CHALLENGE/ACTIVITY #8: PREPARE FOR AN AIRCREW SURVIVAL EXERCISE - PART I

PREPARE FOR AN AIRCREW SURVIVAL EXERCISE

This Mother's Day weekend was scheduled to be our Spring Field Training Exercise therefore the theme of this week's challenge/activity will be Aircrew Survival. 

This will be multi-challenge split up over many challenges. Cadets are encouraged to attempt the challenge for their Training Level. Cadets may also complete any of the other level challenges.

To verify completion of the following challenge/activities cadets are to take photos of their results. 

LEVEL 1 - PACK PERSONAL EQUIPMENT

Challenge/Activity: Cadets are to identify and lay out the following items and pack their personal kit as per 608's kit list.

Clothing Items:

• Clothes that represent the layering principle, to include:     
  • a core layer,
  • a second layer,
  • an outer layer,
  • underwear, and
  • pants.
• Clothing that is made of different types of fabric, to include:   
  • wool,
  • cotton,
  • fleece or pile, and
  • synthetic fabrics.
• Appropriate footwear.

PACKING PERSONAL EQUIPMENT

• While packing kit, ensure to place a large plastic bag inside the pack prior to packing it. This blocks moisture from reaching the contents. Each item should also be placed in a separate bag with the extra air removed to save space.
• Place items in the pack by priority, with the most frequently used items on top or where easily accessible. The equipment needs to be placed in the pack so the weight is distributed and balanced appropriately. A poorly balanced pack can cause fatigue. The heaviest items should be placed near the bottom or the back of the pack to avoid back strain.
• Ensure all items are secured to the pack to avoid losing items and having to constantly stop for adjustments.

• The tent should be placed on top of the pack with the sleeping bag and pad firmly attached under the backpack.
• Food, clothing and a cooking kit are examples of what to place in the backpack itself.
• Clothing should include extra socks, undergarments and polypropylene / synthetic t-shirt and pants.
• Personal gear could include a first aid kit, waterproofed matches, flashlight, emergency candle and hygienic items. Items such as water bottle, stove, fuel canister, flashlight and a water filter can fit in the side pouches of the bag.

SAMPLE KIT LIST

• Below is 608's kit list for Aircrew Survival Exercises (winter items left in for projected polar vortex).

608_kit_list.docx
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LEVEL 2 - CONSTRUCT A SIGNAL FIRE

Challenge/Activity: Cadets are to construct a Luminous Cone Fire Signal Fire.

Working as a member of a group, the cadets shall gather wood, green boughs (if available), tinder, and kindling to build the luminous cone fire. Each group shall construct a luminous cone fire according to the following steps:

1. Make a tripod to support a fire.
2. Using the string, lash the top of the tripod together and the side supports together.
3. Ensure pole ends are driven into the ground to prevent tipping.
4. Make a platform to hold the tinder, kindling and fuel.
5. Place tinder and kindling in the centre of the platform.
6. Ensure tinder and kindling are placed together in a fashion that will ignite the cone.
7. Ensure there is sufficient ventilation allowing oxygen to feed the fire when lit.
8. A fire will suffocate if there is too much fuel.
9. Cover with green boughs (if available) to keep the cone dry.
10. Ensure there is a heat and smoke outlet at the top of the cone.

LEVEL 3 - IDENTIFY PARTS OF THE COMPASS

Challenge/Activity: Cadets are to correctly identify the eight (8) parts of the compass in the above photo.

