Fieldcraft is always a popular activity with cadets and staff alike, it is basically the art of living and moving tactically in an outdoor environment. Cadets are trained by authorised Fieldcraft Instructors following a structured training program as laid down in the ACO Manual of Fieldcraft Training (ACP16). This covers various topics including:
- Camouflage and concealment
- Duties of a sentry
- Fieldcraft hand signals
- Maintaining clothing and equipment
- Night movement
- Personal hygiene in the field
- Cooking in the field
- Stalking and silent movement
- Route selection and obstacle crossing
The theoretical training is always reinforced by consolidation of practical training (CPT) sessions, during which cadets will put the skills learnt into practice. A typical CPT session could involve setting up a base area and cooking in the field, followed by the reconnaissance of an enemy position during the hours of darkness and the recovery of a downed pilot. Another popular fieldcraft exercise is Escape and Evasion (E&E), whereby groups of cadets utilise camouflage and concealment skills to avoid capture by an opposing force of staff or cadets.