Fieldcraft

Cadet Recruit Training Course

1st Edition 2012

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Contents
Qualities of a Cadet ................................................................................................................................. 2 Cadet traditions ...................................................................................................................................... 2 DPCU Uniform ......................................................................................................................................... 3 Ranks ....................................................................................................................................................... 4 Cadet ranks ......................................................................................................................................... 4 Officer Of Cadet ranks......................................................................................................................... 4 First aid.................................................................................................................................................... 5 Heat injuries ........................................................................................................................................ 6 Cold injuries ........................................................................................................................................ 6 Bites and stings ................................................................................................................................... 7 Fractures, sprains and strains ............................................................................................................. 8 Immobilising fractures .................................................................................................................... 8 RATEL ...................................................................................................................................................... 9 Phonetic Alphabet............................................................................................................................... 9 Radio checks...................................................................................................................................... 10 LOCSTAT ............................................................................................................................................ 10 CASEVAC............................................................................................................................................ 10 Navigation ......................................................................................................................................... 11 Bivouacs ................................................................................................................................................ 12 Fieldcraft tips .................................................................................................................................... 12 Shelter Construction ............................................................................................................................. 13 Lean To .............................................................................................................................................. 13 Inverted V.......................................................................................................................................... 13 Double Inverted V ............................................................................................................................. 13 Turtle Shell ........................................................................................................................................ 13

NB: Drill is not covered here, although it may be covered in future.

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Qualities of a Cadet
Cadets develop self-discipline, leadership, community service, physical wellbeing, integrity, rational justice, application, persistence, the ability to learn and initiative from their time as cadets. Cadets need the will to win, compliance with instructions, good dress and bearing, personal organisation, teamwork, confidence, attitude, interpersonal skills, a dedication to duty, honor, integrity, mateship, teamwork, courage and loyalty to be successful cadets.

Cadet traditions
The traditional hat of the Australian Army is known as the KFF (Khaki Fur Felt). The rising sun emblem is attached to the left of the hat and can be pinned up. The band of the KFF is known as a puggaree. It is a seven-folded turban that symbolises the states. The colour patch of your KFF identifies the battalion that you belong to. The coloured patch on the upper arms of your DPCU coat are known as biscuits. The left one has the sword and torch emblem of the AAC, and the right one has your state or units emblem on it. For detailed history and traditions of the AAC, check the Cadetnet.

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DPCU Uniform
Disruptive Pattern Combat Uniform is the official general uniform of the AAC and army. It must be worn at every cadet parade and field exercise. Khaki Fur Felt (KFF)/Bush Hat The KFF and Bush hat stay on indoors. Wear the bush hat with the chinstrap to the back to prevent choking Wear the KFF with the chinstrap on the chin. Your KFF is not a cowboy hat. Dont wear the brim up. DPCU Coat/Shirt Sleeves stay rolled down unless theres an emergency. Make sure your collar is down by ironing it. Keep your top button undone and shirt untucked. Button up your epaulettes (shoulder flap things). Replace missing patches on your DPCU. Button up your pockets and sleeve tighteners (things on wrist) at all times. Undershirt (optional) Your undershirt soaks up sweat and keeps you warm. Your undershirt should be khaki or brown only. Your undershirt should be tucked into your pants. DPCU Pants Button up your pants and zip up the fly. Wear a black or khaki belt if your pants dont fit properly. Button up the pockets at all times. RG Boots Boots must be bloused. Tuck your pants under a rubber band, and adjust the rubber band so that your laces are covered. This prevents things from crawling up your legs. Circle tie your laces: do them once, then tie them around the back of your boot, lace them again, tie a knot and pull a sock over your laces. We are no longer issued DP (black) boots we have RGs (khakis) now.

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Ranks
Cadet ranks

CDT CDTLCPL CDTCPL CDTSGT CDTSSGT CDTWO2 CDTWO1 CUO

Cadet Cadet Lance Corporal Cadet Corporal Cadet Sergeant Cadet Staff Sergeant Cadet Warrant Officer Class 2 Cadet Warrant Officer Class 1 Cadet under Officer

No insignia One chevron Two chevrons Three chevrons Three chevrons and a crown Enclosed crown Australian coat of arms 27 chevrons (also known as lozenge)

You address CUOs and WOs as SIR or MAAM, SGTs as Sergeants, CPLs as Corporals etc.