Parts of a Compass
A – Sight. Located at the top of the compass cover. Used to align on an objective when taking a bearing or to observe one along a given bearing.
B – Compass Cover. Protects the compass dial and houses the sighting mirror.
C – Sighting Mirror. Used to see the compass dial while taking a bearing.
D – Sighting Line. Used when aligning an objective or observing along a bearing.
E – Luminous Index Point. At the top of the compass dial and where a bearing is set or read from.
F – Compass Dial. Houses the magnetic needle, the orienting arrow, the meridian lines, the declination scale
(on the inside) and the dial graduations (on the outside).
G – Dial Graduations. The compass dial is graduated in 2-degree divisions from 0 to 360 degrees. The dial is rotated by hand.
H – Orienting Arrow. The black and red orienting arrow is located inside the compass dial and is used to line up with the magnetic needle when taking a bearing on the ground. The orienting arrow is what is adjusted when the magnetic declination is set.
I – Romer 1 : 25 000. Used to measure six-figure grid references (GRs) on maps with a 1 : 25 000 scale.
J – Compass Base Plate. A clear piece of flat plastic to which the cover, dial and lanyard are attached.
K – Declination Scale. Used when adjusting the orienting arrow and while setting the magnetic declination for the map being used. It is graduated in 2-degree divisions.
L – Compass Meridian Lines. Black or red lines inside the compass dial. They are used to line up the compass dial with the grid lines (eastings) on a map.
M – Magnetic Needle. Spins freely and points towards magnetic north. The south end of the compass needle
is black and the north end, with a luminous patch, is red.
​N – Luminous Orienting Points. There are two luminous orienting points located on either side of the red end of the orienting arrow.
O – Luminous Index Point. At the bottom of the compass dial; where a back bearing is read from.
P – Romer 1 : 50 000. Used to measure six-figure GRs on maps with a 1 : 50 000 scale.
Q – Safety Cord or Lanyard. Used to fasten the compass to the wrist (never around the neck).
R – Adjustable Wrist Lock. Used to attach the compass to the wrist.
S – Screwdriver. Located at the end of the safety cord and is used to turn the screw to adjust the orienting arrow’s position on the declination scale.
T – Declination Adjusting Screw. Located on the back side of the compass dial and is used to adjust the orienting arrow’s position on the declination scale.

LEVEL 4 - TIE KNOTS AND LASHINGS

Challenge/Activity: Cadets are to tie the following knots and lashings. 

Knots

• Reef Knot
• Figure-of-Eight Knot
• Clove Hitch
• Bowline

Lashings

• Round Lashing
• Square Lashing
• Figure-of-Eight Lashing

knot-tying_instructions.pdf
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lashing_instructions.pdf
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LEVEL 5 - CREATE AN AIRCREW SURVIVAL PROPOSAL

Challenge/Activity: Cadets are to come up with five (5) activities that are to take place during an Aircrew Survival Exercise (excluding training classes).

The aim of the CCO is to:

1. Develop in youth the attributes of good citizenship and leadership.
2. Promote physical fitness.
3. Stimulate the interest of youth in the sea, land and air activities of the Canadian Forces.

CHOOSING AN ACTIVITY OR ACTIVITIES

• When the exercise is chosen, activities that relate to the exercise have to be generated. According to CATO 11-03, Cadet Program Mandate, the vision of the Cadet Program (CP) is "a relevant, credible, and proactive youth development organization, offering the program of choice for Canada's youth, preparing them to become better leaders of tomorrow through a set of fun, challenging, well-organized and safe activities." That vision should be kept in mind when determining activities for a cadet exercise.
• Before making a final decision, it is important to consider a few factors:
  • the activity's or activities' goals, and the limitations that may stop the exercise from happening.

DETERMINING THE ACTIVITY'S OR ACTIVITIES' GOALS

• Each activity that is part of the exercise has to have a specific goal. The goal of each activity should meet the CCO's aim.
• Goals should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and timed. Having clear expectations makes it easier to ensure the project maintains the right direction.

DETERMINING LIMITATIONS

• At this stage, project managers have to determine the limitations that may put a stop to their project.
• Such limitations may include:
  • policies, and
  • resources, such as:
    • schedule / time,
    • personnel,
    • transportation,
    • finance, and
    • equipment.

create_a_proposal.pdf
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creare_a_proposal_aide-memoire.pdf
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PREVIOUS CHALLENGES/ACTIVITIES

Previous challenges/activities:
#1: Construct a Model Aerodrome
#2: Construct a Model Bivouac Site Layout
#3: Most Improved Polished Boots
#4: Participate in Stretching Exercises
#5: Keep a Weekly Gratitude Journal
#6: Participate in Warm-Up Exercises & Create a Physical Activity Tracker
​#7: Create Short-Term & Long Term SMART Goals

ALL CHALLENGES ARE PARTICIPATION BASED AND CADETS WILL BE ENCOURAGED TO SHOWCASE THEIR RESULTS AT THE END OF THE TRAINING YEAR.