CCF Army Careers Work Experience Week at Wellington Barracks

Writes Leo B. (5ths):

I had never been in Wellington Barracks before, so it was a really novel experience seeing the Foot Guards battalions who were part of the Music Corps rehearsing. We were even able to watch the Changing of the Guard from very close up, on the other side of the fence where the tourists were all taking photos of them.

After the Changing of the Guard finished, we were taken to a room full of computers, all linked up to what was essentially a PlayStation controller, running a simulated battle ground where you had to use tanks, vehicles and infantry to defeat the other team. The controls were more realistic than most modern videogames. So, despite the gamers I met on the programme being far more experienced in virtual combat, they were quickly humbled by the crafty tacticians on either side. After that, we were put on rifle handling. Not everyone attending the Army Experience were cadets, and even if they were, they might not have been as experienced as most of the Merchant Taylors’ boys when it came to weapons handling. So, some individuals were holding weapons systems for the first time ever. We got to see and handle the newer models of the weapons, and we were able to use scopes rather than iron sights, which was a first for me.

We then did some sports, and the instructors explained that the Army has lots of sports opportunities, including competing against the Royal Navy and the RAF (if you are good enough). After that we were put onto a virtual shooting range, where you could test your aim and weapons handling in a more realistic scenario. We were also able to do some climbing (which I was very fond of), to get a feel for adventure training. Then, we practiced drill, on the parade square at the Barracks.

On Wednesday, we went on an overnight exercise which was really good fun. We all set up bashas in the outdoors and practiced camouflage, concealment, and reconnaissance patrols. We were even lucky enough to see a full Section Attack practice performed by soldiers which was one of the coolest things I have ever seen in my entire life. They used purple smoke to conceal themselves and watching them run or walk out of the smoke was very entertaining.

When we got back from the exercise on Thursday we had enough time to be able to walk around and see all the Army Career stands. We were able to talk to individuals who had careers in different parts of the Army, all of which were very interesting. We were able to handle a pistol (which I had never done before), attempt to fly a helicopter in a simulation and handle each of the weapons systems used by different army units, which involved some quite fierce looking machine guns.

At the end of the week, we all sat down to see the army engagement band perform, which was extraordinary. All in all, I’d say it was an amazing careers work experience and I’d recommend it to anyone who has an interest in potentially joining the Army.