Field craft is an exciting part
of any squadron's training programme, and the promise of a good exercise is
always guaranteed to get good attendance.
Field craft is,
to put it simply, the art of living and moving in the field.
An average squadron might run
'exercises' which vary widely. Many involve two teams being pitted against each
other. Exercises vary and each places emphasis on different aspects of field
craft. Some might need you and your team to move slowly and quietly, sneaking up
on an 'enemy' installation, perhaps. Others need speed as well as stealth, and
you will have to decide how much of one to trade off against another. An
acknowledged advantage of field craft exercises is that it forces people to use
their initiative much more often. You could find yourself in a decision-making
position as a relatively junior member of the squadron.
Field craft is often used by
squadrons as a method of assessing cadets' leadership qualities - what would
happen, for instance if the 1 and 2i/cs (first and second in commands) of your
team went down? Would you take control? Do you have the skills and abilities?
Types Of Exercises
A popular exercise, often used
by squadrons is the 'E & E' (Escape and Evasion) exercise. This involves
splitting the cadets into two or more groups, and telling one group to catch the
other. Great fun can be had by all on these types of exercise.
Other exercises used by
squadrons are 'Objective' exercises. This might involve searching for an object
and returning it to base, while other teams search for other objects, or it
might put you against your friends looking for the same object. Whatever the
structure, a well planned objective exercise can be exciting and fun.
Casevac (Casualty Evacuation)
exercises can also be an interesting challenge. This is something a bit
different - the main objective is humanitarian rather than offensive - this
could give the more enthusiastic cadets something to think about! Cadets enter
an hostile area and evacuate injured allies. The degree of difficulty can be
varied through addition of enemies, and perhaps a time limit. This is a good
exercise to test all skill sets at once.
Kit
Uniform used for field craft is
usually called D.P.M (Disruptive Pattern Material). Other names you may hear
used are 'Greens' or 'Cabbage' and normally includes the following as a base -
230 'Tiger' Squadron 
