Staff, Sea Cadets and Royal Marines Cadets from across the country competed in this year’s Royal Navy Junior Leaders Field Gun competition at HMS Collingwood, Fareham on Friday 6 July

The teams were made up of young people who have either recently joined the armed forces, just begun apprenticeships with the University Technical Colleges, are attending local community colleges, or are part of the Military Cadet Forces.

With no previous field gun experience, teams competed to build and transport a field gun along specialised marked tracks, measuring 85 metres. Teams only stopped to complete specific actions and all with the aim to run home penalty free with the fastest time.

The Junior Leaders Challenge is the only competition open specifically for new recruits and youths, offering them a chance to work as a team and challenge themselves in a unique setting. 

Lieutenant Commander (SCC) Victoria Marson RNR, who was leading the team, said: “Our cadets and volunteers trained hard during the week leading up to the competition, it was great seeing them coming together as a team.