Officer Of Cadet ranks

2LT (AAC) LT (AAC) CAPT (AAC) MAJ (AAC) LTCOL (AAC) COL (AAC)

Second Lieutenant Lieutenant Captain Major Lieutenant Colonel Colonel

One pip Two pips Three pips Crown Crown and a pip Two pips and a crown

You address OOCs as SIR. Instructors of Cadets (IOCs) CPLs, SGTs and SSGTs have identical insignia to cadets.

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First aid
First aid is the immediate and initial care of casualties in lieu of proper medical care. It encompasses self aid (self-administered treatment) and buddy aid (administered by other cadets.) First aid aims to: Preserve Life Prevent Deterioration Protect the Unconscious Promote recovery First Aid Rules Never panic. Act confidently, and do not let the casualty see or talk about their wounds. If the casualty is conscious, ask them about what happened and what is wrong. Examine the casualty gently and rip or cut away clothing to expose wounds. Keep the casualty lying down with the head level and protect them from the elements. Only move people if it will improve safety or is absolutely necessary for first aid to occur. Do not give food or drinks by mouth in case it complicates anaesthesia. Asphyxia, cardiac arrest, severe bleeding, shock and severe bites are priority injuries. Protip: use the casualties' first aid kit, in case something happens and yours has been used up! DRSABCD If a patient is unconscious, follow DRSABCD. Move the patient away from harmful gases, check for injuries, loosen clothing at the neck, chest and waist and keep them under observation. Danger - is there danger to the rescuer, the casualty or bystanders? Response - check for consciousness (a response) by asking name, squeezing shoulders Send for help - call for dedicated medical help Airway -check the airway and clear it of foreign objects/liquids. Breathing - check for the rise and fall of the chest and listen for breath. Circulation/CPR Defibrillation Clearing the Airway Place one hand on the forehead, and one under the chin. Tilt the head backwards and move the jaw down. If there is a blockage, place the casualty in the lateral position and clear the blockage. Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Interlock the finger and heel of the hand when performing compressions. Perform compressions to a 1/3 of the chest, in the areas between the nipples. Give 30 Compressions to 2 breaths at 100 compressions per minute. DO NOT PERFORM CPR ON SOMEONE THAT IS BREATHING. It can cause severe injuries. When giving breaths, pinch the nose, pistol grip the chin and breathe in until the chest fills.

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Heat injuries
Heat injuries are caused by prolonged exposure to heat and the sun. They can usually be prevented by wearing a bush hat, staying in the shade and drinking frequently. Heat exhaustion Caused by excessive loss of water and salts from the body Symptoms: fatigue, headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting and stomach cramps, fainting, profuse sweating, weak, rapid pulse, fast and shallow breathing, thirst and pale, clammy skin. Move heat casualties to shade or other cool environment, then refer case to medical officer. Give fluids if conscious and loosen or remove excessive clothing If available, sponge the casualty with cool water and fan them. Heat stroke A core temperature overheat (>40C) resulting in brain damage and possible paralysis. Symptoms: dizziness, rapid pulse and breathing, nausea and vomiting, confusion and irritability, delirium, convulsions, dilated pupils, hot dry skin, unconsciousness Move casualty to shade and call for a Casevac immediately. Immerse casualty in cool or tepid water if available, give fluids and loosen clothing. Dehydration Symptoms: Inelastic skin, concentrated urine, sweating, reduced endurance, fatigue, fast heart rate, suppressed appetite, less alert, confused/irrational Increase water consumption, loosen clothing, move to shade.

Cold injuries
Cold injuries are generally caused by the loss of body heat. They are best prevented by wearing layers of dry, clean and well-fitting clothes and exercising extremities regularly. Hypothermia Happens when your core temperature drops under 35. Very likely to happen when people get wet or the weather changes suddenly Symptoms: shivering, impaired mental function, lethargy, irritability, confusion, lower appetite, pale and cold skin, irregular pulse, disorientation, low blood pressure Passively warm the casualty (i.e. give blanket) and replace wet clothing with dry clothing. Do not encourage exercise, give alcohol or use radiation heating like a fire.

