Defence Instructions and Notices (Not to be communicated to anyone outside HM Service without authority)

Transcription

1 Defence Instructions and Notices (Not to be communicated to anyone outside HM Service without authority) Title: Ski Mountaineering Exercise: Ex Alpine Arc 2015 Audience: All Army Personnel Applies: Immediately Expires: May 2015 Replaces: N/A Reference: 2013DIN Status: Current Released: December 2013 Channel: 07 Training and Education Content: Information concerning application for and participation in Army Adventurous Training Expedition Alpine Arc 1 Jan 10 April 2015 Sponsor: Army Mountaineering Association, Oxford UOTC Contact: Capt T M Noakes, Oxford UOTC, Falklands House, Oxpens Road, OXFORD, OX1 1RX. Exercisealpinearc@gmail.com +33 (0) Keywords: Ex Alpine Arc 2015, Army Ski Touring Expedition, Application Form, Contact details Local. Keywords: Supplements: (Please click on the links to access >>>> ) Related Info: Classification: UNCLASSIFIED EXERCISE ALPINE ARC 2015 References: JSP 419 INTRODUCTION 1. EX ALPINE ARC 2015 is an Army level Ski Mountaineering expedition with the aim to traverse the European Alpine Chain on Skis from Vienna (Austria) to the Mediterranean coast of France from 1 January to 10 April The Expedition Patron is DCOM NRDC (ITA) General Sir George Norton. The exercise is supported by the Army Mountaineering Association and Oxford UOTC and organised and lead by Captain Tania Noakes IFMGA Mountain Guide. 3. The exercise will comprise of 11 consecutive stages; each stage will be roughly 8 days duration and allow 6 service personnel the opportunity complete part of this challenging traverse. A total of 66 places will be available to suitably experienced and qualified service personnel from the Army and Army (Reserves) including UOTCs. TRAINING OBJECTIVES 4. To traverse the European Alpine Chain on skis from Puchberg, 40km south of Vienna (Austria), to Menton on the Mediterranean cost of France in the winter of 2015

2 5. To provide continuation training and valuable further experience to Service personnel wishing to develop their skills and gain JSAT Ski-Mountaineering qualifications. AIM 6. To meet the aims of AT through the continued development of army Ski Mountaineers whilst nurturing future AT leaders and instructors. EXECUTION 7. Stages There will be 11 stages to the traverse; a summary of which is set out at Annex A. There are 6 available places on each stage with one of these places set aside for a qualified SL1 or above. There will be 2 reserve places allocated per stage. Some stages are more physically demanding than others. Some are more technically demanding in terms of skiing ability and/or mountaineering skills required. It is important that applicants ensure that they apply for a stage appropriate to their physical and technical abilities. 8. Oxford UOTC stage Stage 10 will be dedicated to Oxford UOTC. 9. Whole stage allocation Units may apply to book an entire stage. In this case the unit must provide evidence that their team has the required fitness and experience levels appropriate to the selected stage. Units interested in reserving a stage should contact the Expedition Leader (Ex Ldr) for further details. 10. Individual application All applicants will be considered. An application form together with guidance on suitability for the various stages can be obtained by contacting the Ex Ldr. Notification of team selection will take place by 31 May Finances The expedition will be funded through various public and non-public funds including an individual personal contribution in the region of 600. (This figure may reduce if further Army central funding becomes available). 12. Duty Status All personnel will be on-duty during the expedition. 13. Further Information. Further information for those interested, and the chain of command, is available from the expedition leader. a. Expedition Leader. Capt TM NOAKES OXFORD University Officers Training Corps Falklands House Oxpens Road OXFORD OX1 1RX Mob: +33 (0) Exercisealpinearc2015@gmail.com 14. Minimum Skills. In order that Ex Alpine Arc 2015 is conducted safely, there is a requirement for all members to have an appropriate level of skill and experience. This skill and experience can be demonstrated through the possession of Joint Service Adventurous Training (JSAT) qualifications or through other evidence of personal experience and ability

3 to the required level. It is stressed that formal qualifications are not essential and nor do they guarantee a place on the expedition. 15. Fitness and Deployability. Ski Mountaineering is a very physically demanding activity; all team members will have a duty to ensure that their personal fitness is of the highest standard. This is essential so that the overall safety and success of the project is not placed in jeopardy by participants who do not meet the required standard. 16. Personnel must be graded MFD or MLD to attend Ex Alpine Arc Participation by individuals graded MLD will be subject to the approval of a Medical Officer and the completion of a medical risk assessment. SUMMARY 17. Ex Alpine Arc 2015 is a highly challenging Army Ski Mountaineering Expedition that aims to traverse the European Alpine chain on Skis. It will enable up to 66 service personnel to take part in an amazing and rewarding journey. It will also allow participants to gain further experience towards future JSAT qualifications. Finally, it will help promote cross-nation understanding and goodwill and complete a challenge never before undertaken by a Military team. T M Noakes Capt Ex Ldr UATO for CO Annexes: A. Proposed Itinerary and summary of Legs. B. Fitness, Mountaineering Skill, and Alpine Ski Ability levels explained. Distribution:

