Get… out…
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Whilst I see why you might say this, don’t forget that the cadet forces are one of the few places that cadets will be able to use a section 5 firearm legally. I would be unhappy to see the L98 go out of choice.
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Whilst I’m by no means anti firearms, I don’t think using the example of advertising the fact that Cadet Forces is one of the few places section 5 firearms can be used legally and safely is a good idea.
I’d sooner focus on the skill, discipline, self control and mental agility aspects of target rifle shooting as a promoter.
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I’ve never heard that before. I know lots of people using outdoor template ranges with success.
Be interesting to hear the reasons why you were being told you wouldn’t get authorisation.
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I kind of see where you are coming from, but let’s not forget that part of the attraction to our new recruits is the link with the military. We wear military uniform, we fly in military aircraft (occasionally!), and we safely and legally use military firearms. It’s not a dirty secret. There are pictures of cadets safely and legally using them on the RAFAC website.
We use them in the same way that we use sporting target rifles, as well as using them during military skills exercises, and we teach the same disciplines. But it just happens to be the cadet version of an assault rifle, and the opportunities to use similar weapons are slim to not existent for most people.
Losing the L98 would be severing another link to parent organisation, and further degrading of what makes us stand out above the scouts, girl guides etc.
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The fundamental question is what outcomes do you seek for cadets from shooting? Or to frame the question another way; what pathways might be open to them having been introduced to shooting as a cadet.
exmpa
We weren’t given a reason… just told not to bother planning using TS25 on a temporary outdoor range because it would never be approved.
I’ve never challenged it, to be fair, but it’s something I could have done without if it condensed the course.
Tbf I’ve only ever seen catchers used outdoors.
Maybe wind concern?
I get them saying no to using TS25 on an outdoor range, by moving it your indoor range would then need to be certified again. (At least that was the briefing on my course).
However an improvised range should be authorised.
Completely agree. Ultimately its a fine balance as to what we want to achieve for the Cadets. In utopia, I’d love to see everything kept, and us back to the availability position of four or so years ago. But if we had to sacrifice something, L98 would be my choice, so we could prioritise other shooting activities that are easier to run, get more Cadets active and lead into a sport that goes all the way to Olympic level.
But at the same time, I had some brilliant Cadet activities with L98, and the LSW and even the GPMG as a Cadet, pity those days are long gone…
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That’s not correct either, the range template/design is authorised. ie, the room in combination with the TS25. So long as the TS25 goes back in the same location as per the layout diagram/range orders it won’t need authorising again.
Lots of interesting bits coming out of all of this that I’d never heard before so a worthwhile discussion.
Bad feedback for whichever SATT it was that told you that then. I won’t ask who it was as this is a public forum and we don’t want to single out indiviuals or teams. My advice would be similar to daws1159, don’t bother with the TS25 anyway and just build an improvised.
We have a fixed backing board + hessian cloth, with 3 x 2 (upper & lower) pellet catchers. Two large folding doors act as baffles when range is in use, & covers the backing board + catchers when the range is closed down; looks neat & tidy.
It was a number of years ago so maybe things have changed.
The logic was “what if it’s been damaged or not reassembled correctly” my view is that in trusted to inspect it monthly as is so what’s the difference. But who am I to argue. (Although I would go proper improvised if that was my plan anyway.
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In my last Squadron we had dual-siting authorised for our TS25. It was then up to us to choose which room to use it in. For something that is advertised as a ‘portable’ air rifle range, it’s not that portable, it’s a faff to move so it rarely did move.
We shared with the ACF and when the L144’s were recalled, the indoor range was out of use so we moved the TS25 into the indoor range area, which then freed up the main hall for other activities. When the L144’s came back, the TS25 went back into the main hall.
I wouldn’t use the TS25 for outside ranges, it would probably take off in the wind but I would use an improvised outdoor air rifle range.
Only marginally on topic, but am I being blind or is the document with all the SAA-I lessons for the L98 A2 not on SharePoint? I can find it for other weapons systems but not the L98 and I’ve been going around in circles!
Edit, I’ve found it via Google on the ‘volunteer cadet corps’ website. Still be nice to know where it is on SharePoint though!
I’m clearly blind then! I spent ages looking earlier! Thank you!
I’m struggling with how we will offer the AR shoots. As a CCF unit we are well set up and have a 3 lane 25m indoor range which we use for the CSBTR’s, however, the lintex can’t be removed so that means going outside. Outside requires 120 x 30m space. I paced out the school field the other day and only managed 80m uninterrupted.
I’d be interested to know how Sqdns manage the AR shoots, where do you go etc.
Also, do you organise this as say Y9 =AR, Y10 = .22, Y11 = L98 etc ( I know Sqdns don’t run that way but age group/classification wise) I’ve got 24 Y9’s and 5 Air rifles so its all going to take a long time.
Moveable board on a frame with pellet catchers - normally only 5.5m / 10m AR distances?
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You can get netting to hang up in the inside range to protect the lintex.