Objective:
To equip cadets with practical bushcraft skills that enhance resilience, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities in both military and everyday situations.

Duration:
2 Days (Weekend Intensive) or 4 Days (Extended Training)


Day 1: Foundations of Bushcraft
 

1. Introduction to Bushcraft and Survival

   1. Overview of Bushcraft Philosophy. How bushcraft skills build resilience and confidence.

   2. Application to Military Life: Discuss how these skills relate to challenges faced in the field.
       

2. Basic Self-Aid and First Aid

   1. Self-Aid Skills: Quick response to common injuries in the bush (cuts, blisters, sprains).

   2. Practical First Aid: Bandaging, CPR, and improvising medical supplies.

   3. Emergency Response: How to respond to a serious injury in isolated environments. 
       

3. Shelter Building Techniques

   1. Types of Shelters: Hootchie/Poncho/Tarp setups, natural shelters, and hasty survival shelters.

   2. Environmental Considerations: Choosing the right location for a shelter.

   3. Military Application: Building low-profile shelters that are difficult to detect. 
       

4. Team Building: Shelter Challenge

• Cadets will work in teams to build shelters under time pressure, simulating field conditions.

 

Day 2: Mastering Core Skills
 

1. Fire Making Techniques

   1. Primitive Fire Lighting: Using friction (bow drill), flint and steel, and modern fire starters.

   2. Fire Management: How to control a fire, and what fires are best for warmth, cooking, and signaling.

   3. Military Application: Fire discipline in covert operations.
       

2. Water Sourcing and Purification

   1. Locating Water Sources: Identifying natural water sources in the bush.

   2. Purification Methods: Boiling, filtration, chemical purification, and using improvised methods (solar stills).

   3. Field Adaptations: Quick, portable water purification techniques for military expeditions.
       

3. Navigating Without a Map

   1. Natural Navigation: Using the sun, stars, and landmarks.

   2. Improvised Compass: Making a compass using materials found in the field.

   3. Military Navigation: Techniques for maintaining direction in unfamiliar terrain.
       

4. Field Cooking Skills

   1. Cooking with Minimal Supplies: Using rations, preparing simple meals with what’s available.

   2. Bushcraft Campfire Cooking: Preparing meals over a fire using basic bushcraft tools.

   3. Food Preservation: Methods to preserve food in the bush (smoking, drying).  

 

Day 3: Advanced Techniques and Scenarios
 

1. Knot Tying and Rope Skills

   1. Essential Knots: Learn and practice knots for shelter, climbing, and improvisation.

   2. Military Applications: Quick-release and tension knots for tactical purposes.
       

2. Camouflage and Concealment

   1. Basic Camouflage: Using natural materials to blend into the environment.

   2. Fieldcraft Techniques: Remaining hidden while moving through the bush.

   3. Military Applications: Adapting camouflage techniques for reconnaissance and patrol.
       

3. Group Survival Scenario

   1. Simulated Patrol Scenario: Cadets will encounter survival challenges such as injury, shelter loss, and resource depletion, requiring them to apply all the skills learned over the past few days.

   2. Debriefing and Reflection: How the scenario parallels real military challenges and the importance of teamwork and preparedness.
       

Day 4: Application and Review
 

1. Bushcraft and Military Strategy Integration

   1. How the skills learned align with military strategy.

   2. Fieldcraft mindset: Observation, patience, and adaptability.
       

2. Self-Reflection on Resilience

   1. Cadets reflect on how the course challenged their physical and mental limits.

   2. Linking the lessons learned in bushcraft to military resilience.
       

3. Closing Ceremony and Badge Awarding

   1. Recognition of skills mastered during the course, with a focus on leadership, teamwork, and survival

Additional Considerations:

• Note-Taking Requirement: Cadets are required to keep a field journal of the skills they’ve learned, reflecting on how they can apply them in military settings.

• Physical Challenges: Incorporate physical drills to simulate the strenuous conditions of military operations.

• Based Learning: Use hands-on scenarios where cadets must improvise solutions to problems such as lack of resources, injuries, and navigation challenges.- Scenario

This course can build on the existing fundamentals while enhancing cadets' military readiness and leadership skills through everyday bushcraft. Let me know if you'd like to expand on any sections or add more military-specific elements!