Page 33 - QARANC Vol 17 No 2 2019

The Gazette QARANC Association 31
From left – Major Jo Tams-Greg, Corporal McKenna, Major Anuj Sunder, Corporal Steve Domaille, Corporal Amy Stuart, Corporal Oliver Ketch
Exercise North Cold Soldier 2019
The Army Reserve promises ample opportunities for adventure, adrenaline and excitement. When it comes to Exercise Cold Soldier it does not fail to deliver all three. It is just one of the many types of adventure training available to Army Reserve members. The name ‘Cold Soldier’ conjures up images of camping in icy conditions and huddling in snow drifts, however it was the complete opposite. I had heard about Cold Soldier from various members of my own unit and was told not to miss the opportunity if it ever came up. All I knew about the exercise was that it involved skiing, but because I had never skied before I didn’t think I could take part – I couldn’t have been more wrong!
The exercise itself is classed as a Type 3 Adventurous Skiing Activity and is superbly organised by Headquarters 2 Medical Brigade. The aim of Cold Soldier is to introduce skiing to beginners and provide them with an opportunity to develop skills safely on the slopes. For complete novices like myself, the end goal is to attain an accreditation in either Ski Foundation 1 (SF1) or to simply advance on from previous certificates to obtain SF2 or SF3. One of the best things is that all the ski instructors are from within the Army and you may even have an instructor from your own unit, which makes it a very personal experience.
Cold Soldier 2019 was based in Morzine, France, one of 14 resorts in the Portes Du Soleil region. It is a stunning location, straddling the Franco-Swiss border and a welcoming destination for beginner and intermediate skiers alike due to the variety of gentle pistes and relaxed vibes. The extensive network of ski lifts mean you’re never far from one of the 23 blue slopes, 29 red slopes and if you’re feeling brave enough, nine black slopes!
On arrival we were split into groups based on previous experience, provided with top class ski gear and set free for a week of skiing adventure. Cold Soldier develops not only personal fitness and mental resilience, but also enhances teamwork and helps to build close bonds with fellow reserves. Cold Soldier really does tick all the boxes and sums up what it means to an Army Reserve member. Intimate group sizes meant we were able to develop our skills at a similar pace and conquer the slopes together, even managing a black slope on the last day!
my first adventure training experience with the Army Reserve. It was both exciting and challenging. In my civilian life I work as an emergency nurse in a very busy NHS hospital. I was therefore able to redirect my focus into a stimulating and exciting task which encouraged me to work outside of my comfort zone and develop individual leadership skills. Even with the intensity of working within a busy ED I still enjoy taking the time to push myself in new directions and take part in Army Reserve life. The one thing I have learned from this experience is the importance of refocusing after you’ve had a knock to your confidence; don’t let a bump in the road derail progress; stay focused on the task and call on your team for support.
Corporal McKenna 204 (NI) Field Hospital
As a junior soldier new to 204 (NI) Field Hospital this was
From left – Corporal McKenna, Corporal Heyburn, Corporal Lyness