Air Cadets complete map and compass march in the dark

5 and 10 person arctic bell-tents provided much needed shelter for cadets over the cold and rainy weekend

Danny VandenBroek photos

• Bottle drive scheduled for Saturday October 4

859 Crowsnest Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron

Cadets from 859 Crowsnest Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron practiced their survival and navigations skills the weekend of September 26 - 28. Training included topics such as survival psychology, improvised shelters, radio procedures, ground-to-air signals, and navigating with a map, compass, and GPS. 

Team “Raven” prepares for their night march (Left to Right: Cdt Clarke, Cpl Gray, FCpl Gustavson, FCpl Clarke)

To confirm what they had learned, senior cadets led separate groups on a night march to destinations determined using their map reading skills. The persistent cloud cover made sure the night was very dark, not to mention wet. Each group successfully completed their mission, involving hikes up to 8 km. Along the way each group had to observe proper radio procedure for checking in and reporting their findings. On the final day, newer recruits were trained in air-rifle marksmanship techniques and safety.

Team “Bonaventure” prepares for their night march (Left to Right: Cdt Gregory, Cpl Hounslow, Cpl Palao, Cdt Hamilton)

Next up for the cadets of the squadron is a Bottle Drive fundraiser taking place in the parking lot of the Elks Hall in Blaimore the morning of Saturday, October 4th.

859 Crowsnest Squadron trains every Monday night at the Elks Hall in Blairmore from 6:45 PM to 9:15 PM, September through June for youth aged 12­18 years old. New recruits are always welcome. There is no cost to join and uniforms are provided free of charge. Van transportation for youth from Pincher Creek is often available at the Pincher Creek Legion at 5:45 PM Monday nights.