RN High Mountain Based Training

On the 27th March 10 four Midshipmen from Trojan Squadron made the journey north to participate in the Royal Navy specific “High Mountain Based Training”. This 5 day course, based at Rothiemurchus Lodge in the Scottish Cairngorms, is designed to use arduous conditions to develop the skills needed in a military career. The Trojan contingent were joined by one Midshipman and two Regular Officers from other DTUS squadrons, along with an Able Seamen based in Plymouth.

Day 1 - On early Sunday morning the course kicked off with several lectures to improve our knowledge of the skills we would require on the hills. These ranged from managing avalanche risk to the winter specific micro navigation skills required to survive the conditions that the Scottish weather can produce. The afternoon was spent with a 5km meander around Castle Hill and through the Chalamain Gap before returning to the lodge, and a respite from the adverse weather. This was an intentionally ‘easier’ day allowing for the Mountain Leaders to assess our abilities before the more challenging days ahead.

Day 2 - As Monday was forecast to be the only nice day of the week the ML’s decided to take us to the summit of Cairngorm (1245 m). This day was fantastic and the clear blue skies also allowed us to enjoy a fly-past from a Tornado whilst we sat on the summit eating lunch. Throughout the day we spent a significant amount of time practising winter skills, including the correct use of crampons and ice axes, and some introduction to snow hole techniques. The return to the lodge included a leg down the side of the ski area, enviously watching the hundreds of skiers enjoying their own slightly more relaxed day on the mountain!

Day 3 - At this point the weather became particularly inclement, forcing us to remain below 800m, avoid areas of increased avalanche risk, and therefore change the site of our planned snow hole. Later, when night came and the snow began to fall navigation became particularly challenging. Needless to say we were glad to finally complete the snow holes and settle down to enjoy a cosy and unusual night.

Day 4 - The journey back to the lodge was uneventful, and marked the end of the last course in this 10 week serial. The week was a complete success with everyone attending enjoying every second, despite the testing conditions. The service provided by the Mountain Leaders and Staff at HMBT was excellent and it is a thoroughly recommended course.

Created Wed 14 Apr 10 at 11:58 by Lt Cameron Stephen