RMR puts employers through their paces

Employers were put through their paces by the Royal Marines Reserve (RMR) Scotland during an exercise in Highland Perthshire.

Exercise Wet Kipper was jointly organised by RMR Scotland and Highland RFCA and held at Polney Crag and Cally Loch, Dunkeld, on 27 June. The employer engagement exercise consisted of abseiling, a Tyrolean rope bridge traverse, a water obstacle crossing, and improvised carry and stretchering of simulated casualties.

Participants came from a range of employers. These were Binn Group, Briggs Marine & Environmental Services, Crieff Hydro Family of Hotels, Fife Chamber of Commerce, Gogar Services Limited, and Reach Subsea UK Limited. All of those organisations have shown their support for the Armed Forces by signing the Armed Forces Covenant.

They also hold Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Awards at a variety of levels. Gold: Fife Chamber of Commerce; Silver: Crieff Hydro Family of Hotels, Gogar Services Limited; Bronze: Binn Group, Briggs Marine & Environmental Services, Reach Subsea UK Limited.

The 16 participants (including four from HRFCA) were split into teams and given an overview of what to expect from the day, along with a comprehensive safety briefing.

The first activity consisted of a short slabby abseil, building to a more complex 30-metre descent.

The Tyrolean rope bridge crossing followed with each team having been given the chance to practice between two trees, before heading out across the loch for the main crossing.

The water obstacle crossing saw the teams rafting four bergens together (these were attached to a safety line) before getting into the water. A safety kayak was on hand in case anyone got into difficulties.

The final activity was the improvised carry and stretchering of simulated casualties using ropes, slings, jackets and poles.

Following the event we asked some of the participants for their thoughts on the day.

Which activity did you enjoy the most and why?

Stuart Banks (Gogar Services Limited): “As I typically sit in an office most days getting outdoors is a novelty, and to do a bit of rock climbing and abseiling was a bonus. The method the Marines use is very simple – but effective – as they explained that they would scale or climb in areas an opponent would not expect.”

Victoria McKenzie (Reach Subsea UK Limited): “I enjoyed the abseiling most as I had never done it before, so it was real challenge.”

Neil Smart (Briggs Marine & Environmental Services): “I quite enjoyed the rock climbing and abseiling as I had never tried it before.

What did you learn about yourself during these challenges?

Stuart: “I learned that I’m not 21 any more! I have a good attitude towards trying everything and pushing myself to go a bit further, however it did highlight that I could be more active and do more.”

Victoria: “That I can take on challenges I’m scared of. During the second abseil, I was a lot more confident and really enjoyed myself and just wanted to do it again.”

Neil: “To step out my comfort zone. I didn’t let anyone know I was scared of heights, so found it pretty rewarding.”

Did the event alter your perceptions of the military in general and the Royal Marines Reserve in particular?

Stuart: “The event highlighted and confirmed my respect for all the Armed Forces. The Royal Marines took the time to explain every action and the reasons for it and on some occasions when they used it in a real-time scenario and that only made me prouder of them. They were all very encouraging and looked to be enjoying themselves as much as we all did.”

Victoria: “Yes, having a partner in the Army I already knew of the challenges they can face, but the event really opened up my eyes to the real teamwork, dedication and fearlessness they all have. I was very lucky to be given an insight into their training.”

Neil: “100%. Hearing the different stories from some of the Marines just made you think how tough things could really get.”