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Welbeck Warrior (March 2010)

After weeks of apprehension and days of packing and continuously repacking kit, Welbeck UVI set off for a weekend of sleep deprivation and physical endurance. We stocked up with McDonalds on the way, some of us even saving a burger to reheat that evening, and continued with the four hour journey to potholes, big hills and even bigger Marines.

Upon arrival, after the last decent meal we were to have for a while, we set off on a 12k patrol moving from checkpoint to checkpoint through the freezing cold darkness. This became a major test of character for some, and we determined the prepared from the not so prepared. After what felt like an eternity we arrived at Farm Five, our new luxury residence for the weekend, and were able to prepare a well deserved hot meal before going to bed. Throughout the night we rotated the sentry position so that everyone would get their fair share of rest.

The following day we woke early, and were taken to the east side of the training area where we were taken under the wing of the Royal Marines for a morning of section attacks and a thrashing round the assault course. The 1.2k assault course was a challenge for everyone as we swung across monkey bars and crawled through mud filled tunnels in a test of sheer determination. We then went to the FIBUA village, a village built for the purpose of urban area training, for an introduction to room clearance and urban warfare techniques. That afternoon we were transported to the west of the area for an afternoon of command tasks, testing the leadership skills that we have acquired throughout the past 18 months.

We then headed back to Farm Five and did some quick personal admin before receiving a brief of the scenario for the final exercise. We then did different patrols, including reconnaissance and the clearing of casualties, followed by a few hours sleep back at base which was necessary in order to complete the final platoon attacks which took place in the very early hours of the morning. A few more hours sleep and a good old ration pack breakfast was followed by a long, strenuous test of endurance and willpower as we tabbed back to the final pick-up point ready to head back to College.

The weekend tested every single member of the UVI as everyone put in maximum effort to achieve the most out of the exercise. Despite the cold weather and lack of sleep it was enjoyable for all. Many thanks go to the CCF staff, the Officer Cadets and the Royal Marines who made this possible.

Naomi Gilford, Trenchard 08E

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