Page 18 - AMA Summer 2023

EXPEDITIONNEWS
EXERCISE DRAGON CRUSADE INCA
12-27 MARCH 23 Will Spencer Jones
Breaking new ground, 16 Signal Regiment share their mountain and cultural experiences following a successful excursion to the Peruvian Andes and their ancient Incan landmarks. Mountaineering is alive and fervent in South
EAmerica.
xercise Dragon Crusade Inca was
an adventurous training package
for 15 members of 16 Signal Regiment to Peru in South America. Its aims were to deliver an introduc- tion to adventurous training, travel to an overseas high risk and remote location,
and provide exposure to new cultures and experiences. Countless hours of hard work and preparation were put in by the QM(T), Capt Gopal Saru to
deliver what was a highly successful and once-in-a-lifetime experience. The group comprised a broad rank range of Private to Major with members representing the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, Queen’s Gurkha Signals and Royal Signals.
Due to the high risk and remote nature of the main expedition, a period of pre-de- ployment training was required. This involved a series of preparatory treks in
Snowdonia National Park and a bespoke mountain first aid course to supplement our military training. The 4-day package in Capel Curig saw the full range of weather conditions one can expect from North Wales in February from unexpected snow to glorious sunshine. This pre-deployment training allowed the team, which was drawn from all aspects of the regiment, to meet, bond and prepare for the main expedition to come.
The team at Humantay Lake
18 / ARMY MOUNTAINEER