HUSKY HEAVEN

Troops traverse Canadas frozen lakes with canine companions

Report: Joe Clapson Pictures: Graeme Main

LIDING over glistening snow with a pack of huskies at your feet and the Rocky Mountains looming in the distance is surely an experience that features high on many peoples bucket list. Dog sledding is one of those pipe-dream scenarios from the pages of travel magazines that most will never get the chance to enjoy. However, the mesmerising activity is undertaken by a significant number of military personnel who are posted to Canada during the winter and by the troops own admission, the experience is helping to set the Army apart from other employers. All soldiers who step onto the wooden sleighs this season will be on a break from the winter rehabilitation programme at the British Army Training Unit Suffield (BATUS), where vehicles and equipment for Exercise Prairie Thunder are being repaired. After 12-hour shifts fixing armoured vehicles and electronic systems, a trip to Trails End Camp, the Services prized adventurous training centre, serves to break up the transatlantic deployment. >>

Servicemen and women must keep their wits about >> Joining troops on the frozen water of them at all times. Albertas Spray Lakes, Soldier nevertheless found The drivers have brakes and commands such the experience to be a significantly challenging as easy at their disposal to slow down their one for those taking part. four-legged companions or whoa to bring them Dog sledding is not a bunch of lads having to a complete halt. a rest while being pulled around the snow, The huskies just want to run and run, so if emphasised Maj Rab Black (RAPTC), officer a sleds brake is off it will keep moving straight commanding Trails End Camp. ahead, added Donald. It is one of the hardest activities going The lads need to keep an eye on the navigation because you may be operating in deep snow, and always be aware of the canines welfare. often dragging a sled, and the dogs will not work Following his stint on the sought-after minifor you unless you build a rapport with them. expedition, Cfn Ross Meats (REME) said: To Those who sign up to the five-day adventure those troops who havent done it dog sledding operated by Russell Donalds Mad Dogs and Englishmen company learn how to handle and care might look like a jolly with a few days away from BATUS but its actually hard work for the canines as well as operate you have to look alongside them. The lads need because and all your kit. after the animals Working in temperatures to keep an You get up early in the morning ranging from 4 to -30 degrees and the dogs are all buzzing, which Celsius, military personnel need to eye on the is great to see, and then you get out be physically and mentally tough navigation on the lakes. enough to endure expeditions of The engineer from 3 Close up to 40km. and always Support Battalion, who is far more Its a steep learning curve for be aware of used to working with AS90s the guys, explained Donald, a than animals, added: We British ex-pat who set up home in the canines spent a couple of nights out the outdoor haven more than 20 welfare in the Rockies camping, years ago. seeing the wildlife and When you walk into a kennel undertaking activities I would never get a with 100 dogs barking at you it can be a daunting chance to do outside the Army. experience but this is about building confidence Its something you certainly wouldnt be and relationships. experiencing in England a proper once-inIts the job of the guides and the guys to keep a-lifetime opportunity. the animals happy so working long days on steep In addition to racing along on sleds, terrain can take its toll on soldiers. As soon as the howling dogs are unloaded from those who are proficient on the ice can try skijoring, an activity where troops are pulled their trucks and tied to reins they pull powerfully along by one or two dogs while balancing on on their leashes, showing they are ready to work. Nordic skis. Moving up icy hills and through snowstorms,

This is something that is offered in very few places in the world, the company founder proudly commented. You need to be able to stand up otherwise the dogs will just shut down its great fun but hard work at the same time. Given the uniqueness of this exciting activity, coupled with the spectacular backdrop its participants enjoy, the winter experience is understandably a very popular one among Armed Forces personnel. But Maj Black admitted the package is under the same spotlight as other non-operational areas of the Services not least because it is one of the most expensive pursuits that the British Army funds. However, he is a firm advocate of the value of

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the unique pursuit. This is something most people in the world will never do and soldiers get to experience the uncertainty of not knowing how they will interact with the animals, the officer said. Personnel wake up in -20 degree conditions to look after a rowdy pack and that in itself is a considerable challenge. When it comes to finding an activity that pushes staff to their limits in an awe-inspiring environment, most employers would struggle to beat dog sledding. Providing fun and promoting commitment to Queen and country, the British Army is also using this pastime to equip troops with the skill and stamina necessary to handle the most unforgiving of environments. I

Mushers on the move: Teams of huskies pull sleds carrying troops and civilian instructors across the frozen Spray Lakes in Alberta, Canada
www.soldiermagazine.co.uk FEBRUARY 2013

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