All Fun in the Sun

Now field craft is something that I've always enjoyed however as I've got older I've discovered something not too great. Health and Safety rules suck. I understand they are there for a reason however they really do suck and have so many things. The first the springs to mind is the sunshine. Now I live in Scotland where scorching hot sunshine is extremely rare, so when it does come along I like to make the best of it. However Health and Safety disagree with me, once and exercise it was deemed too hot us to continue working so we were sent to sleep. Yup that's right, just after lunch time we were sent to sleep and weren't allowed to do anything for the rest of the afternoon so that we could cool down. This was not fun actually it was really boring, most of couldn't sleep anyway as we were wide awake and it was too hot. So we ended telling jokes, funny stories and stuff with was really great but I still wish we'd been allowed to actually do some training. 

Country Code

A common lesson for Basic cadets is the Country Code this is a set of rules based on how you should behave when out in the country on exercises or expeditions or if you just out as a civilian. These rules are:

1. Guard against every risk of fire (all fusee should be controlled and someone who knows what they're doing should be there as fires are dangerous and can get out of hand easily).

2. Fasten all gates after you use them (i.e close gates once you've walked through them or leave them open if they were already open as there will be a reason for a farmer maybe keeping livestock in a field if you leave the gate open they'll get out and I can't imagine the farmer would be very pleased)

3. Keep all dogs under control (keep them on leads or by your side don't let them run off as it can scare animals)

4. Avoid damaging fences, hedges and walls (this is fairly obvious don't climb on things, don't do anything that would cause damage as you could be charged for it and you're ruining it for everyone else) 

5. Keep to the paths across farmland ( this is so that you don't damage any crops) 

6. Leave no litter (as it's damaging to the environment and can hurt animals and lead to pollution. It also looks horrible and will ruin other peoples outdoor experience) 

7. Safe guard water supplies (don't pollute water as it's needed, make sure that if you are drinking water from somewhere that's it clean) 

8. Protect wild life, plants and trees (don't break the branches off trees, don't pick wild flowers, as it could kill them and then no one else can share in their beauty. Also animals are protected and you can get into serious trouble for hurting them, it's not a nice thing to do anyway leave animals be) 

9. Go carefully on country roads (these roads are often quite empty but still you need to careful of traffic and things like tractors or supplie lorries. Also if you're driving the roads maybe not be the smoothest and beware of animals crossing) 

10. Respect the life of the countryside (don't be rude to farm workers, don't be too loud asyou'll disturb people and animals) 

That's everything guys remember to be careful when out in the countryside if you have any other questions feel free to ask. 

Remembrance Day

Remembrance day has always been a big thing within cadets and every year standing on parade is one of the most poignant moments of my year. I've been impressed with how cadets react to this day: there is always that cadet that acts out, the cadet that doesn't care, the cadet that likes to make a big out of everything. However not at this time of year, it's like they are suddenly reminded of what soldiers have done and been through, for them, for us.
Whilst it isn't the happiest time of year I think it's always good to take a step back and think.

They shall not grow old as we who are left grow old.
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and the in the morning.
We will always remember them.  

Drill

Drill has evolved over a long period of time and it is now accepted as the foundation of military discipline.

For cadets drill is too produce a cadet who is alert, obedient and to provide a basis of teamwork. 

The aim and purpose of drill is to get from point A to point B in a smart And soldierly manner. 

Happy Halloween!!

Hope you all have a great Halloween and get to stuff your face with chocolate!

Here's a happy Halloween from my detachment! Yup we are so cool. 

More Fieldcraft tips

This is just some packing tips and things that are good to bring when out on exercise:

• Waterproof everything! This may seem obvious but lots of people don't do out of laziness or out of forgetfulness, think about it we are British cadets training in Britain the chances are that it's going to rain. So I suggest bin bags (cheap and cheerful), put each thing in a bag: one for clothes, one for food (made double bag this to over its bursting and going everywhere) etc, then put all the bags into one bag and put that in your bergan.
• Clothes - this something I'm always guilty for over packing but you really don't need that much clothes. I would even suggest not bring your shirt just wear a t-shirt and your combat jacket (unless it is really cold). Also just bring one spare set of kit that way you can work with the dry kit wet kit routine. However do take warm kit, like your issued fleece! The amount of cadets that don't take that thing is mad, it's warm, has huge fluffy pockets (for hiding sweets in) trust me take it you won't regret it.
•  Speaking of sweets! Take sweets and munchies as they will keep you going (a sugar boost), they will cheer up, and can be used to make new friends or cheer up existing ones. 
• Baby wipes. These come in extremely helpful, for cleaning your hands before you eat (or equally useful hand sanitiser).
• Spare K.F.S (knife, fork, spoon) because guaranteed someone will forget or lose theirs and it's good to be prepared and help out others in your section (it'll help bring you all together).
• Socks, socks, socks! Socks get their own bullet point because they are that important. Always bring spare socks, as your feet are the most likely thing to get wet and you have no idea how much it will improve your mood by putting on clean dry socks. Your feet are you mode of transport and they can get damaged very easily so look after them and fieldcraft will be a lot easier for you. Also bring things like foot power or baby power to keep your feet dry.

Tips for surviving Field craft

Field craft especially if it is your first exercise can seem quite daunting and it's easy to get worried about it. However here are a few tips to help make things a little easier.
1. Pack light, will most likely be expected to carry our own stuff so the less stuff you bring the less heavy it will be the easier it'll be on own your back.
2. Get ton know your section. It may seem obvious but you will be living with these people so get to know who is who, who is better at what, who needs with this, by knowing everyone's strengths and weaknesses you'll be able to work out who is best for what job.
3. EAT! Yes I know a lot of you won't like ration pack food but it's all you're going to get so you really should eat it. You'll be running around  a lot, you'll be up early and asleep late so you need your energy. The food you're given is designed to give out energy and yes I know it's not always the best tasting but it's better than fainting and getting taken off the exercise. You can always ask around see what wants to swap meals (someone always does)
4. Be wary of arguments. When out in the field people tend to get snappy and tense so don't take everything people say to heart just remember if you are feeling like crap and not enjoying the chances are that so is someone else. If all start arguing it ruin the whole exercise. Try to be positive and think about how good the fun bits are like section actions rather than how crap stag duty is.
5. Sleep. Whilst staying up all night can be fun at the time, it's not when you have to get the next morning (trust me on this one guys). Go to sleep, sleep is like the food idea you need it especially as you'll be working all day and if you're tired and grumpy it'll ruin your exercise and people will start to get fed up with you.