Students in Norfolk's newest school cadet force learnt how to apply camouflage cream and took part in night exercises in their first mission.
Eleven pupils from Hethersett Academy took part in the school's new Combined Cadet Force's first major manoeuvres, held at RAF Barnham, near Thetford, on Saturday, October 17.
Pupils spent the weekend at the camp, which is used as a training ground by the armed forces and was once used to store nuclear weapons.
Exercise October Fall saw the cadets - boys and girls from years eight, nine and 10 - learn a range of new skills, including building shelters, guard duty, and cooking their own ration packs.
Cadet force leader Melanie Hughes said: 'When we announced the cadet force we had a lot of interest from across the school.
'We asked them to write explaining why they would be a good cadet and more than 50 pupils applied.
'We now have a waiting list as we are currently limited in numbers, but we are hoping to quickly expand.'
All cadets earnt their half-star award - the first recognition of their developing skills.
'They absolutely loved it, and over the coming months they will find the areas that the really like,' Mrs Hughes said.
The weekend also saw a promotion for pupil Owain Lewis, whose existing experience in his local army cadet force saw him move up to the junior non-commissioned officer role of Lance Corporal.
The academy is initially being supported by the established cadet force at Wymondham College, with 10 members joining Hethersett pupils for the weekend's events.
'It has been fantastic having their support, and we had seniors cadets from Wymondham giving some of the training, which helps them build confidence and new skills too,' said Mrs Hughes.
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