Page 99 - Mind, Body and Spirit 2015-16

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concentrations. However, due to the extensive amount of experience (MICs & British Mountain Guides working on the Winter Concentration) it was smooth sailing. As normal for Scotland, the weather proved to be quite challenging throughout with Storm Henry interfering with the training, not to mention the typical Scottish weather; needless to say, the Gore-Tex was continuously tested! Attentive planning and thorough risk management reviews led to some fantastic classic routes being ascended, such as Curved Ridge on the Buachaille, 5 Sisters of Kintail and a plethora of gullies on the Ben and in the Corries of Glen Coe. Overall the concentration was very
successful which pushed instructors and students in some very harsh conditions. I would like thank all instructors for your support and focus throughout the concentration.
The Winter Concentration is due to run again next year over the period 30 Jan - 10 Feb 17, so if you want to be physically and mentally stretched under some of the best experienced instructors JS has to offer, why not apply via the OBS? More information can be found in JSP 419 and JSMTC’s Facebook page. Applications submitted via ATG (A) OBS on Forces Gateway.
Number 2 Gully on ”The Ben”
JOINT SERVICE MOUNTAIN TRAINING WING (RIPON) JSMTW (R)
The high-tempo of Adventurous Training delivery has continued throughout the year within JSMTW Ripon. Caving has been the main output, closely followed by rock climbing and mountaineering with the mix of military and civilian staff that provides both the continuity and expertise. Ever present are Ex WO2s’ Baz Albutt, Daz Doyle and Andy Phillips. WO2 (QMSI) Glenn Bloomer has continued in his role as Wing Sergeant Major, with SSgt (SSI) Frazer Mathias, Sgt (SI) Chris White and Sgt (SI) Luke Grif ths on the shop oor. With Jed and Steve in the stores, the nal and most integral piece of the team is Jane, who works wonders in the background.
Future of Ripon. The long-term strategic positioning of the Wing is still unclear, which is a worry for the civilian members of the team, with work on-going to nd a new location. Deverell Bks has closed for all external military training, with the Wing maintaining the only presence on Camp. It is expected that both Claro and Deverell will be disposed of, late 2018.
WO2 (QMSI) Bloomer MIC in Action
ATIs On Parade in Ripon
Concentrations. In addition to delivering JSAT courses, the Wing was tasked with organising Concentrations which included SPANROCK (Southern Spain), SPANCAVE (Northern Spain), Mountain Skills (Lake District) and Caving (Peak District). A big thank you goes to the individuals who organised each trip.
Caving Dinner. Sgt (SI) Chris White organised the biennial, Joint Service Caving Dinner. This was held in Harrogate and was attended by both civilian and military cavers from across the caving community. We took this opportunity to say thank you, to Maj (Retd) Steve Higgins, for all the work he has done over the years for military caving.
Congratulations. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate all my instructors who have continued to develop themselves throughout the year. Notably, WO2 Glenn Bloomer gained his Mountaineering Instructor Certi cate (MIC), whilst Andy Phillips and Daz Doyle were awarded their Joint Service Mountain Guide (JMG) – the JMG is an honorary award given to an individual who holds the highest awards in JSAT Skiing and Mountaineering (summer, winter and alpine).
Capt (MAA) S Chappell RAPTC