Observation · Teamwork · Resilience

Fieldcraft

Structured outdoor exercises that develop observation, communication, personal organisation, teamwork and practical field skills.

Outdoor skills

Learning to operate effectively outdoors

Fieldcraft introduces cadets to practical outdoor skills within controlled and supervised training.

The activity develops patience, situational awareness, communication, personal organisation and the ability to contribute effectively to a team.

Training is progressive and adapted to the cadets’ experience, the training location, available instructors and current RAF Air Cadets requirements.

Subject lead

CI Draper leads Fieldcraft at 402 Squadron and coordinates appropriate training and wider exercise opportunities.

Observe

Use awareness

Notice relevant detail and understand the surrounding environment.

Communicate

Work clearly

Use appropriate team communication during supervised exercises.

Organise

Prepare equipment

Manage personal kit and remain effective in an outdoor environment.

Team

Complete tasks together

Support the group and contribute to shared objectives.

Explore the programme

What fieldcraft training involves

Select a section below for more information about skills, exercises, equipment and progression.

Fieldcraft Skills

Practical learning in an outdoor setting

Training may introduce cadets to a range of approved practical skills.

Observation and situational awareness
Judging distance
Camouflage and concealment principles
Safe movement through outdoor environments
Hand signals and team communication
Personal organisation and equipment preparation
Team-based problem-solving
Field living and basic survival awareness

The exact content is selected according to the training objective, location and experience of the group.

Approved instruction

This page provides a public overview only. Detailed fieldcraft instruction is delivered through approved, supervised RAFAC training.

Exercises and Teamwork

Applying skills in context

Exercises allow cadets to combine observation, communication, leadership and practical organisation.

Briefing Understand the task, boundaries, timings and expected standards.

Preparation Check clothing, equipment, information and team roles.

Execution Apply learned skills while maintaining awareness and communication.

Review Identify lessons and improve future team performance.

Exercises are structured training activities and remain under adult supervision throughout.

Observation and Awareness

Understanding the environment

Fieldcraft encourages cadets to pay attention to their surroundings rather than concentrating only on the task immediately in front of them.

Cadets may develop:

Awareness of terrain and environmental conditions
The ability to identify relevant visual information
Patience and concentration
Understanding of team position and movement
Awareness of activity boundaries
The ability to report information clearly

These skills support navigation, adventure training, leadership and other practical activities.

Communication in the Field

Passing information effectively

Cadets learn that communication should be clear, appropriate to the situation and understood by the intended recipient.

Training may involve:

Listening carefully to a briefing
Passing information accurately
Using approved hand signals
Working with radio communications where appropriate
Confirming that instructions have been understood
Maintaining communication within a team
Reporting problems or concerns promptly

Communication training remains proportionate to the exercise and the experience of the cadets taking part.

Clothing and Equipment

Preparing for the environment

Cadets may need suitable outdoor clothing, footwear and personal equipment. Specific requirements are provided in the Joining Instructions or kit list for each activity.

Cadets should:

Read the issued kit list carefully
Bring the specified uniform or outdoor clothing
Wear suitable and serviceable footwear
Prepare for the expected weather
Carry food and water where instructed
Check that personal equipment is complete
Report missing or unsuitable equipment in advance

Uniform and purchases

Where No. 3 dress or other specialist clothing is required, cadets must follow the instructions issued for the activity. Do not purchase specialist equipment without first checking what is actually required.

Field Living and Personal Organisation

Remaining organised outdoors

Fieldcraft training can require cadets to manage themselves and their equipment away from the normal Squadron environment.

Cadets may develop:

Personal kit organisation
Appropriate care of clothing and equipment
Awareness of food, hydration and rest
Maintaining personal hygiene outdoors
Keeping shared areas orderly
Preparing for changing weather conditions
Supporting other members of the team

More extended field-living activity depends on qualified staff, suitable locations and the objectives of the training event.

Progression and Wider Opportunities

Developing confidence and competence

Cadets may progress from introductory fieldcraft lessons to longer and more complex supervised exercises.

Progression may include:

Introductory parade-night training
Short local practical exercises
Team and leadership tasks
Longer Squadron or Wing exercises
Field-living activities
Wing, regional or national training opportunities

Access depends on training, age, conduct, physical readiness, staffing, transport and the number of available places.

Taking Part

Preparation and responsible participation

Cadets taking part in fieldcraft are expected to arrive prepared, listen carefully and contribute positively to the exercise.

Participants should:

Attend the required preparatory training
Read the Joining Instructions
Bring the correct clothing and equipment
Follow the activity briefing and boundaries
Remain with the designated group
Report injury, illness or welfare concerns promptly
Respect the environment and training location

Activity changes

Fieldcraft activities may be changed, postponed or cancelled because of weather, land availability, staffing, transport or other operational considerations.

Subject lead

Questions about Fieldcraft?

Cadets and parents may contact the subject lead for general information about training, equipment, progression and suitable wider opportunities.

402 Squadron subject lead CI Draper Email the Subject Lead

Join 402 Squadron

Begin your cadet journey

Fieldcraft is introduced progressively through supervised training. No previous outdoor or fieldcraft experience is required before joining.