Welcome to the Mountaineering Section of the AMA. My aim is to offer advice for those AMA members that are planning expeditions within their own units and also to plan a range of exciting AMA expeditions open to any serving Reserve or Regular AMA member regardless of rank.
The AMA 5 year plan is being finalised with the expectation that 1-2 AMA organised expeditions will occur each year, starting with the AMA 60th expedition to Nepal in Mar/Apr 17. These opportunities will be advertised both on the AMA website and facebook sites. DINs will also be published which can be accessed via Dii. You can also contact me via my AMA email address via the contacts page. I’m more than happy to provide advice on any aspect of expedition planning and can call on others for specific advice for a number of destinations and activities.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What level of experience do I need?
AMA expeditions usually take a mixture of novices and leaders. Those with no experience may be expected to attend a JSMTC course to build up some basic knowledge. Search facebook JSMTC for further information about mountaineering courses.
Where will the expedition be advertised?
AMA Expeditions are usually run 1-2 times per year and are advertised on the AMA facebook and websites. A DIN is also made and can be found on Dii under references.
How much will it cost?
Cost for expeditions vary, however the AMA offsets the costs and other means of funding are also available meaning personal costs are kept to a minimum.
What will be my time commitment?
Expeditions vary in duration ranging from 1 week – 2 months. They also usually require attendance at several training weekends and sometimes a training week. These are designed to build team cohesion, help with expedition planning and build the team’s knowledge and skills.
What are the benefits of an AMA expedition?
An AMA expedition draws like minded people from across the Army together to do something every team member has a passion for: mountaineering. Additionally AMA members are able to share their experience and expertise and also use AMA funds to offset expedition costs. AMA expeds are relaxed and provide the opportunity to mountaineer away from the unit hierarchy.
What about time off work?
It is important that team members ask their chain of command if they can attend an expedition at the initial stages of expedition planning. Occasionally the AMA can help with an individual’s release from their unit.
What about kit?
AMA expeditions use the MOD’s adventurous training store so almost all kit is provided free of charge including boots and technical kit such as harnesses and ice axes. You’ll only need to buy some warm socks and thermals.
What about Reservists?
Army Reserves are very welcome to participate in AMA expeditions, and like the Regulars will need to get their Chain of Command approval to attend.
Will I be fit enough?
Expeditions require a general level of physical fitness as would be found in any Regular unit, however the fitter you are the easier it is.
Are AMA expeditions just for Seniors and Officers?
All ranks and ages attend AMA expeds and organisers will always try to select a range of experience and ages. This way new less experienced members can be brought into the AMA whilst being mentored by more experienced and qualified members.
Are AMA expeditions safe?
AMA expeditions have to go through the same risk assessment process as all other military adventurous activities and are scrutinised for safety by the MOD before they are allowed to proceed. All expedition instructors have to be qualfied to lead groups at the right ratio in the appropriate environment eg alpine, rock etc according to JSP 419.
The AMA recognises that climbing and mountaineering are activities with a danger of personal injury or death.
Participants in these activities should be aware of and accept these risks and be responsible for their own actions.
