ACF Fieldcraft: Building Shelter (video lesson)

[@tristangemmasebastiandavie9351]

Nicely presented video mate. Thank you very much and keep them coming

[@CadetBooks]

Thanks very much! D

[@peterevans8194]

Just wanted to say thanks for giving your time up as a Cadet Instructor...its a very worthwhile endeavour indeed...

[@CadetBooks]

Thanks, Peter! It's extremely rewarding and I think it's a great organisation to be a part of! Dave

[@chaos7121]

Good clear video. It's a good tip to keep your doss bag inside the bivvy bag, when it's stuffed in your bergen. That way if you're setting up in the rain your doss bag doesn't get wet.

[@CadetBooks]

Thanks Alex. Good advice! D

[@Backs4more]

Bungees and cadets are a dangerous combination ;) I am a fan of para cord or a slightly thinner cord with jungle knots in it. Lighter, don’t take up as much room, can be attached permanently to the basher and if you are really flash, you can add small pockets to the basher to tuck the cord into.

[@robshirewood5060]

Ball Bungees, a loop of shock-cord with a plastic ball, and paracord or webbing tape are safer with a karabiner at each end of the ridgeline. Ball bungees with tent pegs too. Quick to put up and quick to get down for a fast tactical extraction when you get bounced by staff. I am a medical professional and have seen too many injuries from those hooks. Agree on your use of jungle knots or a jungle loop line, also tree spreaders which do not leave marks on trees and thus tactically sterile, no tracking by opposition. The ball bungees can also be fixed permanently to the basha sheet grommets or loops and lessen the strain on the fabric as they absorb the shock due to wind etc In winter i use a white over-sheet and white bungees. Always useful to carry two lightweight ponchos to add to the basha for more shelter. I am not former ACF I started out with ATC, did some courses at Frimley Park and got lucky to be trained by the RAF Regiment, Royal Marines and Army over the years as a cadet, and into adult service to date. I can recommend that all cadets learn to sew and adapt their kit as they progress into adulthood, until they can repair their kit or even design and make their own, its a skill of great value. Any fool can be uncomfortable, the smart man can customise and make life more comfortable. God speed and a salute to all here.

[@greghardman5064]

Nice clear presentation..but with regards the way you set the basha up the silicone sealed seam should be on the underside...just like they are on the inside of your waterproof gear.. 😉👍

[@CadetBooks]

Thanks Greg, you're absolutely right! that bit has caused quite a lot of interest and people were arguing over it a while back so we checked it out. The response from the manufacturer was exactly as you said. The general feedback though was that for cadets sleeping out in the summer months for a night or two it probably doesn't make a lot of difference and they tend to return to camp if the weather is that bad. I might just add a caption to highlight it on the video though. Cheers, Dave

[@seasoldier3902]

Very well presented. Enjoyed watching it. Points already mentioned i.e. Dull side up and using bungies are reinforced. I would suggest placing the sleeping mat inside the bivy bag. Preventing the cadet/soldier from sliding off the insulation during the night. This adds to the insulating properties of the sleeping system. The sleeping bag filling is crushed by body weight which reduces the body heat retention. Having the mat inside the bivvy bag will help keep warm air around the body within the bivy bag. Strongly advise not to creep down right inside and draw the string, at the top, so tight over their head (creating an MTP cacoon), in order to prevent excess condensation!

[@CadetBooks]

Thanks very much. Some great tips there too! Cheers, D

[@alexr3599]

I have a fc weekend in arround 2 days from now and I have to say this is going to help massively thank you so much!

[@CadetBooks]

No worries, I'm glad you found it useful! There are lots of variations on how to put your shelter together so I'm sure you'll pick up more tips when you're away. Enjoy your first FC weekend.

[@robmcguire7534]

"Waxy" side goes downwards big lad. Other side has the IRR treatment. Although, I doubt an IR signature will prove to be a massive issue on a cadet camp.

[@CadetBooks]

Thanks Rob, cadets seem to always be taught wax side up as it is more waterproof. Again, probably not a lot of difference there either, haha! Cheers, D

[@praetorian65]

@@danube5605 The pams (both the Infantry DCC and the Cadet one) are actually surprisingly light on details, however there is an easy way to work it out - One side has handles for using it as an emergency stretcher and the other has a single loop in the middle. The loop goes uppermost so it can be pulled upwards. The stretcher handles do not work very well for this.

