Richard’s piste of the ski action

CLIMATE CHANGE: Sapper Richard Farley is training in the snowy Alps before a deployment to Afghanistan.

AN OLDHAM soldier has swapped battlegrounds for ski slopes to hone his military skills in the French Alps.

Former South Chadderton School pupil Sapper Richard Farley only started skiing six weeks before before the Army skiing contest Exercise Pipedown got under way.

But the 22-year-old, of Germany-based 32 Engineer Regiment, managed to compete in the Alpine section of the championship, organised by 1 (UK) Armoured Division.

Exercise Pipedown, held in the ski resort of Les Contamines de Montjoie, near Mont Blanc, is the ski championships for British soldiers based in Germany, but is also open to some UK troops.

In its 16th year with 342 competing soldiers, it provides an opportunity to hone adventurous training skills, enhancing a soldier’s ability to withstand the rigors of operations and rapid deployments. It also lets novices and experts alike ski under international competition rules.

Richard is about to start specific trade training as an architect for an upcoming deployment to Afghanistan, where he will design and build military accommodation.

He said: “I had never tried skiing before November when I was asked by the Army if I would like to learn as part of an Adventurous Training Exercise.

“It is something that I have always wanted to try but up until now I hadn’t had the chance. The Army has given me a fantastic opportunity to give skiing a go and hopefully progress to someday compete at a much higher level.”

Alpine skiing is one of the most popular disciplines for military people, and is widely regarded as one of the fastest and physically demanding sports.

During the championships, soldiers’ physical and mental strength is tested to the limit in a variety of individual and team events, including a 10km biathlon sprint, a 4x10km relay, slaloms and downhill skiing.

A 20km military patrol race also tests all the essential military skills expected of them on operations, including marksmanship, map reading and physical endurance.

Richard added: “Skiing is a new skill for me. I am trying and it can be difficult, but I am getting better.

“I have to admit that it is a bit scary at first, especially as you look down the long steep runs from the top of the mountain.

“My legs do start to turn to jelly, but you have to overcome your fears and rely on your training. It is about dealing with your anxiety, which is what the Army is all about.

“This exercise is also extremely good for discipline and fitness — as well as team building and leadership skills.”

Major General Adrian Bradshaw, General Officer Commanding 1(UK) Armoured Division, said: “Exercises like this are an absolutely valid aspect of military activity.

“It develops all the traits we expect soldiers to have on operations such as good marksmanship, fitness, co-ordination, teamwork, leadership and organisation, courage, boldness and co-operation — but it is also a chance for soldiers to enjoy themselves.

“In these days of intense operational commitments, exercises like this give our people a change, which is important for the process of coming down after an operational tour.

“It is incredibly valuable and important, a chance for our people to put their hearts and souls into a different activity a world away from Afghanistan, maintaining their health and well-being.”