Cadets aim to be on target (From Wiltshire Times)

Cadets aim to be on target

1:09pm Saturday 27th October 2007 in News By Wiltshire Times Reporter

RIFLE regiment cadets from around the country will be putting their military skills to the test this weekend in Wiltshire in The Rifles National Cadet Cup Competition.

Six teams will compete in the two day event on Salisbury Plain to battle it out for the coveted Rifles Cadet silver trophy provided by Regimental Headquarters The Rifles.

This year is the first time a national competition has been held to find an overall champion from the winners and runners-up of three regional events, which took place earlier this year.

Each team will consist of 10 cadets aged between 13 and 18 years.

The cadets will take part in a wide range of tasks, including an urban assault course, march and shoot, radio communications and a night navigation task.

The competition will also see the cadets locate a missing helicopter, make the area safe and apply first aid to an injured pilot.

As the event focuses on team-work, all 10 cadets in each team will contribute towards the team's score and success in the competition.

Captain Rory McCaffrey, Rifles recruiting officer, said: "The competition gives young people an opportunity to learn new skills and take part in activities they might not otherwise experience.

"The tasks have been designed to be fun, testing and develop team-building and leadership qualities in the cadets.

"Whether they're an infantry soldier or a medic, communications expert or tank crew, a solider in today's Army has to work as part of a team and be able to cope with a whole host of tasks and challenges.

"By taking part, the cadets learn a range of military skills, taught through various teambuilding tasks and activities, which well serve them well in military and civilian life."

Young people who want more information on the opportunities available can visit their local Army Careers Office or log onto www.armyjobs.co.uk