[@TheCelticBrotherhood]

Not gonna lie that looks well comfortable despite the fact that they’re used for sleeping in the field 🤣🤣👌

[@CadetBooks]

After a hard day in the field, it will feel like a luxury hotel!

[@TK1468Trooper]

Actually at 3:33 he has the basher upside down, the "wax" side should be facing down and not up, as the attached staps are for fixing your bungees too.

[@CadetBooks]

Thanks for your comment. I’ve always been taught wax side up as it is more waterproof. There are loops on both sides for attaching bungees or cord. I’ll definitely research it though. Cheers. D

[@easygroove]

that "wax" side also will be more visible / shine - the other side has a more matt finish - will help with camo ...

[@thesouthernwoodsmanuk216]

Very in depth video of how to have a stealth lean 2. Thank you so much.

[@eastcoastkravmaga7533]

Great resource, looking forward to more videos to help with teaching our cadets

[@CadetBooks]

EastCoastKravMaga Scotland - Great, thanks!

[@nigelgregory4777]

Finding the information you put out brilliant in helping me try to train myself ready to get back to adult training, you have replied to some of my comments already and I may have more questions before this covid is over, I'm guessing that this is one star training?

[@meganfryer4847]

I have been praying for these videos for so long for my cadets! Now going to spam our companies facebook page with them. Thank you!

[@CadetBooks]

Brilliant glad you're finding them helpful!

[@ThepPixel]

This reminds me of my 5 years in the cadets. I even taught my brother some things about shelter building and hes IN the army now 😂 great stuff

[@CadetBooks]

Thanks very much, I'm glad you enjoyed it! D

[@little_weed192]

I’m going into the army in 2 years or so, hope your brother is doing well

[@simonward4520]

Bungee cords are a god send, I don't know many knots but I do add three mtrs on each corner of para cord doubled up, so 6 mtrs doubled and tie knots in at 6 inch apart, this give loops and more flexibility if trees are not in ideal position. Plus this give you jungle knots which are useful if bungee cord breaks.

[@clivenewton7609]

Jungle knots first choice, bungees only if all else fails! Bungees will snag your kit, snap, loose elasticity, and in a rush smack you in the face!! The pros of jungle knots are almost limitless, none of the above for starters, takes up less space in your bergen etc. etc. etc!!!! Regards from the Senior Service 👍

[@Trutermanyes]

Also you can use rope instead of bungies

[@CadetBooks]

Especially good idea with younger cadets as a safer option. Thanks. D

[@mortegi]

Excellent instructions......easy to follow.....now subscribed

[@CadetBooks]

Thanks very much, glad you found it useful! D

[@tjfm59]

when using a stick inside the lean to version, allways pad the top that is resting against your basher / tarp. this will provide more protection against poking holes / wearing out the contact spot.

[@CadetBooks]

Good tip, thanks! D

[@Jib230181]

Very good video on how to build a basha it was explained very well too.

[@CadetBooks]

Thanks very much.I appreciate the feedback! There are always variations, but hopefully this gives a good general idea.

[@Jib230181]

@@CadetBooks I enjoyed watching it and brought back lots of memories especially trying to put one up in the very cold peeing down rain and muddy terrains in Yorkshire lol 😂. Keep up the good work in training our next generation soldiers too.

[@scotbotvideos]

Not just for cadets during peace-time but also good for civvies bugging-out when TSHTF.

[@robshirewood5060]

A realist and a man of vision, it works for adult personnel too, and i am sure the way things are going TS will HTF in the not too distant future unfortunately.

[@Trutermanyes]

Personally from Nantwich detachment I'd say ad some vegetation around the basha to make it look like it belongs there

[@CadetBooks]

Good shout!

[@phill2010uk]

I used to crimp one end of the bungees onto my basher so that you don't lose them when packing up in the morning.

[@CadetBooks]

phill2010uk Good tip, thanks for the comment! D

[@lordgiblets7585]

9:07 While I do intend to get a 4 season bag for winter use, 3 season would be too warm during the summer where I live (central Arkansas), so I went with a 2 season bag. If that isn't warm enough, even after being paired with my bivy, I can put a poncho liner in there. (I should point out that I have an 80L ruck, so it's going to be able to handle the bulk.)

[@CadetBooks]

Sounds good to me!