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Bites and stings

General tips Keep your boots bloused and use common sense. D in DRSABCD dont get bitten yourself. Identify the species that caused the bite Watch out for allergic reactions and reassure casualties Tell your seco immediately if you feel something out of the ordinary Do not suck the venom out, cut, bleed or wash the bite site Never remove previously applied bandages or apply a tourniquet Pressure Immobilisation Only use pressure immobilisation for Australian snake bites, funnel web spider bites, severely allergic reactions, blue-ringed octopus bites and cone snail stings. 1. Apply a firm bandage over the bite site. 2. Tightly bandage from the fingers/toes as far up the bitten limb as possible. 3. Immobilise the limb with a splint (or strong stick) 4. Do not remove the bandage once applied. Snakebites Symptoms: headache, blurred or double vision, nausea and vomiting, breathing difficulties, anxiety, stomach pain, rapid, weak pulse, paralysis, difficulty swallowing, fang marks. Treatment: DRSABCD followed by rest of casualty, pressure immobilisation and reassurance. Keep the casualty calm and ensure that they do not engage in strenuous activity. Funnel web bites Funnel webs are black or reddish brown, with a smooth front body and a hairy abdomen. Symptoms: Muscle twitching and weakness, salivation and sweating, intense pain, nausea and vomiting, difficulty breathing, cooling of skin, rapid heartbeat, unconsciousness. Symptoms occur within 10 minutes. Immobilise like you would for a snake bite. Redback spider bites Reassure the victim: redback spider bites hurt, but they won't kill. Symptoms: chest and stomach pain, intense and spreading pain, sweating and swelling at site, nausea and vomiting, rapid heartbeat. DO NOT USE PRESSURE. DRSABCD, rest the casualty, apply ice and seek medical help. Bee stings Symptoms: bee sting barb, pain, itching and swelling at sting site. DRSABCD, remove sting or barb with sideways scraping movement, apply cold pack, use pressure immobilisation if allergic reaction occurs. Ticks

Symptoms: muscle weakness, difficulty swallowing/ or breathing, blurred or double vision. Lever or cut ticks out with thin scissors or tweezers. DO NOT BURN THEM OR SQUEEZE THEM. Clean tick bite site and tweezers and seek medical assistance if there is an allergic reaction.

Scorpions and centipedes Usually not fatal, but will cause pain and swelling. Keep wound in warm water. Leeches Not really dangerous, but distressing. Remove with salt or fire and sterilise wound. 7

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Fractures, sprains and strains

Fractures are injuries to bones and hard tissue, characterised by pain near site of injury, difficult movement, loss of power, deformities, tenderness, swelling, discolouration and bruising. When treating a fracture, follow DRSABCD, stem bleeding, check for fractures (open, closed or complicated), keep the casualty still, and immobilise the fracture. Check circulation regularly and seek medical attention. Immobilising fractures Use broad bandages to prevent movement of joints above and below the fracture. Support the limb by passing bandages under the natural hollows of the body. Place a padded splint along the injured limb to prevent movement. Place and secure padding between the splint and the natural contours of the body. Check that bandages are not too tight or too loose every 15 minutes. Fractured collarbones need the arm to be supported on the injured side in a St. John sling. Dislocated bones joints need rest, elevation and ice If youre not sure if an injury is a fracture, dislocation, sprain or strain, treat it as a fracture. Sprains and strains Sprains are joint injuries involving the tearing of ligaments and joints and strains are injuries to muscles and tendons. They are characterised by pain, swelling, stiffness and impaired mobility. Sprains and strains should be treated using RICE rest, icepacks, compression and elevation. Rest the casualty and the injured part. Icepacks wrap in wet cloth and apply to injury for 15 minutes every 2 hours for 24 hours. Compression apply elastic bandage firmly to extend well beyond the injury. Elevate the injured part and seek medical aid.

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RATEL
RATEL stands for Radio Telephone communications. Protips When speaking on the radio net, speak clearly and don't rush! Even if it's an emergency, chances are you'll miss out on important stuff and have to restart. Speak slightly slower than normal, with normal rhythm and volume. Don't interrupt a conversation that is in progress unless there is an emergency. If you don't hear something properly, say "Say again your last". Say Roger or Acknowledged to show that you understand. Repeat all grid references and numbers. I say again If you want to say something after an out, you need to restart communications. Never say Over and out or I repeat. Dont swear, panic or chat. In RATEL, over means your turn to talk and out means end of conversation.

