Army Soldiers Set to Peak

A team of intrepid Army explorers are all set to take part in the adventure of a lifetime. 49 soldiers of all ages, ranks and capbadges will attempt to summit 3 peaks in the Himalayas , pushing their endurance to the limit. 21 will attempt to climb Everest itself via the notorious West Ridge, something no Briton has achieved before.

But what really sets this expedition apart from others is down to a flash of inspiration from expedition leader, Warrant Officer Class 2 Dave Bunting of The Army Physical Training Corps.  Not only is he organising the experienced climbers, he is training a Development Team of intermediate mountaineers in the art of organising Army expeditions, as well as taking a team of junior soldiers from the Army Foundation College in Harrogate and introducing them to climbing.

The Development Team, led by Major Kevin Edwards will help set up camps for the main team before attempting to summit Lhakpai Ri, a 7045m peak close to Everest.  Already hooked on climbing, most of the 15 committed men and women have never been to this altitude before and will have to draw on many of the skills they have learned in the Army.  Their teamwork, commitment and endurance will be severely tested in the extreme weather conditions and the detailed logistical, technical and administrative planning required to mount an expedition of this scale will enable the Development Team to become the expedition leaders of the future.

In those expeditions they may find themselves leading, among others, members of the Junior Team.  These eight 16 and 17 year olds only joined the Army in September 05 and are being given a taste of the exciting opportunities the Army offers at an early stage.  Led by Major Graham Carter, they will attempt to climb Island Peak, 6250m above sea level.  Many of this team had never been climbing before September, so this challenge is equally as demanding for them as climbing Everest is for the Main Team.  They will be able to keep in touch with the more experienced mountaineers whilst on the mountain, sharing in the whole Everest experience.

In wishing all 3 teams well, Chief of The General Staff, General Sir Mike Jackson said:

"I am immensely proud of our Army which has produced such a dedicated and talented squad as that participating in the Everest West Ridge expedition.  The experience, resourcefulness and determination of the Main Team attempting to climb Everest are truly exceptional - and it is these very qualities that will be in high demand as they attempt one of the most daunting climbing challenges known to man.  But the success of the other 2 teams – the Development and Junior Teams – is equally important as they represent the foundations of Army mountaineering expeditions in the future.  Everyone involved will need to draw heavily on their courage, discipline, and selfless commitment if the expedition is to succeed.  These values lie at the heart of what it means to be a soldier and so I have every confidence that they will prevail."

Visit the Everest West Ridge website

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