[@nigelgregory4777]

Great presentation, but do you know how to tie a knot?, quick release, Gmacf do not allow bungee for cadets, possible injury claims, also if you were stuck in a hard place, what would you do???,

[@Foxtrottangoabc]

Bunjees are not allowed at my work which is a big telecom company. I ignored this rule and inside the van once stretching the bungee out to attach it , it came undone , it wacked me right in the forehead , and for a brief sec I though I was gonna go down 🤣 it really hurt 🤣 now I respect the bungee 💪 the army has been using bungees for decades for poncho and bashas

[@peterstubbs5934]

Bunjees only. If you have to bug out, you`ll have a lot of fun with cold, wet hands trying to undo the knots. Yes, I know you can fasten them using quick release knots BUT when they get wet, they can swell etc. Failure to bug out from the basher quick enough with an incoming enemy, could result in you having to cut your cords because time is vital and there probably wont be a lot of it. Therefore having to leave your basher behind which isnt going to be pleasant for you cover wise, from then on. Sadly alls we had when I was serving was a poncho, no such thing as goretex of course. We all bought Aussie ponchos because they were far superior to our issued ones. 2 Para 74-97.

[@sharkdoggo7515]

This makes me think of when my battle buddy forgot our basha XD We had to use a rain coat that turns into one and it barely fit one of us, never mind 2!

[@CadetBooks]

That used to be quite normal for cadets to use a poncho for shelter. They were tiny though and were not good for 2 cadets! I'm glad we use bashas now! haha

[@johnscott841]

The waxy side should be down, the hoops and eyelets are used to create a ridgeline on your basha

[@CadetBooks]

Thanks John. I’ve always done the wax side up but that’s not to say there aren’t different ways though so good to mention. D

[@johnscott841]

@@CadetBooks 100 ways to skin a cat bud

[@Marctunstall]

@@johnscott841why does it have that wax line and the single loop ?

[@Adventuristic89]

i go tarp camping often ive never in my life used those bungee cord things i suppose it works

[@Dr.Jivago-x8u]

Too much comfort comrades! 🔴

[@butxn]

Are you part of boxley or moncktons cadet force cos i wanna join soon

[@CadetBooks]

No, I’m not but they are both good detachments. Register your interest in the National ACF website and they will put you in touch with the right people. Good luck and I hope you go for it.

[@butxn]

@@CadetBooks what kit do you get issued when you join

[@CadetBooks]

@@butxn You should get all of your uniform with the exception of boots that you will need to buy yourself. Ideally get yourself some brown leather, water resistant boots from somewhere like Cadet Direct. A lot of the other items you need for training will be given to you on loan as and when you need them so you shouldn't need to buy much else at all. Good luck with it.

[@TheCotswoldBushman]

Unfortunately this is setting a bad example to all campers and cadets as he is trampling all of the bluebells in that area (a protected species in the UK). I know that this isn't known by all unless your from a rural area. But this is something that should be considered when choosing a camp site for a night.

[@CadetBooks]

Thanks for your comment, good point! This was filmed during lockdown in 2020 when I had to get some training material out to our cadets and the only available location was a thin strip of woodland at the back of my house. I deliberately used a path in and avoided damaging anything as much as possible. Cadets are taught to make as little impact on their surroundings as possible too. Good to see that there wasn't a single area in the woods that didn't have some bluebells in though!

[@Backs4more]

They are protected, but only the sale and trading of their seeds and bulbs. Schedule 8 of the Wildlife and countryside act, 1981. Treading on them should be discouraged but it is not illegal.

[@melvalter3392]

Yeah but he had a valid reason to do so don’t assume and it’s not a bad setting because he is telling us how to do it and it’s very clear to understand him.he’s not teaching us about flowers is he

[@alexfrag]

Very good....as European forrests are gentle, what we should use, for example, in tropical forrests, as they are much more dense and full of dangerous animals and insects.

[@CadetBooks]

Good question, I'm not entirely sure, but I would think you would want to keep off of the jungle floor if possible. Let me know if you find out a good way to do it. Thanks.

