RAF NATIONAL GROUND TRAINING COMPETITION - REGIONAL FINALS
ZACK FAJA (YEAR 13)
S unday 9th February 2014 was a date that we had been preparing for since the start of term. A date on which we would find out if we would have a chance of getting through to the National Finals and winning the coveted Air Squadron Trophy for the third consecutive year. The day began early with the team assembling at 6am, our kit freshly ironed and ready to go. With us loaded on the minibus, we made our way to the competition location, RAF Halton in Buckinghamshire. Upon arrival we came across our nemesis, the Maidstone Grammar School team, which we had narrowly beaten over the last two years. Our first event was the Command Task, a test of leadership ability and we successfully constructed a model pulley system. This was a good start to the day, as we swiftly moved onto RAF Knowledge, one of the tougher events of the day. The test came as a shock to us, with many surprise questions. However, morale was high as we were confident in our results. Our Recce team finished strongly, with four people getting above 27 out of 30. We returned triumphantly to the changing area where we met with the shooters, who bore the good news of high scores in the Dismounted Close Combat Trainer. First aiders were then sent off to complete several tasks, returning just before midday with news
of a successfully completed scenario. Next the Fitness team set off on its bleep test and kept up the high level of performance with Trihao Van reaching a fantastic level 12. When the time for Drill arrived, we marched smartly onto the square and executed the sequence perfectly, with our only flaw being over-emphasised stamps. Nevertheless, we had performed to the best of our ability and had impressed many of the onlookers. After what seemed like a lifetime, we formed up on the Drill Square and awaited the results of the day. Unfortunately, we had not placed in Fitness, exacerbating our high nerves, and this was followed by Drill in which we had come a close second to Maidstone. We were anxious: we had not yet won a single award. However, our first place in Command Tasks set the tone for the rest. We then proceeded to be presented with the trophies for achieving first place in Shooting, First Aid, Knowledge and Aircraft Recce. Winning in five out of seven areas, we knew we would make it through to the Final National Ground Training Competition of 2014. The sterling effort from everyone and the help from our School Staff Instructor, Scott Swalwell, had enabled us to clinch victory in the Regional Final. Now we hope we will be able to repeat our success in the National Final.
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