Page 30 - AMA Summer 2024

ALPINE ADVENTURES›
EXERCISE DRAGON LIONS CLIMB
BTen Powell
he Army Mountaineering Association, renowned for its unwavering commitment to skills development and adventure training, recently embarked on an exhilarating expedition – Exercise Dragon Lions
Climb – with the main objective of summiting Mont Blanc. Nestled in the heart of the French Alps, Mont Blanc, standing at 4,808 metres (15,774 feet), is Western Europe’s highest peak. This daring endeavour not only tested the mettle of these chosen brave soldiers but also showcased the military’s dedication to excellence in extreme conditions.
The Challenge of Mont Blanc
Mont Blanc, with its imposing glaciers, ice crevasses, and unpredicta- ble weather, is a formidable challenge for even the most experienced mountaineers. For the Army Mountaineering Association, it offered the ideal setting for an adventure training expedition aimed at honing the skills of its members.
The Expedition
The expedition comprised a diverse team of mountaineers from various branches of the AGC, namely Capt Chris Grass, SO2 Plans LONDIST; WO2 (RQMS) Rob Morris, Spec Ops Regt; Sgt Baz Pelling, MPGS Cosford; Pte Riwaj Thapa, 22 Signal Regiment; Pte Prem Sambahangphe, MPGS Cosford; and the last-minute addition of LCpl Daisy Smith of 3rd Regiment Royal Military Police. Daisy answered the call only the day before. These individuals had to undergo rigorous training to prepare them for the unique challenges that high-altitude mountaineering presents. The journey began in the picturesque town of Chamonix, often referred to as the ‘Mountaineering Capital of the World.’
We settled into our accommodation which had spectacular views of Mont Blanc and prepared ourselves for the coming days of alpine mountaineering training and acclimatisation. We also had a proper introduction to our instructors Maj Al Mason from the ETS, WO2 Mal Thomas from the SPS and the OIC, Capt Ben Powell.
Aiguille du Tour. A leisurely start with Mal and Ben, two of our three instructors, taking us through the equipment, knots, and techniques down at a local crag. The sun continued to shine and morale was high. We could have been forgiven for thinking we were on holiday.
30 ‹ ARMY MOUNTAINEER