Thanks to a very generous grant from the Ulysses Trust, this summer 18 members of Oxford University Officer Training Corps were able to participate in EXERCISE BLUE BLANC. EXERCISE BLUE BLANC was a 13-day expedition from 29th July 2019 to 10th August 2019 to complete the famous Tour du Mont Blanc trek over 10 days. The Tour du Mont Blanc is 170km long, crosses through 3 countries (France, Italy and Switzerland) and involves more than the height of Everest to be climbed.
The aim of the expedition was primarily to develop the leadership ability of participants through authorized challenging pursuits within the alpine environment. A further aim was to teach new skills in an environment that is both mentally and physically challenging, including the Summer Mountain Foundation qualification, gained by all members not already possessing it.
These qualifications were not the only benefit of EXERCISE BLUE BLANC, which also proved to be a highly enjoyable challenge enabling participants to experience outstanding alpine terrain, develop personal admin skills such as bag-packing for multiple isolated days, and pushed all out of their comfort zones. Particular challenges included a day of torrential downpours on 7th August slowing progress down and proving difficult camping weather, along with the long final 27km day! This final day involved almost 12 hours of walking at the end of a tiring trip!
The impact of the expedition on OUOTC as a unit was tremendous, with individuals possessing highly beneficial qualifications enabling them to go on to gain further qualifications to lead the unit on expeditions themselves. Furthermore, the it was a flagship adventurous training expedition to be showcased throughout the upcoming recruitment period to help attract new members to the unit.
All participants thoroughly enjoyed the exercise, with JUO Hudson in particular enjoying the alpine scenery:
“I learnt a fantastic amount about the alpine wildlife during the expedition and saw some wonderful birds, in particular types of alpine pigeon!” OCdt Scotney stated “Brilliant trip, already missing it! Great to have learnt many skills, both technically and personally!”
