Post 8 : Adventure Training Brecon and the Black Mountains

This week we have been to Wales for adventure training. It's not been far off from what you do in the 2nd year of the college course.

Here's a list of activities with a quick explanation of what you can do for each.
First off hill walking: we had a 2 day hill walking and map reading activity to do up the hills in brecon beacons area (the SAS selection takes place out here)
We had to navigate and lead legs of the walk following a route on a map, pace and time keeping needs to be spot on.

We spent a night out camping in a valley which was brilliant as we got about 14 hours sleep.

Our rucksacks must never weigh less than 25-30 kg.

The navigation skills you gain within college mean that you will excel during training whist other will find this phase of training very difficult.

Another activity was rock climbing. If you choose to do rock climbing in college when you are here again you will be flying up the climb it gives you a chance to show off your knowledge and impress your section commanders. For example tying the re-threaded figure 8 knot and belaying properly.

We also went caving; the main thing about this activity is the whole team work together. It’s so dark you can't see past your nose and you have to scramble through holes and over cracks in the cave floor, working together is essential, no one wants to become a real life casualty.

Kayaking is also an option however, this wasn't on my programme so I didn't do it, but as above if you do it in college you will excel during training.

Tips:

Enjoy Linnet Clough It's the weeks like this that actually bring you close together as a team, enjoy it I did.

If you join a service, use all your skills from college wisely, don't be smug because you know more than others, help others and show you’re a team player.

All the best

Rob.