About

Pro field gun is a battle of speed, agility, and strength with teamwork at the forefront. Teams race against each other and the clock to complete a course of pushing, pulling, carrying, and lifting the one-ton field gun and limber. Each race comprises of 3 phases (or actions); run out, back and home and each phase include obstacles (walls, chasm) crossed only with the use of mechanical aids (spars and rigging), as the gun and limber are partially disassembled and rebuilt. In addition to this, competitors must comply to strict rules and are subject to the penalties of the competition.

It has a rich and prestigious history which will be carried forward by a new generation of athletes and a global network of supporters.

Experience days

Experience days are team training days for 7 to 36 people, to train with the GB Dreadnoughts training team at the South Coast training ground (or the team can come to you to enjoy the sport). It will be a lot of fun with a taste of the serious business of track training, as your team forms up as a crew on the track with some of the kit in use every day. The training is conducted with lightweight cadet guns but the 12lb traditional guns will also be brought out and fired to add gravitas to the occasion.

The training team are experienced field gunners with backgrounds in the military and voluntary sectors. They will work with you to establish your objectives and outcomes for the training and where to put the emphasis so that your team will get the most out of the experience.

The training can last from an afternoon to several days and the emphasis can be varied. You may wish to out some of the team under pressure to see how they perform or you may wish to give your people a day out in the fresh air to ‘play hard’ together. A day will run along these lines:
• Crew Captains standards and safety brief. The crew ‘Boss’ will brief on how to stay safe and not lose your 'name' on the hallowed ground of the track. Initial track training will teach the team drills ready for competition. The drill will be to work as co-ordinated team to run down the track, stopping to assemble and strip the gun, change the wheels and fire three rounds, all against the clock:
- Session one: Introduction brief including safety, do’s and don’ts and background. Divide into syndicates.
- Session two: From the start line to the wall with gun and limber.
- Session three: Gun and limber over the wall.
- Session four: Crossing the bottomless chasm.
- Session five: equipment through the wall and into action.
- Session six: Firing the 12lb gun.
- Session seven: Timed competition.
• The crew will be briefed on the competition format before a quick break to allow them to shake out as a team and conduct a final practise. The competition will be tailored to the time available and the progress that has been made in training to ensure everyone gets a sense of achievement.
• The training is concluded with a light-hearted ‘wash-up’ which can be completed either on the track or as a more complete review indoors with a refreshing drink from the on-site bar in hand.
• Options available are subject to the time available and include:
- To preserve the memories created on the day here are options to create a video and photo memoire including an informal team photo or a traditional crew photo.
- Provision of a crew running strip which may include client and FGS branding.
- Providing a range of trophies which may include best overall performance, most supportive crew member and most improved.
- Interviews on camera. As an athlete for the day the field gunner will need to satisfy the media despite the 'stress' of track training, and some sledging from crew mates.
- Mock exit interview with crew bosses. Have you made the grade before you ‘return to unit’?
- Full catering is included including arrival reception, morning and afternoon breaks and lunch.

Each session will be preceded by early liaison to set the tone for the day and confirm the options to be taken up, including catering preferences and requirements. Bespoke joining instructions will be issued to ensure you are ready to enjoy your time at the track, orientated to the training and where appropriate that the objectives to be achieved.

Admin

Location: The training ground is co-located with Southsea Nomads RC, PO6 1UW.
Transport: The nearest train stations are Havant (for London, Chichester and Brighton) or Cosham (for Bristol and all points west).
Clothing: Walking boots or military-style boots are required, plus trousers that allow you to do a squat (preferably military fatigues) and a rugby shirt or similar.
Rings, jewellery and hair: Hair should be tied up and rings and jewellery will need to be removed (rings can be taped).
Please take a drinks bottle for water etc. Tea and coffee will be available in the pavilion.