Ex SNOWDAGGER was a weeklong Exercise in March 2025 to Rjuken, Norway, for Support Force personnel experiencing all things cold weather. From Nordic and Alpine Skiing to marine style winter survival, mountaineering and ice climbing. The team also took time to experience the military history of the area, learning about the “Heroes of Telemark and visiting Vermork. The team was made up of 19 personnel, from AS1 to the Force Commander himself: engineers, logisticians, musicians, regulars and reservists alike. The Ex was not only a test of individual resilience and physical strength, but also a unique opportunity to interact with all different personnel across the Force, a close-knit team was created in a short space of time, fostering the idea of one Force.
Cpl Ainsley W – 504 Aux: “It’s hard to choose a number one point from the week, so the joint top two would be fighting the crazy winds on top of Gaustatoppen and building the admin/fire area for the snow climbing. Sometimes it’s the simplest of things that can bring the most joy!
“My physical strength and fitness have certainly been tested; I don’t think there’s a single muscle in my body that hasn’t ached at some point! But I think I’ve realised I’m a little more resilient and able than I probably give myself credit for.
“Overall it has been an incredible experience in a place that is easily one of the most picturesque and beautiful places I’ve ever visited! I’m beyond thankful for the opportunity and for meeting all the amazing people on Ex SNOWDAGGER.”
Cpl John R – 4624 Sqn: “Over the years I have seen some incredible waterfalls and even swam underneath a few of them. Never though did I think I’d climb up one, yet that’s what Ex SNOW DAGGER gave me the opportunity to do.
“On a crisp early Spring morning in Krokan, near Rjukan in Telemark, armed with a pair of dangerous-looking ice axes and sharp crampons on my feet, I stood at the bottom of a 35 metre tall wall of frozen water and took my first tentative kick into the ice. I reached up and swung my right arm, digging the axe into the ice, then followed with my left. Amazed at how the spikes in my crampons gripped the ice so effortlessly, I pushed up off the ground and kicked my other foot into the ice. All the expert advice we’d received about keeping straight arms and low heels went out of the window, but somehow with each kick of the foot and dig in with the ice axe, I progressed higher and higher up the ice. Encouraged by the shouts from Benny, doing a top job as my belayer on the ground, and fuelled by adrenaline, I reached within a couple of meters of the top of the waterfall. This seemed plenty high enough and I took a moment, carefully looked around, taking in the beautiful scenery – some blue sky overhead, pine trees growing amongst the rock and ice through the gorge.
“Below me were all my fantastic SNOWDAGGER teammates, a complete cross-section from across the RAF Support Force with whom I had already shared some great experiences over the past few days, people I know I could count on when needed. It was a moment I’ll never ever forget, a real highlight of my RAF Reservist career.”
AS1 Kit F – 501 Aux: “Sometimes it’s the smaller things that provide the greatest challenge…
“Cooking for 20+ took me out of my comfort zone at least as much as trying a new discipline or battling against the elements !! Whatever it is, it reminds me I’m alive and it’s important to challenge ourselves. Every day been a highlight from sleeping on top of the mountain to building snow caves, making new friends and learning from those with such a wealth of experience and skills. Thanks to all, it’s been FANTASTIC !!”
AS1 Matthew D – 4624 Sqn: “This week for me, has been all about challenge. Every day has been a new lesson, in something completely different and has challenged my resolve as much as my physical capability. It has been so rewarding to have overcome literal and personal mountains, to be tested every day, get up every time I’ve fallen (which was a lot!) and get to the end anyway. The moment that defines this best for me was snowshoeing into an icy gale but having gained the resolve to face up into it and actually enjoy the endeavour.
“These experiences (though small by comparison) have helped give me real insight into the inspiring ‘dits’ of the Heroes of Telemark, arctic expeditions and Marine Mountain Leaders that we had the privilege of learning from. Like these inspiring examples, my personal successes were only possible with such a varied and supportive team from across Support Force, and our incredible Marine ‘Laddies’.”
