Exercise Tiger Experience 2025 CCF Annual Camp

EXERCISE TIGER EXPERIENCE 2025 COMBINED CADET FORCE ANNUAL CAMP run by the CADET TRAINING TEAM (CTT) HEADQUARTERS SOUTH EAST.

With a weather forecast of Saharan proportions, a number of new activities being introduced and a new 4-day programme followed by competition day, it promised to be an exciting week.

After settling in on Saturday afternoon and having a day of preparation, acclimatizing to life on a military camp and Skill at Arms training on the Sunday, we looked forward to starting the activities on the Monday.

Day 1

To kick us off we had our range day which included an observation stand, 100m live firing range, Clay Pidgeon shooting and an interest stand run by the Royal Engineers showing off some heavy equipment, where the cadets could climb over but sadly could not operate as it was out of action.

The observation stand required them to split into teams and occupy three observation posts and through a set of binoculars, examine a scene (scale dioramas about 30m to their front) and gather as much information and intelligence as they could. They were then to report back to their section commanders who would then collate all the information and produce an intelligence report. This required skills not only in observation but in group collaboration and intuitiveness to be able to scrutinize what they could see and evaluate what knowledge they could gather from the scene in front of them.  

The 100m range was a new experience for many of our cadets as it was the first time shooting the rifle with live rounds. This can be somewhat nerve racking to say the least.

As it was a scored shoot, they were given the opportunity to obtain their shooting badges.

With some excellent coaching from the range staff, they had the opportunity to improve their marksmanship skills.

Huge congratulations go to Cadets Morgan and Wilks for earning their Marksman badges on their first ever live shoot.  This is an incredible achievement and judging by the size of their smiles they were justifiably very proud.

Lastly, they all got to have their first ever go at clay pigeon shooting. It is a completely different skill altogether which produced differing results!  It can be particularly challenging for those of smaller stature but once again the coaches were fantastic and it was an immensely fun experience far all (including the staff who got to have a shoot too!).

Again, congratulations go to Cadet Wilks for discovering a new hidden talent by obtaining an excellent score overall.

Day 2

Tuesday was an adventurous training day. Including Mountain Biking with lessons in bike maintenance, Climbing, Archery and in the water with raft building, paddleboards and open kayaks.

This was a day that was all about pure enjoyment, laughter, teamwork and activity. It was welcome opportunity to cool down in the lake and enjoy each other’s company, as well as competing in raft building and racing them after. Great day.

Day 3/4

Wednesday/Thursday was the fieldcraft phase.  Compound Clearing with the use of blank rounds made its debut this year and proved to be very popular. This required vast amounts of command and control and top-level teamwork.

Other activities including how to produce a range card, camouflage and concealment, section attacks, pairs fire and manoeuvre, axe throwing and an ambush were also included.

The section attacks required the cadets to make their way up a slope until the enemy made contact, then as a section, under the control of their section commander, they had to assault the position. Lots of noise, smoke and (some!) confusion added to the experience.  After some hard physical commitment from all, the mission was successful.  The real credit should go to our section commanders.  Section attacks require an immense amount of awareness, leadership and effort and is certainly not easy! A lot of shouting is needed to control a group of cadets over all the noise, heat and chaos.  Our senior cadets put in an excellent shift here.

An additional treat was a fascinating session on survival skills. This focussed in particular on a demonstration of game trap setting. This was delivered by a Gurkha Sgt from the Cadet Training Team. His knowledge was vast and his experience in this area was second to none.

These activities spanned an overnight stay in the field which again was a first for many of our cadets. They were great and managed to construct their Bashas (shelters) well to ensure a decent night’s sleep.

Day 5

Friday was the long-awaited Competition Day. Thirteen schools took part in around 10 different competition events throughout that morning/afternoon where Longhill fielded a team for each. As we had so many new recruits, our expectations for a good placing by the end of the day were not high, so the mission was to just have some fun and enjoy the day. The Drill team in particular, had put an extraordinary amount of practice over the week. Learning the format and developing their synchronization. Cpl MacAndrew took on the difficult role of squad leader which means taking on a huge amount of responsibility. He and the team took a real pride in their performance and did extremely well even though they were disappointed not to finish in the top three.

By the end of the day all the cadets were in good spirits but looked forward to the presentation ceremony with some apprehension.

How did we do?

Well, to their credit…very well.

The archery team – Bronze

Axe Throwing team – Silver

The Cube (a problem-solving exercise) team – Bronze

Best of all, we finished third overall out of all the schools, many of which were independent schools that had vastly greater numbers and experience than us. Well done all, we are very proud of you!

Finally, congratulations to all our cadets that received their well-deserved promotions.

A massive thank you also goes out to our Cadet Force Adult Volunteers; WO2 Davies, Lt Durrant, Sgt Hewling-Huggett and SLt Duffill from Brighton College for their effort, time and support. Without them our cadets could not attend these camps.

The greatest appreciation goes to the Cadet Training Team (CTT) from HEADQUARTERS SOUTH EAST for putting on such an amazing package of activities, most of which we could never deliver ourselves. It was a memorable experience that many young people do not get the opportunity to do. 

Sadly, we have had to say goodbye to Cpl Baird. His efforts over the years have been immeasurable and we wish him all the best for his undoubtable bright future.

Major Ali Pringle

Longhill School CCF

For more stories on Longhill High School: https://longhill.org.uk/news/

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