In July 2025, a joint team from 158 Regiment RLC and 2 Battalion REME embarked on a demanding 14-day Adventurous Training (AT) expedition through Morocco’s breathtaking but unforgiving Atlas Mountains. Working side by side with members of the Moroccan Armed Forces and Gendarmerie, the team tackled a series of strenuous hillwalking routes in extreme weather conditions. Navigating steep ridgelines, rocky trails, and high-altitude passes, the team’s endurance and cohesion were tested daily. The expedition culminated in the successful summit of Mount Toubkal, North Africa’s highest peak at 4,167 meters, marking a significant achievement in both physical resilience and multinational cooperation. Throughout the journey, British and Moroccan personnel exchanged experiences, learned from each other’s military cultures, and overcame linguistic and environmental barriers to build genuine camaraderie on the trail.
AT forms a critical part of military development, especially for Army Reserve personnel who balance civilian careers with military commitment. It offers a controlled environment to develop leadership, teamwork, and resilience—skills essential for operational effectiveness. This expedition served not only as a physical challenge but as an opportunity to reinforce mental robustness, initiative, and adaptability among all ranks. Equally important was the chance to build relationships with international counterparts, fostering cultural exchange and mutual respect through shared meals, traditions, and stories. Such collaboration enhances global military interoperability and understanding. The success of the expedition was made possible in part thanks to the generous support of the Ulysses Trust, whose funding enabled a diverse team to participate. The Trust’s continued investment in Reserve forces enriches military life and opens life-changing opportunities to those who serve.
