The early May Bank Holiday weekend saw some 350 reservists descend on Altcar Training Centre near Liverpool for the 25th Ex Altcar Challenge, the annual International Military Skills Competition sponsored by the United Kingdom Reserve Forces Association.
46 teams of four Senior and Junior Ranks from the RMR, TA and RAuxAF, as well as teams from Germany, Poland, France, Holland and the Czech Republic, competed against each other in male, female, and mixed categories under the watchful eyes of a number of high profile visitors including CRF Lt Gen Sir Nick Parker, ACDS (R & C) Maj Gen Simon Lalor, UKRFA President AVM Barry Newton and DRes(A) Brig Tom O’Brien.
The course was based on an ‘Operational Environment’ theme. Challenges focused on IEDs, mine awareness, BCD, patrolling, vehicle recovery and check points. There was also an assault course and weapon handling, ending with a falling plate shoot. The exercise aims to test all competitors physically, mentally and practically and the variety of stands playing to different teams’ strengths meant everyone had an equal chance to capture the prizes on offer.
The competition was organised and run by Reservists from across the three services who assisted with planning from the outset, including the administration of personnel and the organisation of accommodation, catering and transport, as well as the delivery of the stands on the day.
WO Matt Dillon, Chairman of Exercise Altcar Challenge SNCO Committee said “Altcar Challenge has come a long way over the last 25 years. We work hard to ensure that the component parts of the competition keep pace with current defence thinking and with more emphasis now being placed on the operational relevance of training, Exercise Altcar Challenge fits that bill.”
Ex Altcar Challenge provides an opportunity for nations to share military experiences and skills to enable better cooperation and understanding between Reserve Forces. It provides a strong basis for teamwork, personal development and leadership and provides excellent military training, but most importantly it is also good fun.
If you would like to compete in Exercise Altcar Challenge on 1-2 May 2010 or help with the organisation, please contact WO1 John Bennett on 07801 916800 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
