United States Corps of Cadets

UNCLASSIFIED

HEADQUARTERS

Department Of Military Instruction

United States Corps of Cadets

West Point, NY 10996

6 Nov 2013

SANDHURST 14

COMPETITION MANUAL

1. SITUATION

1. General. The 2014 SANDHURST Competition will be conducted at West Point 11-12 APR 14. The competition is sponsored by the Department of Military Instruction (DMI). The British Exchange Officer (BEO) is the Officer in Charge (OIC) responsible for the event. The Commandant of The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst will be invited as the principal guest to view the competition and assist in the presentation of the awards.

1. Team Eligibility/ Participation/ Composition.

(1)The following have been invited to participate in the 2014 Sandhurst Competition:

(a)36 x USCC Teams - one team per Company (no Brigade Squad).

(b)8 x ROTC Teams (as selected by Cadet Command).

(c)1 x USNA Team.

(d)1 x USAFA Team.

(e)1 x USCGA Team.

(f)1 x Team from National Military Academy of Afghanistan.

(g)1 x Team from Royal Military College, Duntroon, Australia.

(h)1 x Team from Royal Military College (Canada).

(i)1 x Team from the EscuelaMilitar (Chile).

(j)1 x Team from PLA University of Science & Technology (PR China).

(k)1 x Team from Bundeswehr University Munich (Germany).

(l)1 x Team from the Indian Military Academy.

(m)1 x Team from the Mutah Military University (Jordan).

(n)1 x Team from the Heroic Military Academy (Mexico).

(o)1 x Team from the Nigerian Defense Academy.

(p)1 x Team from Korean Military Academy.

(q)2 x Teams from Royal Military Academy Sandhurst (United Kingdom).

(2)USMA cadets are only eligible to compete with their regular letter companies.

(3)Composition.

(a)Each team will consist of 9 cadets at least one of whom must be female. Teams are authorized to have 2 alternates (see rules and intent for alternates below).

(b)Each team is to consist of:

(i)One first or second class cadet as squad leader.

(ii)One cadet from each of the other 3 classes.

(iii)The 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th and 9th members may come from any class.

NB - This class system is to be adhered to by all Squads that originate from an institution operating a four year program. Those invited academies holding a 5 year program must ensure that 4 of their 5 classes are represented and must include a representative from their junior year. Academies that are unable to field a cadet from the final year due to graduation are to select the squad leader from the third year.

(c)All cadets may volunteer to take part in SANDHURST 14, there are no restrictions on the number of times a cadet can compete during their 47 month experience.

(d)Alternates. Each team may have up to a maximum of 2 alternates from any class, at least one of whom is to be female (for NMAA or Academies that do not have female cadets one from USCC will be attached to the team on its arrival at West Point). Alternates will be issued equipment and will train with their respective team. Alternates who do not compete either because they are not selected or because they are injured (that includes injured squad members) will receive intramural credit. If an alternate is used, the squad must still conform to the rules contained within paragraphs 3 and 4 above. If a casualty causes the loss of a squad member it will be possible to replace the individual from the alternate group at the end of day 1 of the competition while incurring a penalty. There will be no opportunity to undertake a replacement during the execution of Day1 or Day 2 of the execution.

NB - External teams are to ensure that they arrive with no more than two alternates per squad, one of whom is to be female. Accommodation is limited on post exacerbated by the increased external participation in SANDHURST 14.

(4)Language. English will be used for all instructions and correspondence. External teams whose country’s language is not English are encouraged to bring a translator. Alternatively a cadet from the one of foreign language classes might be able to assist (dependant on the country language) the visiting team and assist translate required briefing boards etc. This team member will be additional to the 9 person squad and will run with, although will not assist in any other way other than in translation.

