The O-Coy take the challenge...

On the 6th-8th February, members of the O-coy took up a challenge, initially set by the VSL, to carry out the assessment part of the basic training (the pioneering, written tests and Gradex) all in one weekend. The aim of the activity was to give the O-coy the opportunity to work as a team and show off their Scouting skills which by now should be of SVS Standard!

Zack tying a square lashing during the pioneering exercise

George

The activity began at HQ at 1800 with the construction of a tower outside HQ. The following morning the Recruits carried out their written tests; with questions on First Aid, Pioneering, Navigation, Estimation and Ranging and Scouting History. On the whole everybody did well although there were some recruits who faltered in one of the areas... I'm sure they will make an effort to sharpen their Scouting knowledge so as to keep up the standard of skills within the Unit!

O-coy on top of their tower, while BP looks on

Haidon and Zack concentrating during their written tests

Following the tests we set out on the Gradex part of the assessment, with the Day Nav starting from Bahrija Cliffs. The recruits walked all afternoon making their way South towards Siggiewi and back up to Buskett where they spent a few hours sleeping under bivvies. In the early hours of the morning they started the Night Nav which took them from Manikata across the Northern part of Malta, ending at the Qolla ta' Brared. On this knoll we carried out quite an intense and sophisticated medevac which included evacuation by (imaginary) helo.

Everybody was knackered by 10:00 when we headed home. It was a pity that not all the O-coy could make it to this event as the team really pulled together, especially during the Medevac and on the Night nav...

I hope you enjoyed my latest updates... this post should bring me more or less up to date (although by Monday i should have more photos from our Bike Expo which is taking place this weekend). Now I'm off for a cup of Unit-Tea and then to bed.
Mo$es