We should organise a staff “Civilisation and Admin” day at some point on a weekend. I think that could get some interest 
join the discord and ask the question…
I’m sure there are a few Strategy fans out there (ME included!)
1 Like
Command and Conquer Generals: Zero Hour and you’re on!
1 Like
I’ll have to find it!
Played that along with C&C: Tiberium Sun and Empire Earth.
I prefer Wargame Red Dragon personally.
Great to see this happening.
4 Likes
been a little involved with this, not that event specifically but previously and i think its a great. gives something for our younger cadets to engage in that they’re good at and gives them a bit of squadron pride and sense of competition as well.
Ironic that HQAC decided to post this on the same day that they have effectively pulled the plug on real sports.
Anyone else get the feeling that the SLT won’t be happy until they have driven all physical activities into a nice safe classroom?
2 Likes
But they haven’t pulled the plug on real sports - they’ve taken funding on Corp level and Wings/Regions will need to do it.
This event has been run and (presumably) funded by a Wing, by CFAVs who are interested in it, and by cadets who have chosen to take part in it. Esports is a sport in the regular military as well as the cadets - albeit a lot newer in the cadet world.
Don’t dis a Wings good effort at providing an activity that is wanted by cadets, just because HQAC are changing the way funding is changing for another activity. Esports is a very valid activity, just as football, hockey, cricket, athletics is.
4 Likes
Don’t do yourself a disservice.
As disappointed as I am in the situation within physical sports, e-sports is a legitimate activity with some real world benefits; including becoming RPAS pilots for example, as well as cyber engineering from the perspective of building and maintaining the machines needed to run the software required for such activities.
With an increasing tri-service focus on cyber skills, including the likes of JCU(R), promoting e-sports makes sense.
Whilst it’s not quite the same as in physical sports, e-sports does also offer team building opportunities and, arguably, is more accessible to a greater proportion of cadets as it doesn’t require any level of physical fitness in advance of active participation.
So let’s not conflate the 2 issues. The withdrawing of Corps support for sports is entirely and wholly independent of any support for e-sports.
4 Likes
It’s also fun 
Sometimes it’s okay to do stuff just because it’s fun. There’s a bunch of photos there of cadets smiling and having a great time. That alone is good enough reason for me!
4 Likes
The two activities I’ve had the most negativity about from CFAV are cyber and eSports. Mostly from people who don’t get involved in either.
Oddly, these are both popular with cadets!
2 Likes
Same negativity that most people have towards both? Spending more time inside focusing on a screen.
1 Like
Is it only me wondering why cadets are on camp playing Rocket League as an actual timetabled activity?!
Why is the taxpayer paying for accommodation for cadets to spend so long on the xbox?!
In my opinion, esports should be a community set up so cadets can join in with it in their own time, not something the corps should offer.
Why are we not encouraging more actual sport? More AT?
Surely the scarce accommodation we have shouldn’t be wasted for xbox usage?!?
2 Likes
As long as it’s not all day there’s no harm in it, especially if it’s part of a round robin. The RAF have a strong E-Sports community and do well in competitions.
It build skills in strategic thinking, teamwork, communication and leadership and can be a good tool.
Not to replace sports should be done in conjunction with.
1 Like
Dont worry, theres plans for more aviation based esport sessions and competitions…
Ones they can do at home/squadrons too…
Even on a rotation is an issue in my eyes.
It is yet another activity that most cadets already have access to. My question also is why it is a camp activity. There are so many activities that need accommodation and dont get it - why are cadets that have accommodation using it for gaming.
The RAF may have a strong esports community, but that is not their main job.
What happened to the ATC offering young people the opportunity to do something they couldn’t do at home or in civvy Street?
Youth club in blue comes to mind
My cadets love it and we have seen engagement from some, who don’t normally put themselves out there. I understand the survey was the most responded to ever by the cadets. It definitely improves communication and leadership, as well as motor skills, so I think it has its place. As with everything, it just needs to be a balance, but with the long winter nights on the way, cadets competing in esports against other Sqns is an easy filler, if the weather scuppers outdoor activity and radio and the other usual suspects aren’t chiming with the customers!
1 Like
E-sports is as much a recognised sport (by Defence) as any other. I think you are suggesting that there should be physical activity. Whilst this is more ‘my thing’ I am, as Head of RAF Sport, pleased that we have a growing e-sport community which attracts those who might not be enthused by physical sports. The converse is true, of course, and that we should’ve assume Cadets want to play e-sports.
As ever, it’s about offering the widest possible menu of activities.
4 Likes
Said RAF eSports community has been great in supporting the RAFAC startup into eSports too. I was in some of the earlier meetings/discussions around eSports and the RAF team were great. Lots of advice, and completely open to us CFAV joining them too.
A great team, very willing to help as much as they could!
2 Likes