate the tests faced at the real event.

Physical challenges included the obstacle course – a challenging series of walls, ropes, jumps and tunnels to be completed in the shortest possible time. Qualified instructors Flying Officer Finnegan RAF VR(T) and Sergeant Dooley taught cadets maneuvers such as the star lift to allow them to defeat 6 ft, and even 12 ft walls. Civilian Instructor Chris Carleton of 444 Squadron assisted Sergeant Dooley. Mr Carleton said “ the cadets made a great effort, wearing the Squadron’s new safety helmets they looked swaggers-on-point and by the end of the day they were flying over the course too”.

Another physical challenge incorporated into the training weekend was the stretcher run. This exercise tests stamina and determination, and is based around the concept of working as a team to move a casualty from the field. Cadets worked in teams of 8 to transport a fully loaded stretcher along a course, in the shortest time possible, and minimising the number of items dropped along the way. Teamwork played a crucial part in this exercise, as 4 cadets at a time carried the stretcher, with the rest of the team swapping in at strategic times, to replace the team as they tired.

All of the cadets have received first aid training to the St. John’s Youth First Aid award as part of their Squadon training programme. They were able to put this in to practice, with a simulated car crash accident scene. With the assistance of two members of staff, Flight Lieutenant Lagna-Fietta RAF VR(T) assessed how the cadets dealt with open wounds, fractures, unconscious casualties, and a severe case of shock. The exercise was repeated with different senarios on day two of the exercise, Civilian Instructor Coralie Young, playing the role of a casualty said “It was interesting to see how the cadets confidence grew after just one chance to practice – it shows the value of having regular training opportunities like this one”.

As well as a range of initiative and leadership exercises, lead by Civilian Instructor Young, another crucial element of the weekend was the opportunity to shoot on the base’s ranges. Under close supervision from the Range Conducting Officers, the cadets fired the L98A2 and No 8 .22 rifles, and many who had not previously qualified were able to undergo initial weapons training, and qualify that weekend. A Corps Marksman, the highest marksmanship award in the Air Training Corps was awarded to Sgt Valdis Snepsts from 444 Squadron, and all cadets got chance to spend time on the range to improve their ability..

Sergeants (ATC) Lewis and Vuong also tested and improved the cadets drill technique, observing them perform a set drill sequence – again, a dress rehearsal for the upcoming competition. Sergeant Lewis, observing, said “All of the squadrons have done well, and you can see their performance improving as they increase in confidence. Often being really confident in their abilities as a squadron is all that stops them performing exceptionally well”.

It was not all hard work through with the cadets enjoying an evening of bowling and laserquest – with Sgt Snepts once again displaying his marksmanship talents, leading his team to a narrow victory in a tense final game to win the competition and lift the trophy.

All Squadrons improved over the course of the weekend and now look forward to the Inness Sword Competition.

By CI Coralie Young, 444 (Shoreditch) Squadron, London Wing, Air Training Corps