In October 2023, in-year Army-wide saving measures were announced that effectively turned off the public funding for adventure training for the remainder of the Training Year. Not to be deterred, 3RWELSH looked at options to deliver low-cost training delivered using non-public funds and the result was a week on Scotland’s west coast in near perfect winter conditions. Accommodation options were limited so 3RWELSH piggy-backed on a 104 Regt (V) RA booking at Kinlochleven Training Centre near Glencoe and the two units mounted a combined exercise, DRAGON SQUALL between the 9th and 15th of March.
In all, 25 personnel participated in the delivery of JSAT Foundation courses: Winter Mountaineering Foundation (WMF), Winter Climbing Foundation (WCF) and Ski Foundation 1 (SF1).
The exercise allowed reserve personnel of all ages and abilities to challenge themselves in their chosen discipline whilst simultaneously gaining valuable knowledge and experience. The weather played ball at the start of the week allowing for some great training opportunities. Although as expected the unpredictable Scottish weather turned somewhat mid-week forcing all the groups to adapt and overcome in their planning process.
The climbers started the week with some winter refresher training with the instructor, crampon, ice axe and winter navigation before summiting aptly named “Summit Gully”. The week progressed nicely moving into technical rope work utilising abseiling, lead climbing, climbing pitches and ridge climbing. The pinnacle being the completion of Dorsal Arete in Stob Coire Nan Lochan.
The winter mountaineers again started the week by going over basics, how to pack your kit, planning your days, gauging the weather and inevitably navigation before moving onto the snowcraft elements that are critical for safe passage in the winter hills. Both WMF groups completed different itineraries throughout the week and always returned with positive and exuberant attitudes as for many of them, this was a completely new experience and way out of their comfort zones. As the week progressed the WMF completed gradually longer and harder routes like the CMD Arete on Ben Nevis before heading out for an overnight expedition in the Northern Cairngorms.
Finally, the skiing contingent didn’t fare so well. The unpredictable weather did not lend itself to having plentiful skiing runs, as well as skiing centres shutting early. A testament to the attitude of reserves on the course, this did not phase them, and they still completed all training objectives on the available snow at Cairngorms.
Overall, this adventure training aimed to challenge participants physically and mentally while achieving the goals of adventurous training. The stunning Scottish wilderness served as an inspiring backdrop for these activities, fostering camaraderie and resilience among the military reserve personnel.
Ulysses Trust, we extend our gratitude for your generous funding that made our adventure training in Kinlochleven, Scotland possible. Your support helped enable the expedition to take place and the whole group was very grateful to all involved in the process.
