Bugle Summer 2026 - Flipbook - Page 25
4 RANGER
RANGERS, RIFLEMEN AND
THE RACE FOR A LOG
Exercise Cockney Alpine Rendezvous
once again proved that adventure training
remains one of the Army’s most effective
tools for developing soldiers, building
relationships across Defence and reminding
everyone that gravity always wins.
Conducted over three weeks in Tignes
and Les Deux Alpes, the expedition brought
together Rangers, Riflemen and personnel
from across Defence. From electronic
warfare specialists to STRATCOM staff more
accustomed to desks than Alpine descents,
the mix provided an opportunity to better
understand the people and capabilities
supporting the wider force.
For many, Ex CAR was their first experience
of skiing. Arriving with all the grace of a
newborn deer, they quickly developed into
confident skiers capable of tackling some
of Europe’s finest runs. Beyond technique,
instructors delivered the confidence required
to truly enjoy the slopes.
The infamous baggies incl winner
(2nd from L) LCpl Dolan, 5 RIFLES
Ex CAR week 3 cohort in Tignes base
While most attended for a week, several
returned for a second stint, and some stayed
for all three. My work calls, poor punctuality
and relaxed approach to navigation initially
generated mixed reviews, but our group
somehow continued to grow as skiers
abandoned organised efficiency in favour of
letting the mountain dictate the day.
No account of Ex CAR would be complete
without mentioning the now-legendary Battle
of the Baggies. Inspired by the motto, “half
of being good is looking good”, competitors
wearing trousers more suited to freefall than
skiing battled through races, moguls and
technical challenges in pursuit of the Alps’
most coveted prize: a 1kg log.
The long-running rivalry between B Coy’s
Capt Dan Harrington and Capt Basty Jones
continued with a race that lasted just 43
metres before Dan triggered a spectacular
yard sale. His skis and poles were recovered;
his dignity was not.
Special thanks go to the undisputed
king of ski expeditions, Maj Alex Raymond,
who once again delivered an outstanding
package. Reflecting on an almost injury-free
three weeks, Ray remarked: “I’ve saved so
much time on paperwork this year that I
might finally have time to go skiing.”
Ex CAR 2026 demonstrated that some of
Defence’s strongest bonds are forged not
only on operations and exercises, but also on
snow-covered mountainsides.
Capt S. Russon
Ex CAR SF3 group in search of fresh pow
RIFLES The Bugle 25
