EXERCISE STARLIGHT CHALLENGE 2016

204 Field Hospital Army Medical Services Tactical Training Exercise (AMSTTE) team were chosen to represent Unit, Brigade and Country in Exercise Starlight Challenge.  A Canadian army 3-day medical competition run by 4 Health Services Group.  No previous UK medical unit or field hospital had ever been extended this invitation before, so this for us had an even bigger impact in its significance. 

We arrived at Camp Valcartier, situated approximately 16 miles north of Quebec City some 24hrs after leaving Northern Ireland.  This camps history dates back to August 1914 which saw it become the largest military camp on Canadian soil, mobilising tens of thousands of Canadian soldiers for the fields of WW1. Today it is home to 5 Canadian Mechanised Brigade and the training area which would become our home for the next 5 days.

Having spent a very chilly first night under canvas the Canadians conducted a reception and staging agenda for us.  Integration activities such as DCCT training – converting us to their C7 rifle and 9mm Browning pistol, medical drills and Regimental dinners were all part of the pre Exercise itinerary.

INSERT PHOTO: 204 -1

The 48hr Exercise began in earnest on the Friday evening.  Its aim was to assess the level of operational readiness of all of its medical units.  As guests of the Canadian army and UK representatives we entered this challenge with great enthusiasm and determination to prove our ability could match any Commonwealth army’s medical services equivalent.  A very realistic and challenging training scenario was set up simulating an expeditionary deployment and executed by a round robin of stands.  Both of 204 field Hospital teams were heavily tested throughout the Friday and Saturday (round 1) on their basic military skills, physical fitness, leadership and tactical casualty care abilities.  

INSERT PHOTO:  204 – 2 and 204 – 3

Round 1 completed and to our amazement a proper sit down 3 course meal had been prepared by the field kitchen with proper laid out tables and white paper clothes awaiting us! Speeches and awards, along with some very welcoming words towards us by our hosts drew the evening to a close.  With eyes closing for most, not even the alcohol available was enough to keep individuals away from the draw of their camp cots.  Tomorrow would be another big day since both UK teams were now placed in 4th and 11th positions out of 20 competing teams. 

The Sunday saw a change in the weather, 4 seasons over a period of one weekend.  Only we the Northern Irish thought we had this phenomenon in our country.  The high temperatures and sunshine of the Saturday had now been replaced by heavy rain, a significant drop in temperature and it even snowed!  Just the conditions for an assault course race (round 2) which by now more resembled a ‘Tough Mudder’ 2016 event!  The course saw the teams race each other whilst negotiating multiple obstacles, tyre flipping, stretcher runs, high and low wall obstacles whilst wearing a respirator.  All of which could have been classed as an emotional experience but one which both our teams showed doggedness and grit to the end. 

INSERT PHOTOS:  204 – 4 and 204 – 5

The results in, both teams had completed the competition in 5th and 12th positions overall. An excellent performance which saw our two teams ambassadors for Unit, Brigade and country in a foreign competition blind to its complexities and predictions.  The hospitality and camaraderie shown to us by our Canadian hosts was unquestionable in every way and we as a team would like to express our gratitude for the opportunity to represent the British Army Medical Services on this Exercise. 

Article by Major Gillian McConnell RAMC