A new computer-based shooting system has been installed at Driffield army cadet centre, opening up new opportunities to cadets.
The Dismounted Close Combat Trainer (DCCT) allows cadets to shoot weapons via a computer simulation system in a controlled environment before progressing to firing cadet rifles on the ranges.
The equipment was donated by the MOD and installation was funded jointly by the RFCA and ACF, and is the only one of its kind at a cadet centre in the UK.
Huge difference
Pictured is RFCA permanent support staff, Andy Marshall, who was instrumental in getting the service up and running.
He said: ”This equipment has made a huge difference to cadets who otherwise would not have had the opportunity to try shooting. All cadet units in our area can now book to use this system at a fraction of the cost of ‘live’ firing outside.
“The feedback from cadets has been fantastic, they use it like a games console and are so busy having fun that they don’t realise the important lessons they’ve learnt until they venture outside to put their skills into practice”.
Coaching and confidence
“The DCCT offers a level of coaching and confidence that you don’t always get out on the ranges. It can detect errors by the firer that may be hard to spot by coaches outside and offers the ability to play back shots so users can see how close they were to where they were aiming for.”
Since opening in October 2021 around 1,000 army and air cadets have taken advantage of this unique training opportunity.
Although priority booking is given to the cadets the DCCT is also open for regular and reserve army units to use whenever available. The ACF are working hard to train as many volunteers as they can on how to use the equipment to allow all cadets to make use of this fantastic facility.
Cadet Air Rifle
In addition to the DCCT the ACF have recently received new air rifles and a portable range to allow many more to participate in shooting opportunities and progress through star levels as part of their Cadet syllabus.
Humberside and South Yorkshire ACF have received 196 air rifles and distributed 4 to each of their 49 locations throughout the region. The RFCA permanent support staff have been working closely with the 4th Infantry Brigade Cadet Training Team to ensure adult volunteers are fully trained to use the new air rifles enabling cadets to be taught to use them safely and in a controlled environment.