Team Event - Exercise Med Stretch
Members of Butterfly Data handed over provision for the bottom function of Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs of ‘Physiological and Safety needs’ to 203 Field Hospital (Wales) Army Reserves for the weekend to participate in Exercise Medical Stretch. The first challenge started months ago which was to just say ‘YES’ and hand over their data to sign up for the event. The only real knowledge that they had was that it would be a weekend of problem solving, teamwork, uncomfortable beds and a full English breakfast every morning. As it is my Army Reserve unit it would have been cheating if I was part of the team so I got to walk with the team and coach from the sideline, take pictures and watch the teamwork unfold.
The weekend took place in a MOD training area in Wales which normally starts raining once you cross the first cattle grid; however, the weather was kind and the temperature comfortable so that was one less thing to tip participants over the edge. First task was to meet the rest of the team consisting of 3 vets and one Health Care worker to ensure we had a team of at least 9 and then to collect kit from the darkened corners of the buildings. The kit consisted of the standard army sleeping bag (which someone pointed out was made in 1975) a roll mat and a water bottle. Some lucky people also got the ‘one size fits all’ waterproofs after which they were then shown to their 1-star accommodation in the ‘FIBUA’ village (fighting in built up areas).
Accommodation is a loose term as they were treated with a dark breeze block shell of a building, hard concrete floors, metal shutters covering the window holes that rattled in the night and no electricity nor any furniture. That, combined with sleeping a foot away from others squashed in the room, listening to snoring people in the night and early morning starts, meant that sleep was a luxury that got left at home for the weekend.
Despite this there were smiles and motivated attitudes to tackle whatever challenges that were set. On Saturday we were up at dawn and out tabbing round the training areas all day. Kit and provisions were carried which consisted of an army packed lunch complete with defrosting loaded wraps and lots of sugary treats with a calorie content to keep us going well into the night just in case we got lost. The team took it in turns and excelled in navigating across the countryside to move from stand to stand, sometimes going the adventure route or whatever was shortest but never getting lost.
Each task a leader was nominated that took control, back briefed the team, asked for solutions then formulated a plan for the whole team to execute which sounds like a great start to any project but as we say in the Army “no plan survives contact with the enemy” it often had to be dynamically adjusted. The team took on a ‘stop and search’ stand looking for bombs in a car and weapons on a person, then a casualty evacuation and a stretcher carry up a steep grassy hill. They assisted each other army crawling through a cam net with pretend fire overhead then navigated their way through an ‘electric fence’ supporting each other as they were posted through chest height holes that closed once used. They searched for mines in a field by lying on the ground and meticulously prodding the ground in front of them and then moved on to a ‘gun run’ where they had to push a replica field gun around an obstacle course taking it apart and putting it back together in the shortest possible time. One of the stands involved crawling through a dark underground maze in pairs using night vision goggles to find items for retrieval to the surface which the team thoroughly enjoyed but were thwarted on the last item by the time restriction.
One of the last stands was the classic ‘observation post’ where they leopard crawled into a hide at the edge of the woods to prevent being seen by the enemy and then proceeded to locate and identify enemy items and personnel. Returning to the ‘village’ we were greeted with ladles and ladles of ‘Range stew’ which is an all in stew consisting of meat vegetables and pasta, possibly more over cooked than you would make at home but after a long day in the rolling hills it tasted like Michelin Star and many went for seconds. Dessert was chocolate cake and beers which was all enjoyed whilst squeezing onto hard wooden benches with the wind whistling through the three sided barn we were located in.
After a better night's sleep Sunday brought the mandatory fried breakfast and then a clothing change into green overalls (one size didn’t fit all!) and helmets to complete the timed obstacle course. By the time the team did the course it had stopped raining but they still managed to get soaked to the bone as unfortunately the fictitious enemy attacked them as they crossed the stream meaning it was essential to take cover in the depths of the river. The team were pumped with adrenaline as they hoisted each other over the high walls and pushed each other up the final hill. It was rather emotional to see how cohesive they had become and how hands were offered for support at any chance and words of encouragement were screamed out.
A few quotes from the team to summarise their experience;
"Only the military could organise and deliver such a professional event that encompassed team building, leadership skills and fun. Being taken out of our comfort zones within a controlled environment enabled me to better understand how myself and others work within a team." -Rob S-
“It was a brilliant opportunity to practice and experience working as a team as well as leadership in testing scenarios, but was also great fun too!” -Rich-
“It was an amazing experience for myself being an international student, who didn't know much about how the military in the UK works. I learned a lot. It was an opportunity to not only work with strangers but closely working with all of our team members. And this gave me a chance to know more about everyone from our butterfly team.
Three things that I have learnt from this event:
1. Working as a team, I really appreciate the way everyone helped each other through the tasks, which made me learn the fact you truly succeed in something when the last (slow/weak) member makes it to the finishing line.
2. How hard the military goes to protect their people
3. Surviving and making up with what you have (in case of having not enough resources) “ -Khadija-
“I would recommend it to anyone that has an interest in going on an adventure for weekend. The med stretch weekend provided the perfect mix of getting out your comfort zone, improving teamwork and leadership skills, and learning about life in the Army. It was an enjoyable experience that I would definitely do again!” - Max -
This event was a free event for colleagues of Army Reservists to generate a greater understanding of what we do on weekends, the training we have and the challenges that we face as a Reservist. Our team loved being pushed into their stretch zones throughout various parts of the day. They coped with the less than comfortable conditions and it was a real opportunity to spend quality time with each other, gaining a deeper understanding of the skills and qualities that is the makeup of each individual in the team.
If you are working with us and would like to put in a team or be part of our team, contact sally@butterflydata.co.uk. It happens every year normally on the first weekend in September.
