LINTON CAMP CONFIDENCE COURSE COMPETITION 2023

By Sergeant Sonny Watson

A group of soldiers proved that age is nothing but a number when they took part in the Linton Camp Confidence course competition recently.

The competition has soldiers from 1 (NZ) Bde participating in various physical and mental obstacles with rifles and webbing. The aim of the event is to promote esprit de corps, competition and to select the best personnel for the Cambrian Patrol, an arduous international military contest in the Welsh mountains.

It has been a number of years since the confidence course event last took place, and the recent event was well supported and a walk down memory lane for some.

Tihei mauri ora!

The obstacles to be tackled by each team included rope ladders and bridges, a 6ft wall climb, an 80kg weighted stretcher simulating a casualty, log crossings and more.

On the day of the competition, all participants were determined but nervous. They faced not only the obstacles and difficult tasks ahead, but the harsh judgement of spectators criticising their every move, and the roar of support from their commanders, comrades and subordinates cheering on the side-lines. You can only imagine the amount of pressure they were under. Gasping for air, battered and bruised, the competitors had to find the will to carry on.

As they crossed the finish line, the teams were exhausted but exhilarated because they had accomplished something great together, and the experience had brought them even closer. They proved to themselves and others that age is nothing but a number and that they are still capable of incredible feats of strength and resilience.

The standard was set remarkably high in the beginning with the Masters teams leading the charge putting their years of experience on full display, closely followed by the fresh young legs of the Open grade (teams). Those who wanted their own opportunity to shine decided to take up the challenge by competing in the individual category.

All personnel can walk away with a deep sense of pride and accomplishment, knowing that they gave their all and never gave up.

Ka mau te wehi!

The winners for each category were:

Masters Team: 1RNZIR: 24min 12sec, Opens Team: 1RNZIR: 8min 23sec, Individual Female: LCPL H. Crosse (1CSR): 9min 32sec

Individual Male: SGT J. Morrison (1RNZIR): 5min 47sec