134 (Bedford) Sqn Air Cadets |
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Press Release |
134 (Bedford) Squadron |
The ground shook beneath the feet of six cadets and two staff from 134 (Bedford) Squadron as a barrage of artillery, tank, mortar and small arms fire rained down on a number of enemy targets in front of them.
The privileged cadets were the only Air Training Corps cadets present at the Combined Arms Firepower and Manoeuvre Demonstration being conducted at the Army’s Land Warfare Centre, Warminster, Wiltshire, on Tuesday 17th October 2006.
From the safe confines of a viewing gallery the cadets had a great view of all the Army’s latest military hardware ranging from a rifle to the Apache Longbow attack helicopter.
During the morning the cadets viewed a Combined Arms Manoeuvre Demonstration by the Yorkshire Regiment together with the Royal Tank Regiment that involving Warrior armoured vehicles and Challenger 2 main battle tanks attacking an enemy position laid out in front of the viewing gallery.
Once the display was over the cadets were allowed to climb over and inside a Challenger 2 tank and Warrior armoured fighting vehicle to see how the vehicles operated.
The afternoon saw the Combined Arms Firepower Demonstration. With ear defenders firmly in place the calm of the afternoon was soon shattered with an impressive live firing demonstration of all the Army’s firepower. This started with the small arms weapons and commenced through anti tank missiles to armoured fighting vehicles, tracked artillery and culminated in the Apache attack helicopter firing is highly accurate and devastating cannon from a position close to the viewing gallery.
Despite the weather’s attempts to ruin the day the event concluded successfully and all those present agreed that it was a truly awesome demonstration of the Army’s professionalism, firepower and accuracy of the weapons systems they use. It was certainly an experience that will not be forgotten in a long time.
Squadron Warrant Officer Taylor who organised the event said, “It was a privilege to be able to attend this event with the cadets and let them see what our armed forces are capable of. It was a very powerful experience and I am sure they found it very educational and informative.”