This is just too perfect

Above: Warrant Officer Gary Simms, Flight Sergeant Steve Brasher, Flight Sergeant Mick Truscott and Sergeant Russell “Jimmy” Henrichs enjoy the view during their alpine training course.

FSGT Truscott makes himself comfortable in his snow dome. A “hutchie” was used to close the entrance at night and to make the dome easier to see. Photos by FSGT Steve Brasher

Blue skies and sunny days almost spoiled a perfectly good survival course at Mt Hotham in Victoria.

Air Force personnel from East Sale and Wagga deployed into the snowfields to conduct alpine survival courses in August.

The exercise began with alpine four-wheel-drive familiarisation as a skills refresher activity but, unfortunately for participants, the weather was perfect.

Sunshine and still conditions produced a lack of suitable driving areas and cut short the activity. However, the team managed to fill the time with personal survival training in the snow, producing a thermal A-frame shelter with pine logs and a parachute.

All team members, suffering from the flu, struggled with the early morning start but were still able to participate in Alpine Search and Rescue (SAR) training conducted by the Mt Hotham Ski Patrol.

The team spent a glorious night out in the field sleeping in freshly dug holes. Training in the first session concluded with some improvised pulley and rope work and preparations.

The next training course was conducted with only East Sale personnel because of a late withdrawal from Wagga members.

The week consisted of a snow skills course designed to assist SAR teams, including snow dome construction, improvised shelter building and other personal survival skills exercises.

The training identified some shortfalls in equipment and training, but also revealed that some issued equipment was the preferred choice over civilian kit.

All participants found the training very useful and a worthwhile regular training exercise.

• By FSGT Anthony Bell

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