The Royal County of Berkshire Army Cadet Force conducted its biennial Norway Winter Exercise/Exchange with HV02 District Oslo and Akershus at Hiestadmoen Training Camp (Telemark, Norway) over 17th to 26th Feb 2023 with 8 Cadet Force Adult Volunteers (CFAV) and 25 Cadets (15 – 17yrs).
Aim
The primary aim for running the exchange is to offer cadets and adult volunteers the opportunity to experience the harsh winter climatic conditions of Norway, with challenging military and exciting adventurous activities. This enables the cadets to experience another country/culture; to build team spirit/loyalty; to develop leadership skills by fostering confidence/self-reliance and initiative; to develop personal and team administration skills and improve communication skills.
The Exchange
The Royal County of Berkshire ACF has successfully maintained the exchange since 1992 (31 years) with the Norwegian Home Guard Youth. It follows the format of a winter skills training course. This includes military cross-country skiing; field exercise (basic winter skills) and a downhill skiing day out. The exchange was conducted under guidance of HV02 District Home Guard Youth (HVY) and 15 members of Norwegian Home Guard/HVY staff, plus 2 national service logistic support staff. They are all ex-regular or reserve forces and experienced in leading cadets/soldiers in winter conditions. In addition, 75% of the Berkshire ACF adult volunteers have a number of years’ experience of the winter exchange visit and have become skilled in their own right at leading cadets in the Norwegian harsh climatic conditions.
Food
Cadets are fed from the main kitchen in camp, 3 meals daily. On a few days packed meals were required and were made at breakfast by the individuals. On exercise the cadets are issued artic ration packs. These are dehydrated meals with snacks and consist of approx. 3800 calories per 24Hours due to the high rate of training being carried out. There were a few of cadets that required special arrangements, including Halal, allergies and gluten free.
In camp training
The pre-deployment training and briefings are essential as there are vital lessons carried out that are safety related such as use of stoves, cold weather injuries recognition and treatment, weather, tents, food and hydration, ‘Snow Buddy’ system and how to wear the issued clothing. This is extremely important for this trip as the temperature were between -5 and +7°C, which makes the air damp and the risk of cold injuries are heightened. This is also an area where the more experienced UK instructors should get involved to reinforce the safety elements given in the training.
Kit and Equipment training
Cadets and adults are issued a comprehensive set of Norwegian uniform and equipment specific to the conditions they will encounter. It includes a set of in barracks M04 uniform suitable for classroom training and M02 field uniform designed to be used in cold weather conditions. It is followed up with lesson on how to wear/use the kit.
Military cross-country skiing
One and half days was spent practicing this before deploying into the field with the Norwegian Platoon Commanders being very pleased on ability. Due to an unusual warm spell (-5 to +7) the snow conditions were poor and icy, although the team were able to cross country ski to the training area.
Campcraft
This is a large part of the training as survival in the harsh environmental/weather conditions is dependent on heat and shelter. Lessons were given on the standard issue tent, stoves and fire lighting. These skills are then used and practiced under close supervision.
Downhill skiing (1/2) day
Is a highlight for the cadets especially those that have not skied before which was most of the party. Kongsberg is a small local ski resort with short easy runs, laid out in a way that leads back to the centre so limited opportunity to get lost. All slopes were well covered in snow albeit it a little icy in places on the bigger runs.
A Norwegian HVY ski instructor took the group for an hour’s lesson on the nursery slope aided by the experienced UK staff and Norwegian Officers. This worked well, with all the cadets getting something out of the lessons. A handful of the British cadets that had skied prior to the trip were split into groups with the more experienced members of Berks ACF staff and skied the green and blue runs. The remaining cadets stayed on the nursery slope with four of the UK CFAV.
Cultural visits
There was a visit to OSCARSBORG Fortress at Oslo Fjords. This was the first time visiting this historical Fortress that was instrumental during WW2. The Fortress is based on an island in the Oslo Fjords, with transport by ferry and excellent Norwegian ex forces guide who spoke excellent English.
Finance
The whole cost of the exchange is privately funded by those attending, cadets and CFAV alike. Cadets paid £150 towards the costs of all elements of the exchange. The Norwegian Home Guard youth also have a budget allocated to cover the costs of activities.
We were extremely privileged and lucky to receive grants from the ACCT, Ulysses Trust and SERFCA. This was a huge help to the event due to the cost-of-living crisis.
Cadet Personal Contribution
Contained within the cost of the exchange all personnel received the following:
a. Flight & Coach transportation
b. A meal at the airports
c. 10 days Food and Accommodation @ £50 per cadet
d. A Visit to OSCARSBORG Fortress, Oslo Fjord.
e. Downhill skiing taster session, lift passes and equipment
f. ACCT travel insurance
g. Light breakfast prior to travel at start of trip
h. £50 worth of NKR as spending money per cadet
What some of the cadets thought
Cadet RSM Dan Wakelin (17) Aborfield unit: “Learning to ski is the hardest thing I’ve ever done. I’ve tried it once before, but then I crashed into a tree and broke my shoulder. I was very nervous about skiing again, but now I can. It really is the best thing I have done in the cadets. The challenges pushed me to my limits.”
Cadet LCPL Jennie Alvey (17) Maidenhead unit: “I like the cold and the snow. I like skiing because I’m really bad at it and have the opportunity to get better. The exchange trip was very enjoyable and successful. It taught me how to survive in the cold climate and also learn a different language. It was an unforgettable experience.”
Cadet CPL Emily Sutherland (16), Band unit: “I really enjoyed the exchange trip to Norway as it was a good way to experience another culture as well as learning how to survive in the extreme temperatures the Norwegians face. It was amazing to meet them and see how much effort the country appears to put into learning English. All the Norwegian Home Guard Youth were really nice and helped me improve my Norwegian. I can’t wait until summer camp 2024 when they next come to visit us in the UK.”
The Ulysses Trust also wish to thank the generosity of Army Sport for supporting this expedition britisharmysport.com