1. Directing Staff and Committees/ Support Personnel - Participation and Responsibilities.

(1)Sandhurst Director. COL Glenn Goldman (x8723);

(2)Sandhurst Deputy Director. LTC Ross Coffey (x2346);

(3)Sandhurst OIC. Major Henry Coltart (x0289);

(4)Sandhurst 2IC. LTC Silas Bowman (x0711);

(5)Sandhurst S4.CPT Bill Buchleitner (x7343);

(6)Sandhurst Cadet IC. CDT Daniel Freeman;

(7)Site Committees/ Support Personnel. Sandhurst Sites/ Support Personnel will be drawn from DMI/USCC. Sites will be manned by nominated cadets (each site’s cadets will be drawn from the same regiment) a DMI Officer and Officer/NCO will be each site OIC and 2IC, they will provide advice and supervision to cadets as required.

1. MISSION:

The United States Corps of Cadets hosts the 2014 annual Sandhurst Competition at West Point 11-12 APR 14, in order to provide the Corps of Cadets and visiting competitors with a challenging and rewarding inter-company military skills competition focused on BOLC-A tasks and CST shortfalls, an opportunity to enhance leadership skills and an opportunity to exhibit military excellence.

DMI 6 Intent (in the following order):

• Leader Development
• Showcase Military Excellence
• Build Relationships
• Win

1. EXECUTION

1. Concept of Operations/ Outline of Competition. Each USMA company, and invited external teams, will provide one 9 member squad (with exception of RMAS who provide 2 x teams), which will perform a series of military tasks in accordance with the competition orders over a partly prescribed route. Competition results will be determined in accordance with the scoring criteria laid down by each event of the competition. Movement is included as an event in the competition.

1. Core Skills. Suggested training guidance can be found at Annex A. This Annex also includes any specific skill sets that the Cadets will require in order to compete in the competition. Details of the sites will be briefed to the participants as they arrive at them via a 5 paragraph OPORD contained on a briefing boards.

1. Coordinating Instructions.

(1)Timings.

Ser / Date / Event / Responsible
(a) / (b) / (c) / (d)
JAN 14 / USCC Training Starts / BTD
5 – 7 FEB 14 / External Team Reconnaissance / DMI SANDHURST OIC
7 FEB 14 / External Team Equipment / Weapon support request complete / Team Managers / SANDHURST S4
4 APR 14 / USCC Training Complete / BTD
061000-2200APR 14 / External Teams arrive USMA / Team Managers / BTD LNOs
7 APR 14 / Issue of Equipment / Weapons to External Teams / Sandhurst CIC
7 – 10 APR 14 / External Team Training Week / SANDHURST 2IC
101215APR14 / OOM Draw / SANDHURST CIC
101600APR14 / SANDHURST 14 SQD LDR Briefing / SANDHURST OIC
101830APR14 / SANDHURST 14 Social / USCC HQ
11-12 APR 14 / SANDHURST 14 Competition / DMI
121930APR14 / SANDHURST 14 Awards Ceremony / USCC
122030APR14 / SANDHURST 14 Team Social / BTD
13 APR 14 / External Teams hand back equipment and depart / Team Managers / BTD LNOs

(2)External Team RECON – 05-07 FEB 14. Each external team is invited to attend the External Team Recon. Details can be found at Annex B.

(3)External Teams Arrival.

(a)All External Teams are to report to USMA not before 0900 06 APR 14 and NLT 2200 06 APR 14. NO ARRIVAL CAN BE ACCOMMODATED BEFORE THIS DATE.

(b)Each external team will be given a West Point host company. Hosting company responsibilities can be found at Annex C.

(4)Squad OOM Draw – 1215 10 APR 14. The USCC Brigade Commander will draw the OOM for the 2014 Sandhurst Competition at lunch in the Cadet Mess Hall.

(5)Squad Leader Briefing – 1600 10 APR 14. There will be a draw with all teams represented, the purpose of which is to determine firing order for the Marksmanship, Land Navigation and start times for competition 19/20 APR 13.

(6)Sandhurst Social 183010 APR 14. This social hosted by the Commandant will have invitations extended to:

(a)Invited guests from visiting academies/ colleges.

(b)External Team Managers.

