Rifle training for the Oxford URNU

It’s not often that the URNU are able to undertake small arms training, so the Unit was delighted when we were given the chance courtesy of SSgt Starling of the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers.

The URNU doesn’t currently have weapons training within its core training package so an evening of rifle introduction courtesy of the Army was a welcome change.

SSgt Starling gave an initial brief on both the L85A2 and its Light Support Weapon variant, with a full run down of the components of each and different options available for both weapon systems.

The session also included training material used by our Army counterparts in the Oxford OTC.

The training then ran through the general operation of the weapon system and was followed by an opportunity for some light hearted competition. The drills were designed to teach safe practice and enable the operator to troubleshoot any issues that may arise.

Two teams took it in turns in conducting the various drills learnt during the training with the threat of press ups for any errors in the drills.

As an added twist to the proceedings cadets were paired with another in the opposing team and it was down to them to pick up on slip ups. The peer evaluation was a source of much entertainment with both teams clocking up many fines.

OCdt Nick Chrumka said “Learning a new set of skills away from our usual training programme proved to be an enjoyable and informative experience. The overall response from the unit members was a good one with a unanimous verdict that we would all like to see more training like this in the future”.

Lieutenant Will Jones RN, Commanding Officer of the Oxford URNU said, “There is a huge amount of interest within the Unit for weapon training, which I see as an essential part of the Armed Forces experience. This session was the first step in putting together the first URNU shooting team to compete in future RN shooting competitions”.

Oxford is one of 15 URNUs located across the UK offering opportunities to 750 undergraduates from the country’s leading universities.

The URNU aims to broaden understanding of the Royal Navy among university students. It offers students who show leadership potential the chance to develop these skills through maritime experience and exposure to the Royal Navy’s values and ethos.

The URNU is a chance to experience military life without commitment and gain new skills applicable to all walks of life.