Page 21 - QARANC Vol 14 No 13 2016

THE GAZETTE QARANC 19
to mountain bike, with some showing more natural talent than others. We were lucky enough to be surrounded by beautiful, although freezing scenery and the activities were challenging but great fun. Attempting to ride a bike through the woods in snow was never going to be easy! At the end of the week, all group members achieved their beginners’ mountain biking
qualification. The final thrill of the week was driving home through the dramatic Scottish scenery in a snowstorm, before arriving safe and sound back in Birmingham.
Somehow our three years have now come to an end. Through ups, downs, challenging assignments and long night shifts, we have made it. As a cohort we are proud to have completed our
training and become registered nurses with the knowledge and skills to prove assets in the workplace. We have had great feedback from our placements, interesting experiences and look forward to receiving our PIN numbers, getting out there in ‘real’ nursing uniform and making a difference to our patients.
Cpl Johnson DHE
Exercise Proton Serpent
Team Captain’s Point of View
This year BFGHS joined with DDS to make up the DPHC Germany team. Training together on the slopes and the Nordic loipes (when the weather permitted) we soon got our ski legs and became comfortable in Lycra (essential for Nordic). Dressed in lederhosen and dirndls, race week began with a flourish as the ‘Fun Race’ got underway. The rest of the week was considerably more serious and challenging for all of us as we took part in Alpine and Nordic events leading up to the final ‘Patrol Race’.
There was a challenging cross country Nordic race which had downhills in it that would have made an Alpine skier think twice. Finally after 20KM, dishevelled, tired and with some team members promising themselves ‘never again’ (until next year) we finished.
Every year the AMSSC is developed with the goal of providing AMS Skiers, Alpine and Nordic, with the same opportunities and training as the wider army. However, due to clinical hours and work restrictions it is not always possible for everyone to be released to attend the training camp throughout the year. This two week Exercise is hugely rewarding and the support from the QARANC Association Fund is vital to assist teams in the future who have limited access to funds.
Capt Lucia Watson
From the Dentist’s Point of View
It is important for operational effectiveness that AMS personnel are physically fit enough to keep up with the wider army. For me, skiing was a great opportunity to do two weeks of intense physical training that was tough but also enjoyable. Before Ex Proton Serpent I had never taken part in Nordic Skiing and initially I found it very challenging; however, the instructors and other members of my team helped me improve my technique and I have grown to enjoy the sport and see it as an excellent means to keep fit.
I was also able to develop my Alpine skiing abilities which require not only fitness but also a degree of physical courage, especially when competing on the slalom. The exercise encouraged competition and this went a long way in us developing a team that helped each other train with an aim to succeed.
Teamwork also plays a critical role in delivering patient care and it was great that we were able to bring a team consisting of a range of healthcare professionals.
I will be encouraging more serving personnel to take part next year as I believe events such as this help keep the British Army working more effectively as a team.
Capt Andrew McCammon