Report from the 2025 Annual Training event

During the 2025 KRRC Training event at Camp Casey Historical Park, the Riflemen of the KRRC tried out a new site for a weekend of training and esprit de corps.

The event kicked off with an air of excitement as participants arrived on Friday, eager to immerse themselves in a weekend of training and camaraderie. Buttons were resewn, belts polished or blancoed, and the anticipation of the activities that lay ahead as lads socialized over dinner.

On Saturday morning, the day began with a hearty breakfast of potatoes, toast, and bacon that energized the lads for the training sessions ahead. The training commenced with a focus on unarmed drill. Starting with precision movements without arms, ensuring that each participant understood the prerequisite actions and learned the discipline and coordination required. This was followed by a session on drill with arms, where the Riflemen honed their skills in handling their weapons with efficiency and precision. Each Section broke up to practice in smaller groups for more hands on instruction.

After a well-deserved lunch break, the afternoon session consisted of additional drill on armed and close order drill. Swords were also fixed for training on how to fix and unfix swords.

The afternoon saw the men retreat to the barracks for cocktail hour and the evening brought the unit mess. A grand affair which buzzed with the electricity of shared experiences, good-natured rivalry, and lasted over 4 hours well into the night! Stories from the far reaches of the British Empire were recounted with gusto, each tale more incredible than the last.

The President of the mess kept order as best he could with the gavel. Consisting of numerous "points of order" for Mr. Vice and arguments made for and against numerous infractions. Following desert, the grog was prepared and various fines were levied by the President of the mess. The fines saw a mix of grog sampling and impromptu performances, each man called upon to contribute to the collective merriment. Whether it was a rousing chorus of a well-known tune or a dramatic recount of a daring escapade, every member played their part in keeping the spirit of the unit mess alive. After toasts, the President honored the British Army with a toast for its valor and dedication before convening the unit mess.

The next morning the lads had breakfast before packing up and saying goodbye, with all eager to return for next years training event.

Overall, the 2025 KRRC Training event proved to be a valuable and enriching experience for all participants, fostering a sense of camaraderie, skill development, and historical appreciation.