Page 8 - Chiron Autumn 2016

On 7 Aug 16, personnel from the DAC attended an adventure training package based out of Halton camp, which is in the Lancashire area of the Lake District,
The package was made up of hill walking, mountain biking, indoor and outdoor rock climbing and a zip wire course.
On day one the groups were split down into 3 teams which rotated through mountain biking, hill walking and rock climbing, covering a different activity each day.
On day one Group one went mountain biking. During the journey to the bike trails the group were feeling a little worse for wear due to the winding country roads with their hidden dips and hump back bridges. The drive felt like a roller-coaster, which made the trip was all fun and games for the passengers in the back of our transit van. Once we had nally reached our
Pte J. Taylor DAC
destination, the group went about setting the bikes up, testing the brakes - which we all knew we would be needing very shortly. The day started well with everyone being able to complete most of the tracks without any injury, all but one person had fears of going down some of the trails. This was not because they were afraid of the course, but due to a past experience where he had broken his collar bone while mountain biking on a previous adventure training package. By the end of the day we were all soaked and covered from head to toe in all sorts of muck and grime from the trails, but no matter how dirty everyone was all you could see were smiles over the coffees and ice creams. Never mind the sore bums from what seemed to be the world hardest bike seats.
Group two went hill walking. They covered around 12km of Lake District
countryside. They all seemed to enjoy themselves, but they all said it felt as if they had been taken the longest route back to the start point. Even with sore feet and aching muscles, they all had smiles on their faces ready to face the next challenge of the hike.
Group three went rock climbing at Kendal Indoor Climbing Wall. Following a basic introduction on the bouldering wall, they moved downstairs and had a lesson on the correct way to attach to the harness, and how to correctly belay. After a short session on the small walls the group had lunch, and moved into the main room. The walls here are massive!!! Everyone had a go using the automatic belay, jumping off the top of the wall. It was a good day and everyone managed to push themselves further and higher than they expected.
DAC Adventure Training in the Lake District
Searching Silverstone Racetrack
By Pte Rosie Jones, 104 Military Working Dog Squadron
Silverstone is famous as the home of the British Grand Prix Motor Racing; however, it was also formally used as a Royal Air Force bomber station in World War Two, with the three runways lying within the outline of the present track. Silverstone has the capacity to hold 150,000 people and is renowned over the world for its 18 turn circuit.
Throughout this year, 104 MWD Squadron have been assisting Military Support Operations in the UK by supporting the civil powers and developing interoperability. After much liaison and organisation, our Arms and Explosive Search section was given the fantastic opportunity to conduct training at this exciting venue.
Our search area was located in Silverstone in ‘The Wing’ and offered ve large exhibition rooms; balconies overlooking the legendary Grand Prix circuit; auditorium used for F1 post-race interviews with podium; and access to the 40 pit garages as seen on television.
On the day of the search, we were
greeted by friendly staff and given a tour of The Wing and an access all areas pass. The searches were set realistically in a live venue with plenty of distractions and activity going on. Many of the rooms were being used for conferences and dining halls, which was great for environmental training. My MWD, Herb, had the pleasure of searching one of the most expensive cars in the world: an F1 racing car. Thoroughly searching the vehicle, he showed most interest in the steering wheel where he almost climbed in! After the training, the staff kindly took us to the race track, which was being used by super cars for a team photo.
Without doubt, this training was highly valuable and the day was thoroughly enjoyed by all. It is hoped that we will be able to use this venue for searching again, and with any luck when there is a major Grand Prix race taking place.
Pte Lorenzo Willis and MWD Trapper about to enter the F1 Paddock Club Enclosure.
8 Chiron Calling
Pte Rosie Jones and MWD Herb searching a F1 car.