This past summer I had the opportunity of going to Western Europe, and, more specifically, to Scotland. I was also able to do many things that travelling there on my own would not have included, plus it was completely free of charge. I spent six weeks of my summer to do this amazing course, rather than spending 6 weeks to play Xbox. It was completely worth it, and I have absolutely no regrets. Before I had this opportunity, however, I also spent other summers in Canada to train. This, although sometimes agitating, was also well worth it, and gave me some fantastic experiences.
Before our group went to Scotland, we had to spend a week in Connaught National Army Cadet Training Centre to make sure we were up to the expected standard (with physical fitness being one of the primary focuses). We all were, although I am sure if it wasn’t for Cadets, most of us would not have been. For the end of that week, we went to downtown Ottawa and had free time (to shop, eat, explore, etc.) until that night. The following morning (as early as it was) was exciting as we were flying to the UK.
The flight was quite long, especially since we had to take three flights (Ottawa-Toronto, Toronto-Heathrow, and Heathrow-Edinburgh). In Heathrow, the 3rd busiest airport in the world, we had 7 hours to wait until our next flight, so we had more free time. The whole trip was tiring, but fun at the same time. Once we got on the ground and to the base we were supposed to go to, it was about 1:00 in the morning. We were integrated with Edinburgh Academy Combined Cadet Force completely. The next day training started. The food was extremely different, and hard to get used to for myself. Throughout the week we went on the range and learned about the UK’s rifle: the L85A2. We learned all of the drills on how to operate it, and then shot on the range for two days. Some of us got to shoot the L86 Light Support Weapon as well. The last two days consisted of field training; similar to that which Canadian cadet corps’ do. We were taught by the SAS. It rained extensively on the first day, until we were soaking (even with raingear on). We carried on with training regardless, learning about section and platoon attacks, how to set up an ambush, how to set up defences, etc.. The second day was sunny, and we packed up and left.
The second week in Scotland was much more relaxed. Beforehand, we were asked what our favourite activities would be: rock climbing, sea kayaking, or inland kayaking. We were then split into groups, determining what we would do for that week. I chose rock climbing, and although the other groups also had a great time, I don’t regret my choice at all. Every day we left right after breakfast, and got back in time for supper. This week we had amazing food, all prepared by one man. He gave us our first experience of haggis. Despite how it looks, it is actually a great meal. Every day the groups went to a different location. For us they included the east coast of Scotland, the Highlands, and Southern Scotland. My favourite was the beach of the east coast, because we were climbing right beside the water. We all earned basic military qualifications for the activity we did.
The next week we went to Scotland’s other cadet force: the Army Cadet Force. These cadets volunteer to go on courses for the experience. That week we went on the range for a further two days. Afterward, we went into the field once more, but due to a bit of disorganization, were only set up with two sergeants from the army, rather than being with a group of cadets. However, this ended up to be a good thing. Aside from having classes such as how to set up an ambush, reconnaissance patrol, and bivouac-site defence, we were free to do more without other cadets. We brought up ideas and were able to see them happen. These two days were extremely fun.
The last week in Scotland was filled up by touring. We went around Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee, St. Andrew’s, Aberdeen, Perth, Inverness, Falkirk, and Stirling. Some highlights of this week included touring some of the many castles of Scotland, including Edinburgh and Stirling Castles, Duone Castle (the “Monty Python” castle) as well as touring the Queen’s Yacht, Glasgow Cathedral (definitely one of my favourite areas), Kelingrove Museum, Fort George, Riverside Museum, the Falkirk Wheel, Scotland’s National Museum of Flight, and the Wallace Monument, and St. Andrew’s Golf Courses (the birthplace of golf), just to name a few.
Next, we spent 3 days in London, and 1 day in France after linking up with the other exchanges: namely, Outward Bound Wales, and Maple Leaf Exchange. In London, we toured various locations including Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, Trafalgar Square, and got to go on the London Eye. This was one of the best memories of the trip. The next day we had 9 hours of free time in London. Some people went shopping, and some exploring. I did a little of both. The best thing I explored was the Imperial War Museum. Our trip to France was short, as we took the Chunnel under the English Channel, which is only 50km long. We travelled to the Canadian-owned Vimy Ridge Monument. That was another highlight of my trip.
After that day, we took a cruise ship back to London, and flew straight back to Ottawa, where we spent two days to hand in our kit and pack in preparation to leave.
The summer was a very educational and rewarding experience, and a great addition to all of the other experiences I have encountered throughout my cadet career. On top of the things mentioned, we also spent weekends touring other areas, or shopping in major areas, such as Liverpool. We frequently stopped in small towns and had time to explore. The people we met during the summer were exceptional. This summer was definitely the best one of my life, and I am very grateful for the opportunity that Cadets has given me.
--
Cadet Warrant Officer Kristofer Bergeron,
2912 Sudbury Irish RCACC