Page 25 - 2014 AMA Summer

in 4x4 vehicles to a base camp in the volcanic wasteland below the slopes of the now extinct volcano. The following day we ascended through moraines and giant boulders to a high camp at 5400m. The human body will never fully acclimatise to this altitude and in such an inhospitable location plants and animals cannot survive. It is never pleasant waking up at 0030 hours to start the day, but at 5400m in a frozen tent with significant wind chill it requires some sort of motivation – luckily the challenge of scaling Peru’s 3rd highest mountain was just what was required! The climb from high camp immediately started on ice-hard snow with just the glow of head torches and some moonlight to find sound foot placements. Shortly into the climb crampons were donned and the team moved onto steeper terrain to ascend through ice covered rock buttresses; it was probably just as well it was still dark.
At the end of the mixed snow and rock ridge the sun was beginning to rise, bringing much needed warmth to the team struggling with the freezing temperatures – water bottles were frozen solid, down jackets and even full balaclavas were being worn. By this stage, movement was slow and methodical, requiring immense persever- ance and overcame fatigue and hardship beyond the levels ever experienced by the soldiers before. It all paid off and the whole team were standing on the summit of Coropuna – a truly incredible and hard won experience.
Due to our move to the south of Peru there was an opportunity to visit the world heritage site of Machu Picchu. Although further long distance overnight bus journeys were required, the stunning and simply spectacular ancient city was a highlight and fitting end to the expedition.
With military operations likely to focus on the prevention of conflicts and overseas nations’ capacity building, there were many cultural and geographical similarities with the remote Peruvian regions visited to those likely to be encountered in the future, making the experience even more valuable for the soldiers present. It not only improved fitness but also the soldiers’ understanding of cultural differences and their ability to operate in small teams in remote and hostile environments. The expedition was both mentally and physically challenging and increased the team’s effectiveness as soldiers preparing to go on future operations by fostering qualities of team spirit, robustness and initiative.
Huge thanks given to the very significant support of the Army Mountaineering Association, Ulysses Trust, Support Command, Adventurous Training Group (Army), Richmond Hill Trust Fund, Services Sound and Vision Corporation, Felix Fund, Royal Engineers Corps’ Funds, Blythe Sappers and Berlin Infantry Memorial Trust Fund (BIMTF). Without such kind and generous support, expeditions of this nature would not be possible.
ARMY MOUNTAINEER 23