Combat Infantry Course - CIC (Reserves)
I recently completed the 15-day Combat Infantry Course (CIC; Reserves; 2023) at Vimy Barracks in Catterick. Continuing my series on Army Reserve training, I thought it would be helpful to share some insights, hints, and tips for anyone considering/preparing for CIC. It's important to note that this course is continually evolving, so my experience may differ from yours.
Preparation
Prior to attending CIC, it is crucial to emphasise that fitness is important. Completing a full RFT (S) with your unit beforehand is strongly recommended to ensure you’re fully prepared. If you fail the RFT (S), you will be Returned to Unit the same day. It is the only element of the course with a hard pass/fail. It isn't difficult to pass, so long as you practise. My approach was to run 5km with a 10kg weight in the months leading up to it.
Course Structure
Day 0 – Friday: Arrive at ITC Catterick Vimy Barracks no earlier than 1800. Spend the evening preparing kit for the RFT (S) to save time and keep your mind occupied. Be sure to meet those in your section/room. They will be your rock throughout the course.
Day 1 – Saturday: The morning is spent completing the Weapons Handling Test. The afternoon and evening is focused on preparing and weighing kit for the RFT (S). The shop is closed on a Saturday.
Day 2 – Sunday: The RFT (S) is conducted in the morning on hilly terrain at the training area out back (Land of Nod). This includes a 4km tab (55 minute pace) and a 2km run (within 15 minutes). After this, we tabbed to the astroturf for the remaining RFT (S) serials. The afternoon involved briefings on harbour occupation, kit preparation for the Intro Ex, and a kit inspection. It’s a long day, so moral boosts throughout the day are a must (sweets!).
Day 3 – Monday: We deployed to the field around 0900, with a 3km tab to the harbour location (+snap ambush location). We prepared the harbour for occupation and had lessons on target indication and six section battle drills.
Day 4 – Tuesday: The day was filled with lessons, including pairs fire and manoeuvres. We also had a night exercise with HMNVS and night familiarisation.
Day 5 – Wednesday: The harbour location was attacked at reveille, leading to a bug out and a casualty drag to the Bayonet lanes. After Bayonet, we tabbed back to ITC Catterick and spent the remainder of the day cleaning weapons. Note: Clean your weapons quickly to maximise downtime.
Day 6 – Thursday: We spent the day on the ranges practising the ACMT. Due to the small course size, practice was completed by 1500, and we stood down at 1600. It’s advisable to perform a battle clean of your rifle when not on point.
Day 7 – Friday: This followed the previous day's pattern, but we completed the official ACMT. Everyone passed by 1500, and we stood down by 1700.
Day 8 – Saturday: The morning included lessons on fighting in forests and built-up areas, section and platoon attacks. We then prepared our kit for the final exercise and had the rest of the day to ourselves.
Day 9 – Sunday: Spent at the urban training complex, learning how to fight in urban areas and conduct rolling section attacks. The best part of the course.
Day 10 – Monday: Continued building upon the skills and drills for urban warfare.
Day 11 – Tuesday: Deployed on the final exercise, which included a 5km tab to the harbour location in patrol formation. This was a full tactical deployment reinforcing all prior learnings.
Day 12 – Wednesday: Continued the final exercise with a night reconnaissance mission and section attacks.
Day 13 – Thursday: Further continuation of the final exercise, including a night ambush and fighting in forests.
Day 14 – Friday: The final day of the exercise culminated in a full platoon attack over 2km of undulating terrain (with a 6km tab to the location), followed by a casualty drag. We then tabbed back to Catterick for weapons cleaning and block jobs.
Day 15 – Saturday: Completed block jobs and stood down at 1000. Course complete.
The course is physically demanding, so having a solid training programme is essential. Also, pack plenty of sweets to provide a much-needed morale boost.
This relates to 2023.
