Page 160 - AGC-Journal-2016

AGC JOURNAL 2016

Exercise

Redcap Trail

By Lance Corporal Nathan Bedson

In May of this year 35 surroundings of the Wye Valley and the
members of 116 Provost Forest of Dean, demonstrated by the use
of some more interesting routes. As the
Company deployed onto planned flat route turned hilly, the soldiers
Exercise Redcap Trail, quickly learnt their way on the roads in
which was a Company level and around Symonds Yat. Fortunately, no
reports of anyone falling off were reported,
Adventure Training exercise even following some skills training which
to Monmouth, in South saw soldiers taking their bikes as slowly
as they dared. The events were topped off
Wales. Soldiers from across with a barbecue back at Vauxhall Camp
the Company’s two sites Kayaking in Monmouth, produced by our chef,
(Manchester and Cannock) Corporal Ollie Oliver.
came together to attend The weekend, which had its fair share of The Final Walk
enjoyment and hard work, was heartily
the training consisting of participated by all, with individuals both After breakfast on Sunday morning the
kayaking, cycling and some intentionally and unintentionally getting weekend was brought to an end with a
wet in the River Wye. Kayaking turned
walking. out to be a favourite which saw the use stroll through the valleys which gave the
of the slide to gain entry onto the River. great opportunity whilst in a relaxed and
informal atmosphere. The route, in true
However, every kayak eventually capsized military fashion, finished with a steep
and all fears of getting wet quickly hill climb which required a lot of grit and
diminished. Once on the rapids, all took determination from all those involved.
on the directions of the instructor, with It was a great end to the adventurous
some deciding to take a more adventurous weekend as all soldiers made it to the
approach to kayaking down rapids top of Symonds Yat without issue and all
resulting in capsizing in the fast torrent of enjoyed the view in the sun as we awaited
water, and some even deciding to our transport home.
take on the many rocks.

Cycling

The Aims
The second activity of the day,
cycling, was run superbly by
The primary aim of the weekend was the Company’s Physical
to enhance kayaking skills in order for Training Instructors.
soldiers to progress onto working down The activity led to
the unforgiving rapids on the River the unplanned
Wye. Secondly, the weekend was aimed development of
to develop personal attributes such as individual’s
teamwork, physical fitness, confidence, map reading
leadership, mental robustness and also skills whilst
foster a greater working relationship exploring the
whilst operating in a safe and controlled beautiful
environment. The weekend allowed
soldiers to gain experiences and push
themselves in a manner that most do not
normally have the chance to practice in
routine training.

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