[@johntreadaway47]

How many times can you say the word “ basha “ in one video? 😁

[@LeeAndHisReviews]

What size bungees do you recommend

[@CadetBooks]

Hi, I'm pretty sure the ones I have are around 30". If they are a bit long, you can wrap them around a tree to take up the slack and if they are a bit short, you can join several together. See what good deals you can get. eBay has some good multi-pack prices. Thanks, D

[@eethal3366]

14minute video to tell me, tie a tarp between two poles and stake it in the ground.

[@hollysmith8711]

what do you use if you aren’t allowed bungee cords

[@CadetBooks]

If you can't use bungees, use green string or para cord. This roll from Amazon would be enough to keep you going for lots of Fieldcraft exercises: www.amazon.co.uk/Kombat-UK-Lightweight-Paracord-available/dp/B00O9WX7SC/ref=sr_1_7?adgrpid=60091854184&gclid=CjwKCAjwquWVBhBrEiwAt1Kmwt5-Eak2CQnshkuNEK34oTeJKe-4EdUvvh29zzf-VZnHqARtdIoT6RoCVN0QAvD_BwE&hvadid=498965707648&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=1006770&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=7641486033151433664&hvtargid=kwd-400452760&hydadcr=171_2344848&keywords=paracord&qid=1656317620&sr=8-7

[@netskymusic7257]

Can you do a L98A2 breakdown and explanation?

[@CadetBooks]

A bit tricky with weapons, but may be able to do a presentation at some point. Thanks.

[@sebco223]

I'm in the cadets, How do you spell Nafee? Is that it?

[@CadetBooks]

Hi, it's NAAFI. (Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes).

[@sebco223]

@Cadet Books Oh ok, thanks.

[@timypp2894]

I only see a face and two hands in the video.

[@simonweber415]

name of the isomatt its nice

[@CadetBooks]

I can't remember which brand I have, but this is the sort of thing: www.ebay.co.uk/itm/303870213370?epid=28008801108&hash=item46c0137cfa:g:nFUAAOSwC71gGVDq

[@ozzygrunt4812]

Good demo LT, the basha/hootchie, that your setting up looks like it’s in a firing lane. I do understand that it’s a ‘demo only’, but you mentioned a patrol harbour and the staff will tell you were to go in that harbour. Oh, just a side note from a regular army soldier, if you’ve got a ‘battle buddies’, join your bashas together. Of course the terrain will dictate if you can set up a double basha. Set up the basha at last light and drop prior to first light I.e after stand to at night and just prior to stand to in the morning. Cheers, Ozz

[@CadetBooks]

Great stuff, thanks Ozzy! D

[@leeadams5902]

Set an example to the youngsters and wear your beret properly.

[@melvalter3392]

it’s his life mate don’t be worrying about some random guy trying to teach people just because of his beret

[@chxrzFN]

Gosh his cam cream is shocking

[@chrisbaker3003]

if you dont mind me asking, whats on the back of your webbing, looks like a mat or something?

[@CadetBooks]

Hi Chris, it's actually a hessian sack rolled up. Used to collect brass after a blank firing exercise. D

[@chrisbaker3003]

@@CadetBooks thanks for getting back to me 👍🏼

[@breezeevents2975]

Hey guys whats the best email address to contact you on?

[@breezeevents2975]

could you guys drop us an email at [e-mail] got a couple of ideas for you

[@CadetBooks]

Hi, email address is [e-mail] Thanks

[@breezeevents2975]

@@CadetBooks Thanks will drop you an email

[@CoryDevita-x6u]

Porter Square

[@CarlosSmith-s1p]

Prosacco Canyon

[@curlywirly1945]

could of at least had a wash before filming...

[@melvalter3392]

It’s cam cream are you dumb 💀

[@khiyan_autistic]

Wdym

[@BigArch6564]

Error don't we call this a poncho?

[@CadetBooks]

Hi, thanks for your comment. This can be called a poncho if using a poncho rather than a basha sheet. Quite tricky to fit 2 cadets under a poncho so a basha is preferred where possible in the ACF. D

[@jdo1014]

'Poncho' is a bit more old school; when we got issued actual ponchos. I call it a poncho/bivvy myself. Horses for courses.

[@CadetBooks]

@@jdo1014 Nothing wrong with old school!

[@jasip1000]

@@CadetBooks a poncho is kind of a square tarp with a hood on it that also can be used as a raincoat.

[@andrewjohnston4127]

Nah a poncho has a hood, a basha doesn't

[@simonweber415]

?

[@khiyan_autistic]

Is for cadets