Please note, this is just a brief outline idea of an exercise. If you would like to run it at your squadron make sure that you have a suitable area selected and a Risk Assessment filled out. It is recommended to give cadets 3 hours to complete the exercise, depending on the size of the area. I can not be held responsible for anything untoward that happens from running this exercise!

1) Brief Staff and SNCOs

There are four positions to be manned:

1. The Supply Depot here (point on map) – manned by staff.
2. The Camp here – manned by SNCOs and staff.
3. One Staff member will be the Agent here between xxxx – xxxx & xxxx – xxxx. The agent will reply as specified and hand over the evidence and tell the cadets that the Charlies have been receiving radioactive materials from an unknown source and seem to be trying to build a thermonuclear device!
4. 3 or so staff, if there are any, are to be a patrol, wandering the woods between the Supply Dump and the Camp. And in that general area.

Exercise mechanics: The cadets will be sneaking around the woods observing the positions. Obviously they are not going to be completely stealthy. So to simplify matters you are to record the names of any cadets you can identify by name. If they are being that close and obvious to you then severe penalties of points will be incurred. If you spot a cadet sneaking around but they are using good technique and not breaking any of the 5 S’ then ignore them, they are invisible. If they draw attention to themselves however then swing your torch in their direction. If they do not freeze and hide then tell them they have been spotted. The cadets have been instructed to withdraw to a safe distance when this happens. If by swinging your torch on them you identify them then so much the better. The names will be compiled later and points deducted accordingly.

Feel free to conceal yourselves as well, especially the patrol, if you hear cadets coming then sit in a bush and wait for them to step on you before leaping out and recording all their names and telling them to get lost :] Charlies at bases should remain in the close vicinity of their position however.

Do not be overzealous with spotting cadets, they’re here to have a good time after all. If you suddenly notice a cadet hidden by your feet who has been there for ages without you knowing then add their name to a commendations list.

Staff members must hand over contact numbers in case of emergency for easy contact with the base.

2) First parade, split teams, brief cadets

3) Go and set up the bases

Cadet’s Brief: Operation: Charlie Don’t Surf

Situation

You are a group of cadets out on exercise. Recent intel suggests that there are two Charlie outposts very close to your current position. The evil Charlies must not be allowed to maintain this foothold so close to (local town).

Mission & Suggested Execution

As cadets you have 3 main objectives:

1) Conduct reconnaissance on the Charlie camp at grid xxxxx xxxxx.
2) Conduct reconnaissance on the Charlie mobile supply depot at grid xxxxx xxxxx.

It is vitally important that you remain stealthy and undetected in this operation. Use all the skills you have so as to go unnoticed. If the Charlie’s suspicions are aroused things could get messy. Once you have arrived at their location you are to record as much information as you can about their position. Including personell numbers, equipment, weapons, vehicles, plans etc. The more intel you can acquire the better. However you must be alert at all times as Charlie patrols may be active in the area near the camps. If at any time you are spotted by a Charlie you must immediately withdraw to a safe distance, out of sight. The Charlie will make sure you know you have been spotted. If you are recognised by face your team will incur severe penalties.

3) Liaise with our friendly agent in the woods at grid xxxxx xxxxx. Be aware, however, that the agent will only be at this location in the following time brackets: xxxx – xxxx & xxxx – xxxx. You are to obtain photographic evidence from the agent, however you must first prove to him that you are cadets. Once you have located the agent you must initiate a conversation with them, opening by saying “Psychic spies from China try to steal your mind’s elation”. If you have contacted the agent they will reply with: “I don’t know what you’re on about, but here’s the goods.”

Upon returning to the base teams must compile and hand in a full report on both enemy locations, including the evidence received from the agent.

Teams may not communicate with each other or the Charlies in any way and no radios or mobile telephones are to be used. Observations must end by xxxx hours and you must be able to return to base by xxxx. Late teams will be assumed to be KIA. Each team must carry at least one mobile phone in case of emergencies. If there is an emergency you are to contact the base immediately on xxxxx xxxxxx. If you are accosted by a member of the public identify yourself, using your 3822, as a cadet on a nightex. If there are any problems  contact the base immediately. Do not follow members of the public anywhere or give them your 3822.

Team leaders should appoint time keeper, safety etc. as usual. And must know exactly who is in their team. Now, plot the points on your map, gather your gear, get some break if you have to and cam up. Before leaving you must write on the whiteboard your Team number, Members of your team, Time of Leaving and a Mobile contact number.