Page 34 - 1998 AMA Summer

Expedition Planning (AFTA)
By Capt Mac’MacKayAPTC
WHAT'S TO BE DONE?
Do your homework!
In order that your expedition can be staffed as quickly and efficiently as possible, w ith a minimum of work for others, it is essential that you do your homework well in advance.
BEFORE YOU FILL IN YOUR ATFA READ - AGAIs Vol 1 Chap 11, and the Army Adventurous Training Com­ pendium (AATC). These con­ tain all you need to know about the philosophy, aims, proce­ dures and conduct of expedi­ tions. You will find guidance on such aspects as timings of appli­ cations for the various coun­ tries, funding, instructor/stu­ dent ratios, insurance, civilian- isation of vehicles, documenta­ tion, and lots more. There are also some DCI’s relevant to adventurous training.
For more specific information about the area or the country' that you will, be visiting, you can consult the Royal Geo­ graphical Society, libraries, Standfords Map and Bookshop in Long Acre London, tourist bureaux and travel agents.
Your HQ G3 PAT branch has
guidelines for adventurous
training issued by the DAs of
various countries and a selec­
tion of PXRs which can pro­
vide useful inform ation and
advice from those who have
been there before! You can also
Trg, EQT Plans PAT, the For­ eign Office, or the Embassy stafffor information that can be obtained from tourist informa­ tion and other sources.
to repair and re-issue a full range of items. The depot invests in new equipment to meet demands, when funds are available. However, it is likely that if Thatcham finds it increasingly difficult to cope
arrange a visit to Upavon to THE FINANCIAL
CHAMONIX
In the shadow of M ont Blanc lies Chamonix, at the heart of a val­ ley that stretches from the hamlet of Les Houches to Le Tour. The area is dominated by Europe’s highest mountain, Mont Blanc, some 4807m. Chamonix is a traditional resort that attracts visitors from all over the world. Its history as a mountaineering and skiing resort has evolved over the last two centuries.
Mont Blanc is thought by many to be one ofthe most beautiful mountains in the world. Glaciers can be found as low as 1200m and it has many ridges and faces, each with its own features and characteristics. In summer, the Gouter Hut, an overnight stopover on the popular Saint-Gervais route, is well used and booking is essential. A combination of high altitude, relatively unstable weather and the glacial terrain makes this a serious project. The ambitions of 50% of those attempting to reach the summit are dashed. The assistance of a professional mountain guide is a must and the office of the High Mountain Guides is based at Chamonix, where information on mountain safety and current conditions as well as the booking of guides can be obtained.
Good accommodation in Chamonix can be difficult to find. Why not enquire about renting the writer’s private apartment that is situated overlooking the Mont Blanc range and the lakes at Les Gaillands, Chamonix.
Superb 4 person apartment SW balcony overlooking lakes/Mont Blanc range £190 - £395 per week (01488 682351)
view our selection of PXRs.
USE THE CHAIN OF COMMAND EFFECTIVELY
If y'our unit has an adventurous training officer, then you should go to him /her for any initial advice: they should be able to provide any adventurous train­ ing publications you may need.
Should you find that there is some aspect of which you are not sure, and which your ATO is unable to clarify, the G3 Adv Trg branch responsible for staffing your adventurous training application (A TFA) will be able to help you. However - do not approach G3
IMPLICATIONS FOR EXPEDITION LEADERS
The adventurous training grant allocation is distributed at the discretion of G3 Adv Trg branches depending on such criteria as, the calibre of the expedition, the cost of travel etc. If this allocation is not increased commensurate to the numbers applying, many expe­ ditions may find themselves with less money than they had hoped. This could also create a possible ‘knock-on’ effect of the increase in num bers: affecting
the procurement.
At the Regional Depot RLC Thatcham the staff work hard
32 Army Mountaineer
If you don’t have the qualified
individuals you need, then with the high turnover, units
trawl for them right away: the shortage of qualified personnel is often a delaying factor, and your application will be turned down without them.
When you have done your homework, fill in your ATFA as clearly and accurately as possi­ ble, with a day-to-day itinerary. The best maps are those that are simply drawn on a sheet of A4 paper with main place names and the route clearly marked: photocopies from your atlas are invariably useless. Remember that your ATFA is a multipur­ pose form that not only goes to MOD departments, but is also copied to the Foreign office and to Defence Attaches in the host country.
Once your ATFA has been sub­ mitted, all correspondence con­ cerning your expedition m ust go through the G3 Adv Trg branch, with copies to those concerned - eg HQT Plans PAT for countries on Table 2 in AGAIS.
To avoid any delays or confu­ sion, be sure to address sig­ nals/letters/faxes correctly - if you are not sure of any part of an address, ask.
their own kit and equipment which will, of course, involve more money!
EASING THE FINANCIAL BURDEN
First, the sooner an ATFA is submitted to the G3 Adventur­ ous Training branch at your Divisional HQ/Command, the more likely you are to receive the most that can be obtained from the funds available, appropriate to your expedition. This will also help the HQ Division/command to forward plan and allocate funds fairly. Secondly, when planning an expedition, it is worth alterna­ tive routes to the training area,
expedition with members by planning fund-raising activities and by obtaining sponsorship. Fund-raising through such activities as jumble sales, spon­ sored swims or runs is not too difficult to organise. However, applying successfully for spon­ sorship is a far more difficult and sophisticated process.
Finally, if expedition leaders all do their utmost to return kit and equipment in good condition to Thatcham at endex, it will be ready sooner for re-allocation, thus perhaps preventing some­ one else having to purchase the items. This will also help Thatcham in their endeavour to provide a good service.
alternative methods of travel, and alternative airlines (if appropriate): this could consid­ erably reduce the travel budget. (See article on Air Trooping and effect on CNFP travel).
Thirdly, forward planning you may have to provide some of can reduce the cost to your