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Twenty eight intrepid PGS army cadets went to Longmoor in July to take part in the regional annual summer camp with cadets from across the south east.
After becoming accustomed to the barrack accommodation, routines and exquisite mess hall catering; the cadets, ably led by CSM Tom Firth, looked forward to a five day package of fieldcraft, weapons firing and adventurous training.
Day 1: Range Day, firing the SA80 on a 100m range, clay pigeon shooting and close recce exercise. This was the first time a number of cadets had fired live ammunition and they rose to the challenge, all improving their groupings and a number gaining their marksmanship badges, a very creditable achievement for a first shoot. Big congratulations to Orion B, Bond W, Maxine N, Arrabella dC, Kayla W, Henry B and Henry D for being highlighted by the staff for their enthusiasm. All enjoyed the day, kept their humour despite the high temperatures and loved the march back in the dust.
Day 2: Adventure Training day, a combination of climbing, archery, mountain biking, SUP, kayaking and raft building. On a very hot day, all cadets took part with gusto, Tristan S in the archery and Austin S on the climbing were standouts. The water activities were perfect relief for the heat and it was good to see the competitiveness of the teams in a raft race at the end.
Day 3: In ‘The Field’, enjoying a ration pack breakfast Team PGS deployed beyond the wire for the tactics phase. Stance 1, Ambush, using blank ammunition, the team executed fantastic drills, neutralsied the enemy (a particularly excellent Hollywood death by stand in enemy, Mr Bristow) and were highly praised by the Ghurka Warrant Officer. Stance 2, Advance to Contact, the team separated into Sections and fought through the enemy position well. Stance 3, Training in Built Up Areas (TIBUA) Maxine Ncube led a team through this complex evolution with particular aggressive room clearances by Aarna P, Sasha H, Edward J, Leo M, Isobelle F and Lucia H.
After a hearty ration pack dinner, the team practiced sniper stalking skills (well done Sasha H and Harry S) before settling down to a night under the stars.
Day 4: Field Skills continued, at the break of dawn and a luxury ration pack breakfast, Team PGS were instructed by Ghurka survival specialists who showed them how to capture water and trap a variety of animals. Alex B proved to be an excellent volunteer! This was followed by axe throwing, battle casualty simulation and paintballing advanced to contact. By the end of the day, Team PGS were rewarded by cleaning rifles due to their excellent demeanour throughout the ‘Field’ days and willingness to learn. Despite the ordeal of a final ration pack meal for dinner, Mr Lancey showed his compassionate side by ordering everyone a take away pizza, which was much appreciated by all, including staff.
Day 5: Competition Day and Home, after a thorough clean down of the accommodation, Team PGS worked hard in a variety of skills, quizzes and practical competitions through a very hot day and were more than ready to return to school to pack stores.
It was a fun, interesting and intensive week which all the PGS cadets threw themselves at fully and drew many compliments by the Directing Staff. Particular thanks to Mrs Eastburn and Mr Lancey for giving up their free time to assist Mr Bristow during the week.
