Page 6 - Chiron Issue 2 2014

Triathlon is the fastest growing sport in the UK and the success of Alistair and Jonathan Brownlee in the London 2012 Olympic triathlon has made them household names. This growth in popularity of the sport has been reflected in the Army and the Army Medical Services in particular.
Each triathlon race consists of a swim, followed by a bike leg and finishing with a run. Distances vary from Super Sprint (400m swim/20km bike/5km run) to Ironman (3.8km swim/180km bike/42.2 km
The Chairman at the York Sport Sprint Traithlon
run). The equipment requirements for a pool-based triathlon are basic: a swimsuit, goggles, a bike and helmet, and a pair of trainers, with a wetsuit being the only additional item needed if the swim is in open water. Whilst the demands of training in three separate sports may be a little daunting at first in terms of time, anyone reasonably fit can complete a triathlon on only a few hours of training a week.
The Army Medical Services are represented at all standards, distances and age groups. Private Kimberley Preston RAMC (16 Medical Regiment) has been leading the way, performing at the highest level in the British Super Series Elite races, with a notable 10th place at the Windsor Triathlon. Major Rob Mathews RAMC (225 (Scottish) Medical Regiment) has been successful in Army Championships at age- group level, but equally important are those new to the sport who simply want to have a go, test their fitness and participate for the sheer enjoyment and camaraderie that is characteristic of every triathlon.
Thanks to the effort of WO2 (CSM) Martin Jackson RAMC (ATR Pirbright), Secretary Army Medical Services Triathlon, there is a thriving Army Medical Service
Triathlon Group on Facebook which is accessible to Regular and Reserve personnel alike. Details of the major events, which are open to all, are disseminated through this page and the chain of command. All Army Medical Services personnel interested in triathlon are encouraged to contact the Secretary for further details and also to join the Army Triathlon Association, which, for £10 per year, offers access to training plans, Army events and substantial discounts on kit and race entry.
WO2 (CSM) Martin Jackson at the Outlaw Half Traithlon
Focus On – Army Medical Services Triathlon
Lieutenant Colonel Phil de Rouffignac RAMC, Chairman Army Medical Services Triathlon
105 Millitary Working Dog Squadron Denmark – UK Exchange
By Pte James
On the 10th March 2014 I, together with four other dog handlers and their dogs packed up and made our way across the border from Germany to Denmark. We were welcomed with a firm handshake from the Danish RAF commander who quickly whisked us away to show us where the kennels, accommodation and dining facilities were before he let us get settled in.
The next day we got up early so we had time to eat and sort the dogs out, before being shown around the dog section. We were all amazed at how efficient their kennels and other facilities were, and the fact that their vet tech, kennel maid and physiotherapist were all the same person. The whole section was so quiet and relaxed as everyone was out dog training in their various areas. Whilst we were with the Danish handlers we picked each others brains, and asked lots of questions to gain greater knowledge to add to our dog training tool box. They showed us what they do with their dogs, and then we got a chance to train with our dogs using their equipment.
Most of their dogs were Belgian Malinois, classified as multi- role dogs. They all start out as protection dogs, and then once up to a high enough standard they start to introduce another discipline to the dog and handler. Their dogs cover protection, tracking, article search, parcel search, vehicle search, arms and explosive search with a few covering high assurance search/mine detection. They only have one other breed of dog in their training programme, that being two Labradors. They used various training aids including carousels and focus walls; one made out of bricks, one from carpet tubes, and others to test hides at different heights. We also took various MWD capabilities with us to show them the classifications which we cover including, Protection, Vehicle Search, IED Detection and High Assurance Search Dog. Most of their work is carried out off lead as their mantra is ‘with freedom comes obedience’. Off lead Pick up and Indication was the most interesting to watch.
them throughout their service. This clearly holds some benefits however the Danes highlighted the benefits that we gain from handling a wide variety of dogs as this increases our exposure to a range of problems and gives us wider handling experience. What was really interesting was their puppy selection: after a general selection the puppies stay at volunteer’s houses during the night and train at puppy school during the day. Their selection is very thorough and they expose the puppies to a variety of environmental challenges like loud bangs, slippery floors, endurance, the use of food training. Watching them search for their handler (who was hiding in a dark corner of a room) was very interesting as you could see the dog trying to see and smell without going into the dark bit of the room.
Sadly once the week was up we had to say goodbye to some lovely, welcoming people, but only after a BBQ and drinks where we presented them with a RAVC shield for their work place and their own individual RAVC coins to thank them for their hospitality.
We look forward to hosting the Danish return visit! “Vi elsker Danmark”
(We love Denmark)
The Danish keep their dogs at home and are teamed with
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Chiron Calling