Page 5 - 2018 AMA Summer

PRESIDENT’S FOREWORD
LOOKING TO THE FUTURE
Whilst the last couple of editions of our Journal have given us the opportunity to reflect on the past 60 years of Army Mountaineering, it seems only appropriate that this reflection also focuses on setting the foundations of the Association for the future
One thing I have learnt in my Army career, is that whilst we may not be able to predict what it
is, change is inevitable. Be this people, organisations or equipment. However what is still a really positive and stable message is the continued investment and importance that the Army continues to place on Adventurous Training and thus the continued role and importance of our Association. In peacetime I personally believe that there are few other environments that can develop leadership, team work, risk management, physical and mental resilience, and decision making that a challenging expedition offers. And no doubt, technology will continue to make it easier for us to access some of the more remote areas of the world, our kit becomes far lighter (and our bank accounts!) and our batteries last longer. I do however hope that the one thing that we do not allow to change is the beauty, challenge, inspiration and satisfaction of being in the mountains (as well as the coffee and cakes afterwards), be it in rain or shine, on boots, skis or
tethered to a rope....viewing mountains on a screen from the comfort of my arm chair still does not quite cut it...!
As we look to the future of the AMA this also includes the need to review how we exploit the technology available, to ensure we make being a member of the AMA as easy and accessible as possible. For example, the work being done by Major
‘There are a range of other opportunities that both change and technology will bring’
Roy Davies to outsource the management of our membership database to Tardah and ensure we are GDPR compliant. Our Journal Editor, Capt Al Topping is looking to make our Journal more accessible online; hard copy journals may well soon be a thing of the past, hopefully alongside with plastic bags and disposal coffee cups! Whereas 60 years ago our predecessors
would probably have been thinking about whether they needed to be in the Phone Book or Yellow Pages. I have no doubt there are a range of other opportunities that both change and technology will bring; it is for us to embrace and exploit these opportunities to set the conditions for our successors whilst ensuring in doing so, we find more time to enjoy and promote the great outdoors.
As I sign off, I do wonder what our successors will be saying and drawing from the archives in another 60 years’ time....hopefully whatever it is, they will still have a very positive story to tell focused on challenges, teamwork and exciting expeditions. From everything the AMA is currently up to and has planned over the next year or so, you are all contributing to that legacy and the AMA continue to need people to assist in making this endure for the next 60. Please enjoy your summer, make the most of being in the great outdoors, stay safe and I look forward to seeing as many of you at the AGM in September as possible.
Lt General Ivan Hooper ARMY MOUNTAINEER / 5