Medical Operation Support Group: 3-11 September 2022.
DOLOMITI OWL was an Army Reserve Adventurous Training expedition in the Italian Dolomites. A self-supported, lightweight 8-person team from the Medical Operational Support Unit (MOSU) completed the alpine Alta Via 1 route – 120km and 21,600 feet of ascent – over a challenging 6 days, using mountain huts.
Alta Vias, Haute Routes and Hohenwegs – the HighWays – are found throughout the mountains of Europe. They link the mountain passes, saddles and forks that allow the passage of people and animals from one fertile valley to another and in doing so, take the trekker through some of the most spectacular scenery – and steep ascents – in the country. Sometimes they are assisted with cables, tunnels and ladders. These Via Ferrata were born in the Dolomites in Italy during the Italian-Austrian Conflict of WW1 (1915-1918). They were constructed to help get men and equipment into strategic positions in the mountains. These via ferrata are now used for tourist purposes and maintained by the local communes and volunteers.
The team linked up with members of the Italian Military Red Cross for initial briefs on the Italian-Austrian conflict and its legacy; several of the journey’s legs ran through well-preserved battlefields above 6000 feet. The teams quickly found common ground – providing healthcare support in difficult terrain is a great leveller – and formed strong bonds which will pay dividends in the coming years. Along the route, hut guardians, local inhabitants and fellow trekkers alike exchanged mountaineering tips, historical knowledge and the occasional international joke to reinforce the ‘engagement’ value of the expedition. ‘Fantastico’ according to our Italian-speaking liaison officer!
In addition, the trek developed individuals’ mountain skills: delivering Summer Mountain Foundation qualification to ‘novice’ personnel and some challenging continued professional development for Mountain Leader Trainees and Summer Mountain Leaders alike. The longest day was 35km in heavy rain, over mixed terrain, with a good few Ben Nevis equivalents climbed and a tight deadline, requiring some dynamic planning and a lot of pasta.
For a reservist medical unit, the past 24 months of COVID has had a significant impact both on MOSU’s ability to train together, but also upon the individuals within it – the great majority are frontline healthcare workers. DOLOMITI OWL brought team members together, in an austere but inspiring environment, to discuss their experiences and strengthen individual and unit medical skills and resilience.
With limited budget available for Adventurous Training, Ulysses Trust funding is as important as ever in keeping the activity feasible and affordable for Reserve personnel.
