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