READY FOR TODAY – EVOLVING FOR TOMORROW
Maj Waterston and Capt Russell belaying on Only Biliberries
Spot the climbers – a sense of scale on Only Biliberries
By this stage of SB17 , the teams had developed excellent cohesion , through mutual trust and effective communication . Throughout the remainder of the trip they went on to climb a number of outstanding routes of a similar nature to Only Bilberries . Of particular note was an ascent of Sea Eagle , a gruelling slab climb which took more than twelve hours of constant climbing . The magnificent Artic ‘ midnight sun ’ helped the climbers by ensuring they were not having to climb or abseil in the dark . The discipline required to stay focused on safety critical tasks , such as belaying , during a length of climb like this is mentally exhausting . On another day , in extremely poor weather conditions , one of the teams ascended the highest peak in Lofoten , Vagakallen ( 943m ). An arduous walk , followed by a tricky scramble to the rocky summit
The view from the campsite with Vagakallen in the background
gave a tough fourteen hour outing which required considerable robustness and determination from the team .
The real highlight of the trip was perhaps the ascent of the Svolvaer Goat . This 100m high detached pinnacle overlooks the town of Svolvaer with two rocky ‘ horns ’ at the summit . Although shorter than many of the routes climbed , the
Flying the flag between the Horns of the Svolvaer Goat
steep ground on the approach to the pinnacle made the climbing phenomenally exposed . Having reached the top , it is traditional for climbers to step across the gap between the ‘ horns ’. This seems simple when standing at the base but on the summit standing in a wildly precarious position , it becomes an
extremely bold move and requires total confidence . The abseil from the ‘ horns ’ is equally terrifying ; hanging from an awkward belay , the teams had to conduct a ‘ free ’ abseil ( dangling in space without touching the rock ) to gain the sanctuary of flat ground .
In summary , many linkages can be found between mountaineering and military challenges . A difficult climb is comparable in many ways to a demanding military operation . Conditions for both activities can be arduous and complex , requiring personnel to possess a high level of training , understanding , physical and mental robustness , and good communication skills . Understanding the balance of achievement of the objective ( such as the summit for climbers or the mission on operations ) against the risk involved is also critical . Success or failure in both activities is often defined by leadership and the strength of the bond within the team . The valuable experience of the participants on SB17 will therefore enhance the operational effectiveness of the ARRC in the future .
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Maj Dave Latimer is currently serving as SO2 Plans in the G35 Branch at HQ Allied Rapid Reaction Corps .
ALLIED RAPID REACTION CORPS 23