Gibraltar Cadets train in the UK

Thirty six youngsters from the Gibraltar Cadet Force (GCF) flew to Manchester to take part in an exciting eight day winter camp, Exercise Jebel Tilmidh Eskry, at Holcombe Moor Training Centre in Lancashire.

Accompanied by their Cadet Company Commander, Major Dominic Collado and a staff of six other adult instructors, the group trained in fieldcraft, navigation and skill at arms, all culminating in a strenuous day long exercise where they had the opportunity to practise their new and improved skills.

The cadets also spent a morning on the army assault course, made famous through the Krypton Factor television programme, moving to the Imperial War Museum North in the afternoon.

Major Collado was pleased with the camp.

He said: “Our cadets were outstanding and received many compliments from our hosts, Greater Manchester Army Cadet Force, our affiliated UK cadet county.  We hosted the Manchester cadets in Gibraltar in the summer so this was a great opportunity to return the favour and renew acquaintances.

“This camp was the build up to a busy training programme in 2017 when we will camp in Scotland and attend the Edinburgh Tattoo, receive a new Queen’s Colour in June and hone our military and adventurous training skills.  We will also shortly be starting a Cadet NCO’s Cadre to train our boys and girls in instructional and leadership skills.”

According to the GCF, camp was very special for one member of the unit.

Cadet Lance Corporal Christian Requena was recognised for his hard work and promoted to corporal, receiving his new rank badge from the GCF Colonel Commandant, Colonel Martin Newman.

Colonel Newman said: “I congratulate Major Collado and his staff for organising a fantastic camp, and also congratulate the cadets for their hard work on a very different training area in a colder and wetter environment.  Our cadets are a credit to the Royal Gibraltar Regiment and the young people of Gibraltar.”

The GCF, which is sponsored by the Gibraltar Government and is under the auspices of the Royal Gibraltar Regiment, is open to boys and girls between the ages of 12 and 18 years.  Call Major Collado on 00350 54660000 for more membership details.