(c)Sandhurst Cadet Staff.

(d)Supt, Comd, Dean, DMI6, BTO, DMI5, DMI3 and other selected staff.

(e)Other invited guests.

(7)Sandhurst External Team Training Week. Details of the layout and training opportunities are at Annex D. Each external team will at least be afforded the opportunity to:

(a)Zero their weapons.

(b)Receive exposure and training on skill sets not achievable at home locations.

(c)Familiarize themselves with the terrain.

(d)Prepare issued equipment from USMA.

(e)Acclimatize.

(f)Undertake training with their USCC female CDT squad member.

(8)Inspection and Validation. 28-29MAR 14 will be Sandhurst Lane Validation period for all Site Staff, during which time the Director of DMI will conduct his full inspection. The intent is to maximize the time available, but reduce unnecessary practice and rehearsal. Site ready times will therefore be staggered and details will be given in a separate OPORD published nearer the event. No practicing teams will be allowed on the course during the Validation period or the Competition days.

(9)Start & Finish Points. The Start Point, Reporting Area and Finish Point are explained in Annex E.

(10)Sandhurst Passport.

(a)This will be the primary means of recording both points and penalties on sites and the overall time taken for the course.

(b)The passport will be issued to teams at the Day 1 Start Pointon 11 APR 14. They will then be responsible for carrying it until it is handed in to the Finish Point OIC.

(c)Each DMI Site OIC will insert onto the passport the points awarded the penalty received at their respective sites prior to the team leaving the site area. The Cadet Squad leader will then sign to acknowledge the score and that they do not challenge. If they do wish to challenge they will not sign.

(d)A lost Passport or one damaged beyond legibility will result in the loss of scores completed up to that point.

(11)Competition Timeline. A detailed timeline for the competition is at Annex F.

(12)Penalties. Each site will have its own penalties associated with it and Squad Leaders will be briefed on these penalties in the coordinating instructions of each site 5 paragraph OPORD Briefing Board. The following are Sandhurst 13 generic rules and penalties:

Ser / Penalty / Time penalty
(a) / (b) / (c)
Incorrect Team Composition / Disqualification
Tampering with Check-Points / Disqualification
Loss of Sensitive Item (Weapon or Radio) / Disqualification
Receiveing physical assistance / aid from outside of the Sandhurst Staff (not including immediate first aid) / Disqualification
Failure to visit any site or attempt a task / Disqualification
Lost/ illegible Passport / Loss of scores up to the point of error occurring
Unsportsmanlike Conduct / Penalty to follow on
Exceeding 50m separation all members of the squad (all must remain in a 50mtr ‘bubble’ except for Land Navigation) / Penalty to follow on
Reporting to the Start Point late / Penalty to follow on
Failure to complete either day with all personnel / Penalty to follow on

(13)Challenges/ Protests

(a)Challenge Committee. All challenges will be reviewed at each event by an Challenge Officer O-5, independent from the execution of the event, allocated to ensure fair play. Challenges will need to be raised before a team departs an event. Any upheld challenge will be reviewed at the end of each day by DMI 6 in committee with all Challenge Officers in order to adjust points awarded.Director DMI 6 will have the final say in matters pertaining to challenges.

(b)Challenges. If a squad leader wishes to challenge an individual site score, or a decision made by the Site OIC/CIC the Challenge Officer must be informed at the conclusion of the execution of the event.

(i)Challenge format given to the Challenge Officer is to consist of the following: Who is making the challenge, where the issue occurred, when did the issue occur, what is the issue being protested,why the team has mounted a challenge and what is the desired outcome, The Challenge Officer who will have observed the team during execution will decide if the challenge is upheld. He will then record that the challenge is upheld and recommend a resolution to DMI-6 at the Challenge Committee to be held at the end of the day’s activities.

(ii)No video, spectator input or other form of evidence will be considered after the decision is made.

(iii)Once the Challenge Officer has decided if a challenge is upheld or rejected the Squad Leader will immediately return to his squad to continue the execution of the competition.

