Adventure Training forms an essential part of 494 Sqn’s training syllabus. As well as being good fun adventurous activities help cadets and staff forge a closer working relationship and it also helps to develops leadership and management qualities.

494 Sqn offer a wide range of adventure training activities and cadets can take part in activities such as canoeing, sailing, orienteering, rock climbing, hill walking and expeditions.

494 Sqn take part in activities across the Adventure Training range with staff qualified to the Basic Expedition Leader (BELA) and Obstacle Course Instructors (OCI) levels.

The Falklands Memorial Trohpy

In 1982 Argentina claimed ownership of the Falklands Islands or Malvinas which had long since been a sovereign British dependency. Upon an appeal from the British government the Argentines refused to withdraw their forces and a British military task force was dispatched 3,000 miles from the UK to take the Islands back by force. It was obvious the Argentine’s believed the UK would not react, Margaret Thatcher, the British Prime Minister insisted it was a ‘matter of principle’.

Three months of bitter fighting followed in treacherous, freezing conditions. The Argentine’s surrendered on 14th June 1982. All three services took part and the victory was decisive and firm.

During the conflict 258 British servicemen and 649 Argentine servicemen were killed.

In 1983 a senior officer from Essex’s Army, Sea and Air cadets met to discuss a memorial trophy dedicated to the servicemen who lost their lives in the conflict. The ‘Tri-Services’ Falklands Trophy was formed.

Each year the units in Essex Wing compete in the Falklands Memorial Trophy. The aim of the weekend is to select three teams to represent Essex Wing in the ‘Tri-Services’ Trophy against the Army and Sea Cadets.

The competition includes events such as:

- Navigation Exercise
- Obstacle Course
- Missile Race
- Stretcher Race
- Campcraft
- Speed March
- Map Reading & Bearings
- First Aid
- Command Tasks

Each unit is given the opportunity to compete the Essex Wing selection event and teams consist of 6 cadets. In 2006 the unit came 5th and 6th out of the 27 units in the Wing.

To see pictures of our 2006 Falklands Training Weekend please click here.

To see pictures of the 2006 Falklands Trophy Competition Weekend click here.