Kannur: Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala, organised two concurrent novices training camps named ‘Rookie’ and ‘Barracuda’ for Naval Orientation Course (NOC), IInd term INAC (BTech) and IInd term Naval Orientation Course (Extended) cadets last week. Some 228 cadets, including 24 women and four from friendly foreign countries, participated in these camps. The camps aimed at developing physical endurance, mental hardiness, dedication and team spirit in cadets under stressful environment.
All cadets undertook endurance runs, land navigation exercises, obstacle course, small arms firing, tent pitching, whaler rigging, whaler sailing and raft punting in Kavvayi backwaters as part of the camps. They were divided into groups for Camp ‘Rookie’ and Camp ‘Barracuda’ and competed enthusiastically and vigorously for the coveted camp banner. On the final day, they participated in a triathlon, where they had to take part in a difficult run over 10 kilometres across various types of terrains in full battle gear, followed by an obstacle course run and swimming.
The four-day camp culminated with a campfire at INA. Various entertainment activities like choir songs, group dance, mime show and stand-up comedy by the participating cadets held during the concluding day. Fighter Squadron won the camp banners for both camp ‘Rookie’ and camp ‘Barracuda’. Vice Admiral SV Bhokare, Commandant, INA awarded the camp banners to the winning squadrons.
