By Sarah Robinson

Last updated at 11:53, Thursday, 23 August 2012

BUILDING leadership skills and military training is the aim of an annual field trip for Whitehaven and Cleator Moor army cadets.

training time: Mayor of Copeland Peter Tyson and mayoress Louise Tyson with, from left back, Lance Corporals Thomas Hewitson and Jack Mularky, Corporal Kieran Raynor, Lance Corporals Jamie McQuire, John Whymont and George Bennett and Regimental Sergeant Major Charlotte Akam

Copeland’s mayor Peter Tyson has visited Deverell Barracks, near Ripon, to meet the youngsters and find out what activities they have been involved in.

Major John Bennett said the group of 30 cadets is following an intensive 14-day programme of military training which concludes with a three-day field training exercise in North Yorkshire.

He said: “During this exercise the cadets are practising living in the field, using improvised shelters and cooking their own rations whilst undertaking a series of tactical problems involving basic battle skills.”

He said the cadet non commissioned officers (NCOs) are being encouraged to develop their leadership and administrative abilities by being given command appointments.

However, in order to ensure that the training is conducted safely, all actions are closely monitored by the officers and adult staff who will intervene if necessary but not before the lesson is learned.

A variety of adventure training is also taking place, including rock climbing, mountain biking, football competitions, tug of war and orienteering.

Organisers say they are looking for more people to come forward to join the army cadets. For more information about the role, contact Major John Bennett TD on 017687 74358 or RQMS Beverley Haige on 01228 516222 during office hours.

First published at 11:10, Thursday, 09 August 2012
Published by http://www.whitehavennews.co.uk