Phonetic Alphabet
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z Alpha Bravo Charlie Delta Echo Foxtrot Golf Hotel India Juliet Kilo Lima Mike November Oscar Papa Quebec Romeo Sierra Tango Uniform Victor Whisky X-ray Yankee Zulu

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Radio checks
Radio checks are performed to check the radio strength (volume) and readability (sound quality) of operators on the radio net. They are performed hourly. [Zero Alpha], this is [One Bravo] over [One Bravo], this is [Zero Alpha] over [Zero Alpha], this is [One Bravo]. Radio check, over. [One Bravo], this is [Zero Alpha]. (Loud/soft) and (Clear/Distorted) over [Zero Alpha] this is [One Bravo] roger, out

LOCSTAT
Locstats are performed to inform HQ of a units location and status. [Zero Alpha], this is [One Bravo] over [One Bravo], this is [Zero Alpha] over [Zero Alpha], this is [One Bravo] LOCSTAT over [One Bravo], this is [Zero Alpha] Send over [Zero Alpha] this is [One Bravo] Serial Alpha: [One Bravo] (your units callsign) Serial Bravo: [Grid 190920] I say again [Grid 190920] (current grid reference) Serial Charlie: Halted (units status: halted or moving) Serial Delta: [Grid 180920] I say again [Grid 180920] (next intended grid reference) Over. [One Bravo], this is [Zero Alpha] over [Zero Alpha] this is [One Bravo] roger, out

CASEVAC
CASEVACs are performed to request the evacuation of casualties. [Zero Alpha], this is [One Bravo] over [One Bravo], this is [Zero Alpha] over [Zero Alpha], this is [One Bravo] Casevac Casevac Casevac [priority] over (in a simulated casevac, say simcas simcas simacas after casevacs) (in a real casevac, say noduff noduff noduff after casevacs.) [One Bravo], this is [Zero Alpha] send over [Zero Alpha], this is [One Bravo] over Serial Alpha One Bravo (your units call sign) Serial Bravo Grid 190201 I say again Grid 190201 (grid reference of pickup point) Serial Charlie 0 (no. of mobile/walking casualties) Serial Delta 2 (no. of immobile/lying casualties) Serial Echo Fractured leg (brief description of injuries) Serial Foxtrot PRI 2 (Priority 1/2/3 1 is life threatening) Serial Golf Stretcher (special equipment required) Serial Hotel One Bravo 31.15 (callsign and frequency at RV) Serial India Strobe lights (method of marking evac zone) [One Bravo], this is [Zero Alpha]. Acknowledged. Over. (or say again, over.) [Zero Alpha], this is [One Bravo] out. Note: Priority 1 needs evacuation in 1 hour to prevent death or permanent injury, PRI 2 needs evacuation in 6 hours, PRI 3 needs evacuation in 24 hours. If in doubt, state higher priority.

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Navigation
Marginal information Marginal information is found in the margins. It includes: The title of the map The country the map is in Scale and contour information Map ordering information: map series, number and edition number Production information: method of production, indication of accuracy Universal Grid Reference: made up of six digits. Read horizontal before vertical. North point Diagram: shows True north, Grid north, Magnetic North. Legends: tell you what each symbol or colour means. Navigation in mils and Degrees Navigation in degrees 1 circle = 360 degrees. 1 degree = 60 minutes. 1 minute = 60 seconds. The degree system is good for maths but bad for navigation, as degrees are too big for navigation and minutes and seconds are far too small for navigation purposes. Navigation in mils 1 circle = 6400 mils. (North is 0 mils, East is 1600, South is 3200, West is 4800 and so on.) 1 mil subtends 1 metre at 1000 metres. This makes navigation easy using mils. Bearings Bearings are the angle (measured clockwise) that a point makes to a fixed zero (north point.) True north: the direction of the north pole. Grid north: North on the map Magnetic north: North on the compass. As magnetic north moves around all the time, you can convert grid to magnetic and magnetic to grid to account for easterly magnetic variation. Reading a bearing 1. Hold the compass flat in your hand and point the directional arrow at the required direction. 2. Turn the housing (movable bit) until red is in the shed. 3. Record reading. If you need to take a back bearing, add or subtract 3200. Shooting a bearing 1. Turn housing until required bearing shows. 2. Turn compass housing keeping it flat until red is in the shed 3. Walk in direction of directional arrow Reading a bearing on a map 1. Line the edge of the compass up with the two points, with the directional arrow pointing the way you are going. 2. Turn housing until red and black lines are parallel with vertical lines on the map. 3. Read the bearing shown. Performing a resection 1. Choose three landmarks about you. 2. Shoot a bearing to each one and calculate a magnetic to grid back bearing 3. Draw back bearings from the three landmarks. You are where the lines intersect.

