What We Do

Cadets receive instruction in
safe and accurate marksmanship

Shooting is an important part of our training programme and we teach it as a target sport, not as an aggressive military function. Accurate marksmanship is about skill and discipline - more important to us than death and destruction.

Like all training, shooting is progressive and safety is paramount. During Initial Weapon Training (IWT), cadets learn about the rifles and ammunition we use, how to safely handle and clean them, and the techniques behind accurate marksmanship. This training culminates with a written exam and a practical Weapons Handling Test (WHT). The WHT is then re-taken at regular intervals by cadets and staff alike in order to remain qualified. This is standard procedure for everyone involved in shooting throughout the military.

The first rifle that cadets fire is the Lee Enfield No 8 Rifle. It is a .22" calibre, single-shot, bolt-action rifle. Live firing is usually conducted on indoor firing ranges with targets placed 25 metres away.

The No 8 (.22 inch) Rifle is the first weapon that cadets fire

From the age of 14, when competent on the No 8 Rifle and having passed further training, cadets can progress to fire the L98A1 Cadet GP rifle at ranges of up to 600 metres. The L98A1 a version of the military's L85A1 Individual Weapon (IW, or SA80 as it is sometimes known).

Like the No 8 Rifle, the L98A1 is also a single-shot rifle, but the ammunition (up to 30 rounds of 5.56mm calibre) is fed into it from an attached magazine. The L85 is capable of firing one round every time the trigger is pulled and in full automatic mode, however this function has been removed from the L98 meaning that for every round to be fired, the firer must re-cock the rifle.

The L98A1 Cadet General Purpose rifle is a
version of the British Forces' SA80

There are occasionally opportunities for cadets for fire the L85A2 or the L86A2 Light Support Weapon (LSW). Click here to find out more about the L85A2.

Very proficient shots can go further and shoot highly accurate 7.62mm target rifles in competitions.

There are many regular competitions with all the rifles we use and at all levels, even between Services. Cadets can also gain marksmanship awards for which badges are worn on their uniform. These awards are made for achieving a set level of accuracy in different types of shooting style. The top award - Corps Marksman - is very prestigious.

Squadron Marksman

Wing Marksman

Region Marksman

Corps Marksman