Page 24 - 2023 AMA Spring

EXPEDITIONNEWS
EXERCISE SELVA
BACKSTOP 2022
Major James SIlson
In the Winter 21 edition of Army Mountaineer, HQ Allied Rapid Reaction Corps discussed the virtues of multinational expeditions as they conquered western Europe’s highest peak. One year on and the HQ found itself in the Italian Dolomites for an entirely different experience
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 expedition, Exercise Selva Backstop, can now count themselves amongst those to have enjoyed that immense adventure playground.
Exercise Selva Backstop was an adventurous training exercise aimed at giving members of HQ ARRC the opportunity to climb, hike and conduct via ferrata within the spectacular sur- roundings to be found in north-east Italy’s stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site. 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. In this article participants who had a particular affinity
for a certain aspect of the activities share their recollections of a glorious week in the Dolomites.
VIA FERRATA
Sergeant David Chilinda
The term via ferrata literally means ‘iron way’ in Italian and is appropriate given the metal cables, iron pins and footholds 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, and after flying to Treviso Airport, we drove to the town of Arabba where we were accom- modated for the duration, amongst some of the most beautiful scenery in the region.
I was tasked to accompany the via ferrata instructor, Lieutenant Colonel Bob Case, on a recce of the via ferrata routes to ensure it was suitable for the participants, many of whom were complete novices like me.
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
Sgt 'Chilli' Chillanda enjoying the via ferrata
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 appears, offering amazing views and a magnificent atmosphere, and at the end of the trail a WWI cannon can be found, reminding us of the battles that were fought on these mountains.
We also completed a route character- ised chiefly by tunnels dug out of the solid rock, but used as trenches and supply lines during the First World War that 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.
Capt Greg Felloni seconding 'Via Cip and Co' on Picollo Lagazuoi
24 / ARMY MOUNTAINEER