 |
|
 |
 |
|
|
OPERATION - TUSSOCK Activity Type: Bushcraft exercise for the Squadron Objective: To confirm understanding of bushcraft covered in lectures and to build on that knowledge. Location and Date: Zone 2 of the Waiouru Training Group and the Waipakahi Valley, (part of The Kaimanawa Forest Park). 26-28 October 2002. Exercise Numbers: Staff: 5 NCO's: 7 Cadets: 12 Total: 24 Report Saturday 26-10-02 In the early hours of the morning cadets started to arrive in at the Squadron Head Quarters. The role was checked and any cadets who had insufficient clothing were issued with a swandri. They all then jumped into the vans which were loaded and we departed for Waiouru, stopping at Taihape for a comfort stop. We stopped off at Waiouru Army Camp and got the fire permit and the cadets got changed into some warm gear. We then took off and arrived at the intersection of Paradise Valley and Club Med roads. We were meet by LT Phil Hickey, Australian Army and he gave a briefing to the cadets before we moved across to view and gain more information on the 105mm canons. It was a very interesting and informative time we spent with the Australians. We returned to the road and had lunch awaiting the live firing to commence. At 1230hrs we packed up and drove up to Club Med, dropping the cadets off on the roadside to give them a leg stretch. We all arrived at Club Med by 1300hrs. SNCO's were shown around the area that was followed by a briefing on the days training. Once that was over the cadets dispersed to their areas to set up camp in sections. All sections set up their camp sites, including collection of firewood and the digging of the ablutions. During the afternoon, PLTOFF Frericks ran the lectures, UO Hesketh and the three SNCO's set up the compass course. Also during the afternoon a leadership exercise was conducted. After the evening meal we all went for a walk down the track for a leg stretch and back into the bush for the night infiltration exercise.The cadets got changed into their camouflaged gear and tried out their stealth techniques, well most of them. Once the exercise finished the cadets were debriefed and sent back to their camp sites to get ready for lights out. Lights went out and no boogie monsters that night.
After breakfast the cadets were briefed on what to take for the river crossing and we departed for the Waipakahi Valley. After walking up the valley we found a suitable place to conduct the river crossings practise. We had a discussion on river crossings and the sections walking up and down the river to find a suitable place to cross. PLTOFF Frericks trained one section one the bank in how to cross as a group using the pack method, another section was in the water using the single pole method while the 3rd section waited. Due to the coldness of the river the cadets went into the river about 3-4 metres and then retreated out. Once the sections had finished the river crossing they had a snack, which was followed by a challenge exercise for the whole camp. After all the we headed back to Club Med where the cadets started compass course in groups. Whilst the groups went out on the compass course other groups and sections started the challenge/leadership exercises. This was very good exercise with all groups completing the compass course. After the day exercises
it was dinner time! A well deserved meal I must add. It was starting
to get cold after dinner and cadets rapped up in warm clothing and
prepared themselves for another night exercise to see if they could
better themselves from the pervious night. We made it a short exercise
because I was becoming quite cold at this point. At the de-brief
the camp sat around a central fire for a short time before returning
to their respective section fires and and had a hot drink before
bed. Monday 28-10-02 This morning the cadets
were all up by just after 0700. Three Corporals and 3 cadets disassembled the Confidence Course. The sections packed up and tided their areas in record time. There was a quick final debrief by all staff in the car park and we departed for Wanganui. On the way back through Waiouru there was a sudden storm off heavy snow and we knew we had made a good decision. We all arrived back in Wanganui happy. The cadets cleaned the vehicles, the gear returned to store, with tents signed out for cleaning and airing. Overall a really great camp where cadets learnt how different elements can affect each one of us quickly over a short period of time. Report By:
|
|
No. 9 (City of Wanganui) Squadron |
|