Reading Blue Coat CCF Army Section recently took part in Exercise Eagle Soaring, a challenging field training exercise held at Bramley Training Area across the weekend of 31 January to 1 February 2026.

A total of 28 cadets, including new recruits in Year 9 and Year 12, participated in a programme designed to develop confidence, leadership and tactical understanding through realistic military scenarios. The exercise focused on both basic and advanced fieldcraft and tactics, allowing cadets to apply their training continuously across the weekend rather than through isolated lessons.

Senior cadets were introduced to platoon level tactics including ambush planning, Orders groups and a coordinated platoon attack conducted at Sherfield Farm. The training aimed to strengthen leadership skills while developing command and control within the platoon environment.

Year 9 cadets completed a series of rotations on Saturday morning, including observation of a downed helicopter scenario, fire and manoeuvre exercises in pairs and section battle drills. Later in the day, older cadets undertook ambush training before constructing bashas in the woodland platoon harbour area.

Saturday afternoon focused on intelligence gathering to prepare for an ambush operation. Patrols met a friendly agent, observed enemy activity and successfully located an information drop that enabled cadets to plan and execute the ambush. Following an evening meal, night reconnaissance patrols were deployed to gather further intelligence across the training area.

Activity resumed early on Sunday morning as cadets repelled a simulated dawn attack before preparing for the final phase of the exercise. After an Orders group briefing, the platoon launched a deliberate attack at 11.15am, successfully clearing all objectives within thirty minutes.

The weekend concluded with weapon cleaning, group photographs and a full debrief before a final parade at 4.00pm. Cadets returned to school tired but proud, having met the aims of the exercise and further developed as confident cadets and junior leaders.

Thanks were extended to the Cadet Force Adult Volunteers who supported the exercise, including staff from Reading Blue Coat alongside colleagues from RGS High Wycombe, Pioneer Academy, Marine Cadets and HQSE CTT.

Major Giles Scoble praised the commitment shown throughout the weekend and highlighted the strong teamwork demonstrated by cadets across all year groups.