(c)If the protest is upheld the Challenge Committee with amend the score but if rejected by the Challenge Officer an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty will be awarded.

(14)Assistance to Competitors. Once a squad crosses the start line, it may not receive physical support, including refreshments, from anyone outside that squad. Water resupply will be located at intervals throughout the course. Verbal encouragement is permitted, but can be provided only from the defined spectator areas adjacent to the task sites. Supporters can follow the squads along the route within the Cantonment Area, provided that they do not interfere or provide physical assistance. All areas used on the West Point Training Area are off limits to spectators with the exception of those events listed on the Sandhurst web page with the exception of those VIPs and staff who have the correct vehicle pass. Communication devices such as mobile phones and radios are not to be used to pass information to the squads, either by squads themselves or by their supporters. Squads will be disqualified for unlawful assistance if it is judged inadvertent on the squad’s part.

(15)Inclement Weather. There will be no cancellations due to inclement weatherand, with the exception of lack of visibility during marksmanship which has the ability to conduct reshoots for teams affected, all events will proceed in accordance with the OOM directed by the draw on 10 APR 14.

(16)Risk Assessment/ Management.

(a)Safety and Medical. Competition safety is a prime concern. The rules have been written with safety in mind but common sense and caution are required at all times.

(b)Traffic Control. Parking within the Cantonment Area will be identified to visitors arriving at the USMA. On 12 APR 14 visitors are advised to use the Washington Gate in order to avoid traffic being caused by other events taking place at the USMA. Those visiting ranges on 11 APR 14 are to avoid parking on Route 293 and follow signs for designated parking areas. VIPs and team managers will be able to secure a vehicle pass through their Protocol (VIPs) or via their LNOs (managers) in order to gain freedom of access to events taking place on the training area.

(17)Public Relations.

(a)There will be a Spectator Information Centre at Eisenhower Hall in the USMA Cantonment Area throughout the competition that will give information regarding teams timings and scores. All visitors are recommended to visit that location prior to attempting to follow their team on either day of the competition.

(b)A Spectator leaflet will be published and distributed closer to the event and will be distributed at the Information Centre during the competition.

(c)Two DMI officers, assisted by nominated cadets, will be responsible for general Public Relations within the Information Center.

(d)A Media Plan will be produced by USMA HQ that will include advertisement and information on the event.NB –External Teams are not to invite their own media to the competition. USMA will not permit any external media at the event but will allow external teams access to footage recorded during the execution of the competition. Any further questions can be directed to the Sandhurst OIC.

(18)Protocol Officer/ Escorts. All VIPs will be hosted by USMA Protocol and escorted by USMA personnel. Teams who are interested in VIPs attending the competition are to confirm attendance to Sandhurst OIC in the first instance.

(19)Scoring. The performance on each event in SANDHURST 14 will equate to a score out of 1000 points which will result in a stand-alone grade based on performance meaning that squads will be graded as: Gold - mastery of skills required; Silver - highly proficient; Bronze –proficient; unmedalled - introductory. Combination of scores will equate to an overall grade that will show the overall level of competency of the squad. The objective is for a squad to achieve the highest possible standard across the board in order a gold standard and win a SANDHURST 14 patch. The standards to achieve the relevant grades will be predetermined by DMI through validation of events and there will be no limit to the number of squads that can achieve any one of the grades.

(20)Awards. The following prizes will be awarded:

(a)Reginald E. Johnson Memorial Plaque the Sandhurst winner. To the squad (international or otherwise) with the highest overall score. In the event of a tie, the trophy will be awarded to the squad which had the best Marksmanship score.

(b)The Sandhurst Trophy. To the USCC Regiment with the highest combined company squad results. In the event of a tie, the trophy will be awarded to the Regt which had the best Marksmanship score.

(c)The Sandhurst Regimental Streamers. To the company in each Regiment with the highest overall score. In the event of a tie, the streamer will be awarded to the Companies which had the best Marksmanship score.