A recent weekend saw Cadets from 2495 Totton DF joining forces with Totton Army Cadet Force X Coy for a joint forces exercise day.

The joint forces exercise day was the brain child of Totton DF F/Sgt Karen Mattingly and her brother of X Coy, Staff Sergeant Dan Mattingly. The cadets were mixed and then split into two teams for practical training in various subjects such as radio comms with a comprehensive radio exercise, stripping and cleaning L98 weapons, and learning some aspects of basic fieldcraft training the Army Cadet way.

The whole day had a “cadet camp” feel about it due largely to the atmosphere and engaging unknown new cadets from a different Cadet Force in unfamiliar territory. The day culminated with a friendly ATC v ACF tug of war, with the directing staff calling for the cadets to do their best war cry! The ATC won the duel.

F/Sgt Mattingly said “all the cadets from both units thoroughly enjoyed the day, everyone felt that it was extremely beneficial and worthwhile, we certainly hope this is the first step to building a continuing good working relationship with Totton ACF and participating in some future joint forces exercises”.