Service Personal from Joint Military Command South West based in Tidworth, Wilshire took part in EX TIGER DOLOMITI during the period 23-30 July 2026. This was a military Adventurous Training expedition for 8 persons and took place in the Dolomites Region of Northern Italy.  The activities were Rock Climbing and Via Ferrata.  The aim of the Expedition was to provide the opportunity for Service Personal take part in a Via Ferrata and Rock Climbing activity in Italy, which has will fostered and develop team cohesion, determination, resilience, and leadership within the HQ. The secondary aim was to enhance individual self-confidence, physical fitness, and moral courage in a controlled risk environment.
The location, coupled with the high level of instruction meant all the aims were completed including the following – Physical Resilience Endurance: Repeated long climbs, hot weather, and fatigue teach your body to adapt and recover. Mental Resilience Persistence: When you feel like stopping, you keep taking one more step and focusing on the job in hand especially as its safety critical. Self-reliance: You manage fear, isolation when climbing, decision-making under pressure. focusing on each step and breath. Emotional Resilience – Managing frustration: discomfort, or setbacks become opportunities for patience. Connection: Climbing with others fosters trust and shared perseverance.  Perspective: Being in vast natural landscapes can reset your sense of scale and stress.
See below for quotes from the Exped Team:
“This Adventurous Training has taught me a new level of resilience. Throughout the week, I found myself completely outside of my comfort zone, but I approached every challenge with a growth mindset and a determination to succeed.  One of my biggest challenges was the hike to reach the start point of the climb. To stay motivated and keep pushing forward, I broke the journey down into manageable steps by counting to 20, then 30, and eventually 50 before setting myself a new target. This simple technique helped me maintain my focus and keep moving despite the difficulty.  The week has significantly strengthened my confidence and shown me that I am capable of achieving more than I initially believed.” – Rittia
“This week has made me realise that leadership doesn’t always mean leading from the front.  While completing the via ferrata, someone naturally stepped into a leadership role each day. Often, they would move ahead forging a path up the mountain. However, some of the strongest examples of leadership came from those further back in the group. They were helping others find secure footholds, offering advice, providing reassurance, and encouraging teammates who were struggling.  It made me reflect on leadership within the Army, we all work for senior soldiers and officers, but leadership isn’t defined by rank alone. Some of the most influential leadership comes from members of the team who support those around them, build confidence, and help others succeed. They lead from within the group rather than from the front. ” – Avril
“Before deploying on Ex TD I went with a very fixed mindset, having a considerable fear of heights that I have suffered from all of my life.  I convinced myself prior to the first serial that I would not be able to complete the week which almost felt like a prisoner where I would have to opt out in the early stage of the AT. Having completed the Via Ferrata and having confidence in the equipment through instruction and demonstrations, I began to enjoy the activity.  Rock climbing gave me a different experience where I once again reverted to a fixed mindset where I convinced myself that fear was greater than the end goal. Not understanding the equipment and its capabilities made me wary of my own ability to complete the task.  I chose Via Ferrata to continue the week which I went from strength to strength. The growth mindset kicked in and the fear of height quickly dispersed. With the support of the group, particularly a very competent pilot and personnel who encouraged me throughout, I ended up as a leader on a number of climbing legs that I thoroughly enjoyed and was stretched mentally and physically. Having finished the week, I have left with a sense of achievement, overcoming a lifelong fear.  This week has exposed me to a number of challenges that the mixed rank group helped me through, which displayed the advantages of every individual adding value and being part of the group with ideas and encouragement.” – Micheal
