EXERCISE SELVA BACKSTOP 2022
Ex SELVA BACKSTOP 22 was an adventurous training exercise aimed at giving members of HQ ARRC the opportunity to climb , hike and conduct via ferrata within the spectacular surroundings to be found in north-east Italy ’ s stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site .
Jagged dogs-teeth ridges and bare rocky peaks , rolling green alpine meadows , steep pine-wooded ravines and an ever-changing sky make the Dolomites one of the most famous and beautiful meccas for mountain lovers of all sorts . Happily , the participants of Headquarters Allied Rapid Reaction Corps ( HQ ARRC ) premier adventure training ( AT ) expedition , Ex SELVA BACKSTOP , can now count themselves amongst those to have enjoyed that immense adventure playground .
The expedition was organised and led by Maj Phil Garnett , with the invaluable assistance of instructors Bob Chase , Eric Heritage , Chris Cookson , Paul Robinson , and Rob Horne ; whose knowledge , experience and sense of adventure helped make the trip simply unforgettable . As with all things at the ARRC the exercise was multinational by design , with six NATO nations represented , and featured a wide range of ranks from Sergeant to Lieutenant Colonel .
VIA FERRATA
Sergeant David Chilinda
Via ferrata can be best be described as a mountain activity somewhere between scrambling and rock climbing , on routes characterised by a metal rail bolted into the mountain that you clip into and use as a safety line for the duration of the route .
The term “ via ferrata ” literally means “ iron way ” in Italian and is appropriate given the metal cables , iron pins and foot holds that are attached to the cliffs . The First World War saw via ferrata used extensively in the Dolomites to move personnel , equipment , and provisions up , down and around the precipitous and unforgiving mountain terrain .
I was privileged to deploy as part of the advance party for the exercise . After flying to Venice Airport , we drove to the town of Arabba where we were accommodated for the duration of the expedition , amongst some of the most beautiful scenery in the region .
I was tasked to accompany Lieutenant Colonel Bob Case , the via ferrata instructor , on a recce of the one of the intended routes to ensure that it was suitable for the participants , many of whom were complete novices like me .
Before we set off , I was issued with a helmet , harness , scorpion ( a special lanyard used for the activity ), and some gloves . For purposes of comfort and good grip , one also needs a good set of comfortable walking shoes .
We started off with a very short and technically straightforward climb – the Via Ferrata Averau . This route is worth a visit as it offers excellent views of the surrounding mountains and an enjoyable panoramic view from the summit of Averau .
On the second day we completed a longer route that offered more challenging terrain but still afforded beautiful scenery throughout . Halfway along the route , a nice fresh stream appeared , offering amazing views and a magnificent atmosphere , where a cannon can be found , reminding us of the battles that were fought on these mountains . We also completed a route characterised chiefly by tunnels dug out of the solid rock – these were used as trenches and supply lines during the First World War and were excavated during the fighting . The tunnels were very dark and flooded in some places but provided a fascinating insight into the human experiences of the soldiers who had to fight in these difficult positions , enduring exposure to the cold weather and elements , unhygienic living conditions and congested living areas .
Via ferrata offers an amazing opportunity for service personnel who wish to develop their individual fitness and mental robustness by operating in a demanding environment and difficult terrain . It serves as a challenging activity that can increase an individual ’ s resilience and develop leadership skills . It promotes team spirt and enhances team cohesion whilst enjoying beautiful scenery and magnificent views of the mountains . I would highly recommend via ferrata to any individual who wants to push themselves beyond their comfort zone , and especially those who wish to confront their fear of heights .
CLIMBING
Captain Jonny Edis
Exercise SELVA BACKSTOP was , for me , an opportunity to revisit some of the climbing skills that I had accrued during my time in the military and test them in a new , exciting and challenging environment .
The exercise started a week early for the climbers , so that we could be put through our paces with two days of remind and revise training in the Wye Valley , progressing quickly back through bottom roping to single and multi-pitch climbs . This proved to be an excellent opportunity to restore some muscle memory and double check drills , and one that paid off for when we arrived in Italy the following week .
There are few better places to climb than the Dolomites and none more scenic . We were spoiled with numerous climbing routes , exceptional views and plenty of places to stop for a coffee . All personnel who attended the exercise managed to practice their belaying and climbing techniques . Some were also able to expand on their training from the Wye Valley and conduct several challenging and intimidating multi-pitch routes with the instructors . For two days we were hampered by the weather which threatened sporadic showers throughout the week and altered some of the planned routes , but this was mitigated using a local indoor climbing wall and shorter , single-pitch routes .
In short it was an excellent week of climbing and not one to have missed . It has inspired me to pursue further courses with the Adventurous Training Group and hopefully to return to the Dolomites in the future .
TREKKING
Lieutenant Colonel Ruta Murniece .
As the HQ ARRC representative from Latvia , I was recently given a unique opportunity to explore some outstanding hiking trails in the world ’ s most majestic mountains – the Dolomites . We were pushed beyond our comfort zones to conduct a range of mountain activities from rock climbing and trekking to via ferrata and I am very grateful I had the opportunity to take part in the expedition .
This was my first hiking tour in the Dolomites , the mountains are really stunning and fantastic to experience . They provide the ideal chance to breathe air deep into your lungs , whilst soaking up the strength and energy from wide-open spaces . The hikes were not guaranteed to be easy , with the heat and rocky terrain as obvious challenges , but luckily for our team the temperature was just right at around 20 degrees Celsius at the base of the climbs and reduced significantly as we ascended . The trails seemed simple at times but could suddenly transform into steep narrow paths that wound their way up the mountains . Any hardship and trials on the hikes only made the views even more spectacular and rewarding once you go to the top . As you push through and get to the summits you receive a great amount of excitement and satisfaction from achieving what you set out to do .
One of the pillars of a successful event is good group mates and group leaders . My group mates on this trek worked very well together , helpful , and joyful . The team instructors were experienced , friendly and ready for all challenges we faced . I want to say thanks to all who participated in the organisation of this exercise , and I strongly encourage everybody to push their comfort zones whenever the opportunity arises .
the imjin WINTER 2022-23
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