Members of the British Army recently embarked on a month-long mountaineering course in Chile, among them, Gurkhas from The Second Battalion, The Royal Gurkha Rifles, (2 RGR). Upon arrival at the Army Camp in Chile, we received a warm welcome from the Commanding Officer of the Chilean Army. He provided us with a comprehensive overview of the month-long schedule that lay ahead, setting the stage for the intensive training and collaboration that would define our time in Chile. We were invited to witness a parade with the Chilean Army. Their drill, although distinct from ours, left a lasting impression. We had the opportunity to introduce ourselves to the Chilean soldiers, who showcased their World War II equipment, weapons, and attire. As the week progressed, we delved into the intricacies of mountain survival skills. We learned how to tie knots, handle ropes, and familiarize ourselves with various carabiners and belay devices. Our Chilean counterparts shared invaluable knowledge on river crossing and rock climbing, while also providing us with insights on the utilization of Chilean weapons such as the Galil assault rifle.
Venturing into the field at Los Andes-Saladillo, we exchanged tactics, conducting section attacks, platoon attacks and sharing British Army combat procedures with our Chilean counterparts. To foster camaraderie, we dedicated an evening to Gurkha Messing, where we delighted in Nepali cuisine alongside the Chilean Army personnel, strengthening our bond.
The subsequent week commenced with a trip to Rio Blanco in the Los Andes region. Here, our team received guidance from mountain instructors as we revisited the fundamental skills acquired in the previous week. With six ropes set up on various routes, the soldiers refined their climbing techniques. Each team selected their most skilled soldier to partake in a series of challenges, demonstrating their agility, endurance, and tactical prowess. Through a remarkable display of skill and unwavering determination, the Gurkhas emerged as the victors.
The next day, the team set out for Colina-Chacabuco for another session of rock climbing. This time, the routes presented more challenges, testing the soldiers both physically and mentally. Despite the hardships, they persisted, relying on their training and camaraderie to overcome obstacles and achieve new goals. In a demanding midnight session, the soldiers were evaluated on their river crossing skills using ropes and carabiners before seamlessly transitioning into a platoon attack exercise. Despite the tough conditions, the soldiers demonstrated their resilience and determination, proving their strength through their unwavering dedication and effort.
At the conclusion of the week, we journeyed to the lively capital city of Santiago, deepening our appreciation for Chilean culture and forming lasting connections with our hosts.
At the beginning of the third week, we embarked on a challenging march with the ambitious target of covering 72km in three days. The trek commenced with a 17km hike through rugged terrain that would challenge even the most experienced adventurers. As the sun rose on the second day, we descended along a more forgiving path, covering 22km with relative ease. The downhill trail offered a welcome break, enabling us to build momentum and move confidently towards our destination. In the final stretch of our journey, we pushed ourselves to new limits, conquering 25km of demanding terrain before noon. The subsequent day presented an even greater challenge, as we tackled a gruelling 30km trek through undulating landscapes, encountering obstacles at every twist and turn.
In the fourth week, time was tight as we prepared our equipment for our final exercise. We received our exercise orders, and in the early morning hours, we deployed to Los Andes (Alta Montana) for a rigorous two-night final exercise. We were tasked with showcasing the skills we had honed since arriving in Chile. The terrain proved challenging, stretching from the drop-off point to the harbour. Upon completing the final exercise, we had the honour of engaging in a meaningful discussion with the British Ambassador and the General of the Chilean Army.
Post the final exercise we returned to Los Andes Camp, and the following day, we journeyed to Santiago to unwind and relax. Looking back, our tour in Chile was truly worthwhile. We gained invaluable knowledge and skills and forged lasting bonds with each other that will endure a lifetime.
