Earlier this month, a team of 14 soldiers from 3rd United Kingdom Division Signal Regiment (3DSR) swapped radios and routine for ropes and ridgelines, as they embarked on a truly memorable adventure training exercise in the breath-taking Triglav National Park, Slovenia.
From 1–9 August 2025, the group—made up of nine personnel from Queen’s Gurkha Signals, four from the Royal Signals, and one medic—took part in a Type 3 Unit Level Adventure Training (UALT) Distributed Training (DT), focused on Summer Mountaineering. This wasn’t just about getting outdoors. It was about pushing limits, developing leadership, building stronger bonds, and returning home fitter—both mentally and physically—for the demands of military life.
Over the course of the week, the team averaged an ascent of 900 metres per day, with routes reaching as high as 2,050 metres. The terrain was challenging, the weather mixed, and the kit heavy—but the experience was unforgettable. Along the way, 9 individuals achieved their Summer Mountaineering Foundation (SMF) qualification, while others banked vital quality mountain days towards SMF, Mountain Leader Training (MLT), and future assessments.
More than the physical gains, it was the mental resilience and team spirit that stood out. Supporting each other through long, demanding hikes, navigating tricky ridgelines, and sharing laughter (and blisters) at the end of each day helped forge stronger connections between the team members. It created a real sense of shared achievement and purpose—something that directly benefits our operational effectiveness back home.
A huge part of what made this exercise possible was the generous support of the Royal Signals Charity. Their funding wasn’t just financial—it was an investment in our soldiers' growth, well-being, and readiness. Without their backing, putting together a training experience of this scale and value would have been incredibly difficult. Their support enabled us to focus on the real purpose of adventure training: developing the leaders and teams who will continue to serve with professionalism, resilience, and pride.
Adventure training like this is more than just a break from routine—it’s a chance to build the qualities that make the British Army and the Royal Corps of Signals stand out. And for that, we’re incredibly grateful to those who make it possible.
