Exercise ALTCAR CHALLENGE, the largest International Military Skills competition for Reservists, took place over the 4-5 May 13. The competition was run by the SNCO’s Committee of the UK Reserve Force Association (UKRFA) whose President is AVM Barry Newton (former HIG, RAuxAF).
This year it attracted 46 teams from across the UK and the International Reserves’ community, including 10 overseas teams from Denmark, Netherlands, Canada, Estonia, Czech Rep, Poland and, for the first time, South Africa. There was strong support from across the RAuxAF and 10 units either entered teams or ran elements of the Competition. Maj Gen John Crackett (ACDS Reserves & Cadets), AVM Gavin Mackay (HAC 2503 Sqn) and Brig Mark Banham (RFCA Council) visited the Competition on the Saturday. The Reviewing Officer was AM Philip Sturley (HAC 4624 Sqn), who attended both days and presented the prizes on the Sunday.
There were eight trophies on offer and the winners were:
- Overall Winner 2503 (County of Lincoln) Sqn RAuxAF Regt.
- Overall Runner-Up 2622 (Highland) Sqn RAuxAF Regt.
- Best Mixed Team 606 (Chiltern) Sqn RAuxAF
- Best Female Team 4624 (County of Oxford) Sqn RAuxAF
- March to Shoot RM Reserve
- 9mm Pistol RM Reserve
- Assault Course RM Reserve
- First Aid Royal Signals TA
Congratulations are extended to the RAuxAF units, which dominated the results board. It was clear that the Competition weekend was operationally relevant, challenging and enjoyable. The International perspective was invaluable and, with retention of our people paramount, this event was a huge success. The provisional date for the 2014 Competition is the weekend of 3-4 May 14. [CPeN 275]