Fieldcraft forms an integral part of 494 Sqn’s training programme. Fieldcraft is simply the art of living and moving in the field. Although the ATC is generally focused on aviation related activities activities, fieldcraft does play a part in most units’ training programmes. All three services, Navy, Army and RAF all use fieldcraft and military skills as a method of developing individual abilities, leadership qualities and teamwork. Ultimately the difference made by fieldcraft is it takes cadets out of their normal environment and by testing their comfort barriers helps develop their interpersonal and administration skills.

Fieldcraft training on 494 Sqn is delivered in a number of ways and again consists of a mixture of parade night and weekend delivery. Cadets are taught the initial basic skills on parade nights and these are developed through a series of progressive training weekends called ‘Exercises’.

Activities undertaken as part of the training include:

- Camouflage and Concealment
- Tactical Movement
- Patrolling
- Observation Posts (OP’s)
- Harbour Areas
- Field Routines
- Briefing Techniques

Cadets are taught to live and operate effectively and efficiently in the field and will often find themselves in a situation where they are required to make a crucial tactical decision in order to achieve their objective. Fieldcraft enables cadets to be active, efficient, and professional and engages important qualities such as responsibility, leadership and initiative.

All activities are operated under the instruction of qualified directing staff and with full insurance and relevant permissions.

To see 494 Sqn on their last fieldcraft weekend please click here.