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Bivouacs
Stuff you should always bring on a biv A bush hat to protect from sun exposure. Thick socks to protect against blisters and provide warmth. An undershirt for windproofing and sweat catching. A jumper for warmth in the mornings. A japara in case it rains and for windproofing. A daypack with a 60+ litre capacity. Adjust it so that it is comfortable - if the weight lies on your shoulders instead of your waste, you're doing it wrong. First aid kit Hootchie sheet or a tent, 5-10 metres of cord to keep it up, 12 tent pegs. Foam roll or air mattress and a sleeping bag. PJs. You can't sleep in your DPCU. Toiletries, toilet paper and toothbrushes in a plastic bag A cup canteen and 2L of water capacity. Extra underwear, socks, hand sanitiser and baby wipes. A torch with a red cellophane filter. Optional stuff which will make your life easier Food without peanuts in it - especially compact stuff like noodles and chocolate. Sushi rolls, sandwiches and tortillas are really good on one or two day bivs. A gas or hexamine stove, KFS and matches. A hammer or a swiss army knife (no fixed blades allowed) Fingerless gloves or a balaclava for cold mornings Baby wipes for bird bathing (wiping sweaty places) Stuff you can do to improve your biv Dig a ditch around your hootchie if it's going to rain Keep your DPCU in your sleeping bag so that it stays warm Clean your cup canteen so that you don't get sick Relieve yourself in designated latrines so that the entire camp doesnt get sick Pick up your rubbish so that the entire platoon doesnt have to emu bob Bring food that is sweet or salty to make up for heavy physical activity. Avoid eating in tents so that you dont get ants in your hootchie Roll up your sleeping bag after reveille to prevent things crawling in (esp. snakes) Maintain your tent by keeping everything but your sleeping bag and mat in your pack

Fieldcraft tips
Being able to judge distances accurately, perceptive, alert and confident is important to fieldcraft. Remember your camouflage and concealment: if they cant see you, you wont get shot! When trying to hide, remember shape, silhouette, spacing, shine, shadow and movement. Your shape can be broken up by putting twigs into your bush hat or going prone. Your silhouette is lowered if you monkey run or leopard crawl. Your spacing can be made irregular, especially if youre in an ambush position. Your shine can be reduced by dulling shiny surfaces with dirt or putting them in your bag. Your shadow can be reduced by sticking to areas where your shadow will not be obvious. Movement is the biggest give away, especially during night when hearing is your main sense. Try not to make sounds when you move and get comfy, especially if youre in an ambush scenario.

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Shelter Construction
Although some bivs will allow you to bring tents, knowing how to construct a hootchie can save you a lot of weight and space in your pack. Hootchies generally only need one or two hootchie sheets, 6 metres of cord and up to 12 pegs to construct, and are compact enough to be carried in webbing. When finding a spot to put your hootchie, remember the following tips: Make sure you have a flat position to deploy in, or youll have an uncomfortable night. Dont deploy under trees with loose or weak branches. Although you can clear plants, try and avoid it because it avoids insects. Dont set up within a metre of an insect nest. Make sure that you can actually fix your pegs into the ground.

Lean To
Lean to hootchies only protect users from the sun, but are easy to build and only need one sheet. Tie the ropes to two nearby trees or poles and peg the ground edges to make a shelter.

Inverted V
This design needs one hootchie sheet, 2 ropes, 2 trees and 4 pegs. It fits one person. Fold your cover sheet in half longways, then attach ropes to the corners youre going to tie to the tree and peg down the rest of the corners so that rain flows away. When youre done, youll get a mostly waterproof if cramped shelter. You can make an inverted V with just 1 tree too, although it makes getting out difficult.

Double Inverted V
This design needs two hootchie sheets, 2 ropes, 2 trees and 4-6 pegs. Button your two hootchie sheets together, and attach ropes to the centre fold and tie them to nearby trees. Dont thread a rope through the middle, because it doesnt give enough tension. If you dont like saggy hootchies and have conveniently placed trees, use ropes to tie the tags in the middle of your hootchie sheet to the trees and get more space. When you build your double inverted V, remember that height = wind and wind = cold. Unless youve got windbreaks, your bonus headspace will make you very cold. Unless you have a really good sleeping bag, 85cm clearance is good.

Turtle Shell
Turtle shells need less string than an inverted V and only one pole. Button your two hootchie sheets together, the attach ropes to the point where the two sheets are buttoned together and tie it to a nearby tree. Peg down the rest of the corners. OTHER TIPS Use quick release knots to save time and effort taking down your hootchie. Although we only list the materials you need to put up the hootchie, bring extra hootchie sheets to use as ground sheets in case it rains or you dont want your stuff to get dirty.

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