Taylorian

Combined Cadet Force

Army

Army

T he Army Section had a busy and fruitful year. Riya Krishna’s appointment as RSM proved to be an excellent choice; she carried out her duties exceptionally well throughout the year. The Army Section was deployed to the Nesscliffe training area in Shropshire for the Military Summer Camp. Cadets participated in a live range with the SA80, as well as the indoor .22 ranges. They also had the opportunity to handle various military weapons and hardware at different stands, before the week concluded with blank firing, deliberate attacks and an overnight exercise in the training area. In October, the Army Section took part in Exercise Taylors’ Valkyrie 22 in the School grounds. The Year 10 cadets had limited time to train but rose to the challenge, and it proved to be a fun and productive day. Cadets navigated in patrols to different stands, which tested their training, tactics, and teamwork. One activity involved operating a vehicle checkpoint, where they

interacted with drivers and passengers to gather information relating to a local militia group called ‘BORIS’. Despite encountering colourful and potentially dangerous characters, all groups demonstrated good crowd control and teamwork, relying on their previous training to identify any potentially hazardous items carried by passengers. The highlight for many was the paintball deliberate attack on multiple ‘BORIS’ positions in wooded and open farmland areas. Each group showcased military and leadership skills that will benefit them in various aspects of their lives. Throughout the year, the Army Section conducted numerous Friday night sessions to prepare cadets for the March Field Day and the Ex-Cockney Strike summer exercise. These training sessions were well-attended, and during the March Field Day, several senior cadets were promoted. The main event for the March Field Day was Exercise Taylors’ Patrol 23. It was run as a Patrol Competition, with stands

set up along a fixed route on the school grounds. Cadets were divided into patrols and navigated the area while completing various tasks, including a deliberate paintball attack, field cooking, observation, TIBUA (aggressive room clearance as a fire team), and camouflage and concealment. All seven patrols performed excellently, displaying remarkable teamwork and leadership. Inspection Day marked the successful conclusion of the year for the Army Section. They achieved unexpected and impressive results in the Rafting and the inaugural Field Gun competitions, surpassing the Navy Section and securing the Intersection Cup for 2023 – congratulations to all the officers and cadets. I have thoroughly enjoyed my role as the OC Army for the past four years, but competing demands necessitate passing the baton. I will continue to support the Army Section every Friday and take on the role of Adventurous Training Officer. Capt K. M. Sharrock

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Taylorian 2023