Over the weekend, Air Cadets from 2195 (Long Eaton) Squadron, RAF Air Cadets, joined other squadrons around the Corps to practice target shooting at the Bisley National Shooting Centre.
Cadet Sergeants Nicole Walker, Craig Harrison, Cadet Corporals Ethan Bates and Duncan Jameson headed down to Bisley on Friday night ready for a brief for the weekend.
They then had to undergo their Rifle Handling Test (RHT) on Saturday, which consisted off learning how to handle the rifle correctly, how to put the rifle together, and how to clean the rifle. Once passed, this made them all qualified to participate in the shooting throughout that weekend.
On Saturday, they also learnt how to operate the butts: which is where they patched up the targets after a round was shot. They then split into pairs for working in the butts and shooting. With all the training completed, the team got their very first shots with an L81 Target Rifle at 300yds. After both cadets in the pair had shot they then swapped jobs.
Once the day’s shooting was over, the team had to clean their rifles before having a chance to relax and reflect in their free time till 23:00 when it was lights out.
On Sunday the cadets left to go to the range for the final bit of shooting before they departed home. The final shots of the weekend shots just went to show how all the coaching and experience from the weekend had allowed them to train and improve their marksmanship skills.
Cadet Corporal Jameson said “Shooting this weekend was great being able to learn how to use a new rifle and learn how to use it. I also loved it that we weren’t shooting at 25m as we got to try something new. I can’t wait to carry on with all the shooting we got in line for us this year!”
Written by Cadet Corporal E Bates
Edited by Cadet Sergeant J Bland
2195 Media Team
