RAF Success

Sgt Andrew Rewcastle gave this report on the RAF Ground Training Competition to the senior assembly this week.

On Sunday the 26^th February, at 7AM, a group of Shiplake Cadets left for one of the most challenging CCF competitions in the UK at RAF Halton. The Ground Training Competition consists of the countries RAF cadets and tests their knowledge. The team consisted of 13 cadets, 5 being from year 10, who stepped in at the last moment to secure numbers. The Contingent Commander, Sqn Ldr Bridgeman, would like to send his thanks to these members.  

Each year, our most experienced CCF cadets take part in this competition against 14 other schools in the South Central Region and as usual, we have to spend almost half year training for this. Most schools have many cadets to select from; Wellington, for example, has almost 350 cadets all of which are eager to gain a place.

This year, however, was slightly different - the absence of some of our senior cadets meant we had to select from some of the new cadets from the Recruits. 48 hours before the competition is due to start, William Tse, Jamie Mottram, Dom Marsh, Myles Everett, William Barnes were chosen.

Nether the less, we kept our spirits high and took on some of the most challenging tests. These included RAF knowledge, Command Task, Shooting, RAF recognition, Fitness, first Aid and a drill competition. 

Throughout these tests we all worked together as a team, using each others skills and experience, performing to our best. No matter how strong and determined the other schools were, we were adamant to beat them. After the long and exhausting day of taking part in these areas there was a final Parade where all schools came to attention in front of the Station commander and senior RAF Officers for the presentation of awards. We came, 5^th overall and managed to come first in the ‘Command Task’ category and third in the ‘RAF Recognition’ category.

I would like to thank all those who took part in this competition, especially Sqn Ldr Bridgeman for devoting his time and efforts into the CCF so that cadets have great opportunities like the GTC. The team would also like to thank Staff and pupils for their support. Thank you.