Kyle & the Cadets in Germany
Kyle James, part of the 3rd (Cadet) Battalion Royal Regiment of Wales - tells us all about their trip to Germany to visit the 1st (Battalion) Royal Regiment of Wales
Kyle is a 3-star corporal who's been in the cadet force for four and a half years...
My trip to join the Regulars in GermanyJuly 24th 2003
Having made my way to Bridgend (the Glamorgan Cadet HQ) where we were issued with our kit for the week, we all jumped on the coach (full of excitement and energy at this time!) and departed at 10.30am for what turned out to be a long coach trip first to Dover, then across the channel to Calais and onwards through France and Belgium to Paderborn, our home for the week. This was a long and tiring drive, but the best opportunity to catch up on some rest and relaxation before the tiresome training that was soon to face us! Having eventually arrived at Barker Barracks at 2.15am, German time, we didnt manage to get any shut-eye as we stayed up all night preparing our kit.July 25th 2003
The first day in Germany began sharply at 6.00 am as were marched to breakfast and we were then assigned sections (4 sections in total, I was in section 2). Being introduced to the regular soldiers, who were in charge of the show throughout the week, was quite daunting as we were all a bit unsure as to the days ahead. After a tour of camp (very large, and especially hot in the blistering heat of the day), we did some drills on the British military rifle, the SA80. Following a quick lunch, we were tested on the rifles, to ensure that we were safe to use them during exercise. The first day concluded with a true British tradition a trip to the cinema where Jennifer Lopez and Ralph Fiennes were on the menu with their romantic comedy, 'Maid in Manhattan'. 
July 26th 2003
The competition between all four sections began bright (and competitively not to mention early!) on the Saturday morning with a mini football tournament soon after breakfast. After a break in the Naffi (the shop and relaxation area and the pub for the over 18 year olds!!), we were given a talk about various rifles and were given the opportunity to get up and close to many of them. This was quite an eye-opener to be holding some of the world's most dangerous and lethal riflesof course, they were all safe for us to handle. Again, we were quizzed about our newly-learned knowledge in order to gain further points for our sections it was all about the competition, and the pride of winning!After lunch, all four sections were shown around the Warriors (Military tanks). These huge pieces of machinery were very impressive, not to mention dangerous and expensive! After dinner (the military food wasn't that bad, contrary to common belief!) and a quick clean-up it was down to the Prince of Wales Centre on camp for an evening of fun - disco and games (again with the competitive edge of section points up for grabs!).
This element of separating us all into sections contributed positively towards an exciting and yet friendly and fun environment - which kept us all on our toes! July 27th 2003
 The Sunday was a more relaxed and less-military day as we all ran a 5K charity run for Cancer Research UK. This was a Battalion organised event, which was open to all the soldiers and their families. Having come 7th out of all the cadets, I managed to gain 20 points for my section! After dinner (which was much needed after the exhausting run in the warm heat in Germany), we all walked (or rather fast-walked at military pace!) into Paderborn to experience the local festival - Libori. This was a great evening, and the big rides were a great way to relax before our 2-day exercise!July 28th 2003
After another early morning wake-up call (and believe me, I could never get used to a 6 o'clock alarm!) and a feast of a breakfast, we were issued our weapons and extra kit (including our food rations!), we all climbed into the 4 ton trucks and moved out to the training area. Once we carried out our drills on the warriors (that we learnt over the last few days), we all moved into the harbour area and set up camp. Again, all our movements and drills were analysed and examined for the possibility of gaining points for our sections. As Section Commander, I was responsible for my section (2 section), and at 11.00pm I led my section to the enemy position to recce the area. Once we returned to the harbour, I assigned my section with specific times to go on stag during the night, before I gathered my thoughts and got some rest not quite a good night sleep as we were in the middle of a forest, in our military sleeping bags! July 29th 2003
After our breakfast rations, we packed up our kit and moved out of the harbour area. After preparation, we attacked the enemy position and took over the position - this was really exciting all four sections had to carry out the attack in a professional and military manner under the supervision of the regular soldiers. After a rough ride back in the Warrior, we returned to camp, cleaned our kit and prepared for an evening football tournament - where of course, point were up for grabs yet again.July 30th 2003
 After our hard work during the exercise, Wednesday morning began with a quick clean of our kit and pressing of our uniform, before we headed off into town again (Paderborn) to do some last minute shopping and to put our nerves to the test again on the daring rides.
We returned to camp to good news as the Colour Sergeant announced that our section had come out on top after a week full of point-watching our award a 1st Battalion Royal Regiment of Wales t-shirt, which will certainly take pride of place in my kit cupboard.The afternoon brought one more fun as we all headed to the local swimming pool but there were a few differences in this centre (nudity being one difference!) there were slides, outdoor pools, diving boards, numerous jacuzzis, as well as a number of water fountains that appeared form all angles!
Fun was the element of the day, and this continued into the evening, as the film on show was Kangaroo Jack a great film and certainly worth a laugh! 
July 31st 2003
Our final day at camp involved a cultural element (with some fun thrown in as well!), which believe it or not, I think we all enjoyed. The day began with a tour of the SS camp, some 20 kilometres outside of Paderborn, and then we went to visit the famous Dam, another 20 kilometres further away not a sight for those suffering from vertigo!
Following a morning of historical meaning and content, we headed up into the mountains to Fort Fun - a German version of Oakwood!
What a great way to wrap up the week!After an afternoon on the rides and building up an appetite, it was time to head off to the barbeque hosted by the Colour Sergeant - a light relief to the food served on the military restaurant!
No, only joking, the grub has been pretty tasty throughout our time on the camp. August 1st 2003
Yet another 6 oclock wake-up call even on our farewell day!
And there's me thinking it was a summer holiday! Having packed away the kit and filled up the coach ready for the departure home, we said our 'thank yous' and goodbyes and climbed upon the coach for the 14 hour slog - hmm, journey back to Bridgend Headquarters and then it was back onto the M4 for me as I headed home to Swansea.Fabulous Time
So what would I say about the visit to Germany to join the regular soldiers of the Royal Regiment of Wales?
I had a fabulous time, and the trip was a great experience I even have something to show for my efforts and time in Paderborn heavy black bags under my eyes!
And some great memories and extra skills as well.Kyle James, 3 star corporal. 
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