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AAPTIs to deliver this quality training with my guidance and mentorship. However, I quickly discovered that this Unit is fast- paced and that I would require to be more hands on. Thus, it was down to me to deliver the Lanyard training.
The programme was set and I was keen to get started, but I had my early frustrations which quickly became apparent that I was not going to get the full commitment I needed to warrant entering two teams as requested by the CO. Thus, my goal quickly moved from trying to win the competition, to how do I get everyone to the start line in the best physical shape possible? We eventually entered a male (8 pax) and female (6 pax, plus 2) teams. The structured training started to ramp up the miles with strength & conditioning providing the foundation. However, the brutality of Brawdy’s weather provided our biggest challenge, which only enhanced our mental resilience reserves.
The female team had committed the most to training, and I was motivated by their progress as carrying 40lbs was a huge ask for these young soldiers who were also small in stature. I had briefed the CO and mentioned that it was rare to see a team consisting of all females willing to compete, I was never really supposed to be part of the team. However, I was really enjoying delivering the training. Therefore, on 23 Mar 24 at 0500 hrs, we (female team) started the event over tough terrain across Dartmoor, self-navigating through
2024 Lanyard Trophy
the 12 checkpoints. The male team had a later start of 0600 hrs.
Unfortunately, the female team were unable to continue passed checkpoint eight due to the weather conditions that had reduced our pace over the 11 hours. Although disappointed, we were proud of everyone who endured the build-up training and put themselves forward to challenge themselves knowing that it was not going to be easy, sadly we did not achieve what we all wanted to achieve. The male team did finish and in a wonderful time of 18hrs.
My concluding thoughts are that failing has never sat well with me, and it’s something that we (military) do not accept easily. On reflection I have failed more that I have succeeded, but I am stronger for it. However, on this occasion, I do not think we failed as the risk outweighed the reward. The success came from taking seven (eight in total) young female soldiers who lacked the confidence, possessed a mixed level of fitness, and came from a variety of different capbages to come together and take on a challenge that has developed us all. I am immensely proud of all that.
2024 Lanyard Trophy