HMS Montrose and HMS Middleton lap-up adventurous training opportunity whilst alongside in Bahrain
As part of Operation Kipion and the enduring UK commitment to regional security in the Middle East, HMS Montrose and HMS Middleton along with United Kingdom Naval Service Facility personnel (UKNSF) were able to take part in a Royal Navy adventurous training sponsored package last month in Bahrain.
Activities delivered by the Royal Navy Adventurous Training team included, mountain biking, stand up paddleboarding, artificial wall climbing and road cycle touring.
The stand up paddleboarding experience offered individuals the chance to learn about ‘operating as equals’ and will enable those trained to return to the same delivery location without the team's oversight in the future. This model of delivery was also replicated with the road cycle touring with UKNSF now possessing an established scheme that trains and promotes this activity.
An excellent and very high artificial climbing wall (15m) enabled personnel to be exposed to ‘operating at height’ utilising an auto belay system consistent with what Naval Climbing Walls use in the UK. Whilst the rugged and harsh desert terrain in Bahrain made the mountain biking challenging. This was the most challenging activity undertaken compounded by the dry heat which was more than 32 degrees most days.
AET Dan Manning, who ended up sporting a few desert scrapes said: "The AT team were brilliant, coaching us through some quite technical mountain biking, it was a great way to get some well-earned time away from the ship and all completely free".
Many of the Royal Navy people involved were exposed to adventurous training for the first time in their careers so the RNATT took the opportunity to explain the fantastic Joint Service AT scheme which enables serving people to do foundation, leader and instructor courses throughout the UK and abroad for zero cost.
The Royal Navy Adventurous Training team are able to deliver in the UK and overseas and will design a bespoke package to suit the needs of a ship or establishments. A combination of both physically and mentally challenging training activities aid in personal development including; fitness, leadership and team building.
Lt Ben Carver was able to benefit from the Road Cycle Touring Leader trainer and said: “Taking advantage of the adventurous training activities on offer during an ‘Op Tour’ has been brilliant and with the training I have received can now give something back to other Royal Navy personnel”
