Page 43 - Wish Stream Year of 2017

EX CORSICAN CADET saw eight Intermedi- ate Term Officer Cadets head to the epony- mous island to tackle the GR20. The GR20
- Grande Randonee 20 - is widely recognised as the most challenging trekking route in Europe, including steep, rocky ascents of up to 2000m climb, and patches of scrambling which are only ‘trekkable’ with the aid of the built-in chains. Combined with the heat of the August sun and the weight of our packs, we were under no illu- sions as to the adventurous challenge awaiting us.
The team was proud to draw all its instructors from within the intake, as well as being a com- posite expedition drawn from across platoons within Imjin and Borneo Companies. EX CORSI- CAN CADET, therefore, enabled team-building, and the challenge of adapting to new people in new scenarios, increasing its beneficial impact on training and leadership development. Led by OCdt Wettern as SML, OCdts Turley and Firth put their MLT qualifications into good
effect, taking on the challenges of navigation and group management each day. All OCdts were stretched by the expedition, both physically and mentally, gaining valuable Quality Mountain Days which they will be able to put to good use gain- ing future qualifications. In addition, overseas experience is invaluable
OCdt Oliver Wettern
in being able to organise adventurous training at unit, enabling the delivery of exciting and varied training for soldiers.
Exercise CORSICAN CADET
The team flew to Bastia on Saturday 12th August, via Germany, and from there travelled across the Northern edge of the island to the GR20 start point at Calen- zana. On Sunday 13th August, packs laden with food and water - the latter being practically impossible to find on the trail outside the refuges - the trek began. It was imperative to start early each morning, in order to climb as far and as high as possible before the heat of the day hit, with the added
...the latter being practically impossible to find on the trail outside the refuges...
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