4 ANNEX A EX ALPINE ARC 2015 Itinerary (All dates are inclusive UK to UK) AUSTRIA Leg 1 Puchberg to Johnsbach AUSTRIA Fri 09 th Sun 18 th Jan 2015 (10) FL: 1 MSL: 1 ASL:1 Arrival/Departure Airport: Vienna Leg 2 Johnsbach to Koschach Fri 16 th - Sun 25 th January 2015 (10) FL: 2 MSL: 1 ASL:1 Arrival/Departure Airport: Salzberg Leg 3 Koschach-Matreier Tauernhaus Fri 23 rd January- Sun 01 st February 2015 (10) FL: 2 MSL: 3 ASL:3 Arriva/Departure Airport: Innsbruck Leg 4 Matreier Tauernhaus- Steinach am Brenner Sat 31 st January- Sat 07 th February 2015 (8) FL: 2 MSL: 2 ASL:2 Arrival/Departure Airport: Innsbruck Leg 5 Gries am Brenner-Klosters Thurs 05 th Sun 15 th February 2015 (11) FL: 2 MSL: 2 ASL:2 SWITZERLAND Leg 6 Klosters to Splugen Fri 13 th Sun 22 nd February 2015 (10) FL: 1 MSL: 2 ASL: 2 Leg 7 Splugen- Alpe Devero Fri 20th Feb- Sun 01 st March 2015 (10) FL:1 MSL: 2 ASL: 2 Leg 8 Alpe Devero-Bourg St Pierre Fri 27th Feb- Mon 09 th March 2015 (11) FL: 2 MSL: 1 ASL: 1 Arrival/Departure Airport: Geneva ITALY Leg 9 Bourg St Pierre- Modane Sat 07 th Mon 16 th March 2015 (10) FL:2 MSL: 1 ASL: 2 Arrival/Departure Airport: Geneva FRANCE Leg 10 Modane-Montegenvre OXFORD UOTC LEG Sun 15 th -Wed 25 th March 2015 (11) Leg 11 Col du Larche-Menton Tue 24 th March-Sat 04 rd Apr April 2015 (12) FL:1 MSL: 2 ASL: 1

5 ANNEX B Fitness (FL), Mountaineering Skill (MSL) and Alpine Ski Ability Levels(ASL) Explained. For ALL Legs the minimum JSAT Ski Qualification required for application to the expedition is SF3 (Ski Foundation 3). This is to ensure that the basic skills of ski-touring have already been covered before participation in the Expedition. Prospective participants are encouraged to gain their SF3 in the winter season of 2013/14 in preparation for their chosen leg. In exceptional circumstances applicants may be considered without their SF3 but only through direct approval from the Ex Ldr at time of application. Fitness Levels (FL) FL 1: Able to ski daily ascents of m a day in good speed (300m/hr) FL 2: Able to ski daily ascents of m in good speed (350m/hr) FL 3: Able to ski daily ascents of m in good speed (400m/hr) Not all days will require the maximum amount of ascent but you should be capable of doing several days at this level back to back. Mountaineering Skill Level (MSL) This is to gain a measure of your confidence ON FOOT in ascent and descent, rather than your ability on skis. Some legs require sections to be completed on foot and/or have optional mountain summits which may be attempted if conditions allow. MSL 1: I have never used/worn ice axe crampons before. I feel intimidated by steep slopes and exposed areas. MSL 2: I have some experience with ice axe/crampons. I feel reasonably confident on steep slopes and in exposed areas. MSL 3: I am competent in the use of ice axe and crampons. I feel confident on steep slopes and in exposed areas. Please indicate on your application form if you hold any JSAT qualifications which have assessed you in the use of ice axe and crampons. For example JSML (W), JSAML etc. Alpine Ski Ability Level (ASL) ASL 1: I can ski linked turns whilst carrying a rucksack in most off piste conditions including short sections of 30 degrees although I have to concentrate. I am in control of my speed and line and I rarely fall over. I am a robust and experienced skier. ASL 2: I can ski linked turns whilst carrying a rucksack in almost all off piste conditions including steeper terrain up to 35 degrees. I can vary my line and adapt my skiing well to conditions and am technically at a good level. ASL 3: I can ski all off piste terrain easily in all conditions carrying a rucksack, including steep slopes up to 40 degrees. I am technically at a high level.