12 British Army reservists have returned from an exhilarating adventure training parachuting expedition in Cyprus, supported by the Ulysses trust. The aim was ambitious yet attainable, to qualify all novice participants on the UK Accelerated Freefall (AFF) course, taking them from ground school to freefall competency, and to provide continuation training for the more experienced.
Exercise DRAGON FALLING, held from the 12th September to the 21st, began at the Army Parachute Association and Military adventure training center in Netheravon, with reservists travelling from across the UK to begin their intensive ground training. It was an excellent opportunity to meet both their fellow soldiers and instructors, and with confidence in safety procedures, established drills and a comprehensive technical foundation, the group deployed to Cyprus the following day to begin the practical phase of the course.
The team represented a mix of prior experience, from seasoned parachutists to complete novices. This diversity fostered a strong and supportive culture of mentorship, with more experienced jumpers guiding and encouraging those less familiar with the sport. Under the blazing Mediterranean sun, each soldier was pushed far beyond their comfort zone as they undertook their first freefall jumps from 13000ft in the sky, an adrenaline pumping experience combining both discipline and mental fortitude.
“I just can’t believe how physically and mentally tiring it is. Trying to remember all the hand signals and body positions while you’re falling towards the ground at 120mph for the first time is crazy. But it’s also incredible how fast you adapt and learn. With the excellent instructors helping us, a few days later you’re jumping out of a plane into freefall by yourself, happily controlling yourself in the sky and pushing your limits. It’s amazing.”
Unfortunately due to inclement weather, none of the novice skydivers managed to complete the AFF course on this trip. However, with an average of 15 jumps completed per person, most are only a balmy weekend away from completing the course, with groups already set up to help co-ordinate people continuing to progress and develop in the sport. Those with prior experience have all commented on how much they have progressed, pushing themselves and attempting new challenges and skills such as formation skydiving. Most importantly however, the expedition forged stronger bonds of teamwork, resilience and confidence. The lessons learned falling through the skies of Cyprus will transfer and directly reward the lives of those who undertook this endeavour.
Reflecting on the experience, one senior member commented
“I think Parachuting Is a true adventure. It ticks all the boxes to benefit your life and complements the military’s requirements for adventure training. You’re really outside your comfort zone, and having to assimilate a lot of new things in a high pressure environment. It takes courage to step into the plane in the first place, let alone jump out of it.”
The impact of this expedition is already being felt within the unit, with people returning tired but motivated, enthusiastic and with a heightened level of self belief. These are qualities that will not only bring benefit to the individual, but to the military organisation as a whole. Not to mention the odd sun tan!
Exercise DRAGON FALLING stands as testament to the value of Military Adventurous training, building resilience and camaraderie, teaching new skills and encouraging self confidence. The success of this venture was supported in no small part by the generous support of the Ulysses Trust.
