Page 20 - The Light Blue Volunteer Journal 2022

A month in Pakistan
Several weeks after the Tour du Mont Blanc, I found myself in the Karakoram mountains.
Here, the confidence I gained from this summer’s AT, combined with instructors’ lessons and advice, enabled me to plan and lead far more treks than I would have otherwise done.
It was in the Karakorams that I truly
appreciated the value of the AT that you had organised for us all, and although with final exams, this year is an important one for me, I very much look forward to getting involved and helping plan next summer’s AT in whatever way I can.
Inspired by my entirely positive experiences of AT this year, whether I stay with the unit or move on to another, I
intend to get on to some mountain leader courses after my exams.
Below are some pics, taken between 2500-3500m in Pakistan. Including the Passu Cones, Lady Finger peak (6000m), and Borit Lake.
Thank you very much.
OCdt Yusuf Story
Life after CUOTC
After leaving Cambridge UOTC in 2020 I was in two minds weather to pursue a career in the British Army as an Officer or a Soldier.
After considerable deliberation, I chose to complete the Combat Infantry Course in Catterick; where my skills and fitness rapidly improved. I passed out from ITC Catterick in August 2021 and joined the Second Battalion, The Royal Anglian Regiment.
‘The Poachers’ are a Light Mechanised Infantry Battalion who have given me the opportunity to enhance my previous leadership and management skills learned through
Cambridge UOTC.
I have recently completed the Fire
Team Commander’s Course (FTCC), and awaiting promotion to Lance Corporal - I was pleased to become the first Queens Division female to complete FTCC. My time at Cambridge UOTC most certainly supported my success in the course, particularly with military knowledge and the academic aspects. In the future, my ambition is to gain further experience to complete Juniors and thereafter attempt AOSB.
Pte Phoebe Mercer
20 THE LIGHT BLUE VOLUNTEER