Page 23 - Chiron Calling Autum 2021/Spring 2022

Ex CHIRON ADVENTURE
by LCpl Jenny Parkinson
On 25th July 2021, 12 members of the Defence Animal Training Regiment departed for Cumbria on the first
Adventure Training package since the global pandemic hit. Another 12 members made up the second group to take part in a variety of activities.
This exercise gave personnel the chance to have time away from the workplace and enabled them to push themselves out of their comfort zones.
On arrival at our home for the next week, our brief of the week’s activities was given, and some dread could be seen on peoples faces due to being less confident on certain elements and the total apprehension on what lays ahead. My dread was definitely more towards caving and canoeing.
Overall, the week’s activities consisted of canoeing, mountain biking, caving, and hill walking. Physically I found the hill walking the most challenging due to the terrain and elevation.
What I presumed to be an hour walk to the local turned into 6 hours on the side of a hill that resembled Everest. The reward for the hard work was without doubt when we reached the top and saw the stunning views over Helvellyn.
After a physically demanding day of hill walking, the following day consisted of mountain biking with great downhill sections but to go down you had to negotiate uphills.
The remaining activities canoeing and caving had some elements that were quite physically and mentally challenging for me personally. During the caving I came across my fear of being confined with water. Although this was only during a small section at the end I felt I had achieved overcoming a fear.
Overall a challenging and tiring week enjoyed by everyone and just what was needed after continuously working throughout the pandemic.
Lieutenant
Colonel Michael
Robinson RAVC
– Commanding
Officer DATR
Lieutenant Colonel Robinson commissioned into the Royal Army Veterinary Corps in
September 1998 having completed his veterinary degree at the University of Liverpool. His early career saw him posted to the Army Dog Unit NI, DATR and King’s Troop RHA. He completed Squadron Command in 101 Military Working Dog Squadron in 2012 and then worked in the training environment both as part of a Requirement Setting Team for the Army Medical Services and in training delivery
at the Defence Medical Academy and latterly as Directing Staff on ICSC(L) at the Defence Academy.
He has served operationally in Northern Ireland, Bosnia, Kosovo,
Iraq and Afghanistan. On promotion to Lieutenant Colonel in 2019 he has served as SO1 Veterinary Policy and Assurance in Army Headquarters prior to assumption of Command
of the Defence Animal Training Regiment in June 2021.
He has a master’s degree in International Animal Ethics,
Welfare and Law and a Postgraduate Certificate in Adult Higher Education.
He is married to Vicky and has two children Beth, 14 and George, 11. His main interests are cricket and field sports. He is a member of the Worshipful Company of Farriers.
Chiron Calling / 21