The following article is taken from the latest issue of the Globe & Laurel magazine.
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CGRM Visits Camp Viking

Commandant General Royal Marines (CGRM), General Gwyn Jenkins CB OBE ADC visited Commando Force’s newest establishment in the High North – Camp Viking. An action-packed visit which included various serials such as meeting the diverse population that Camp Viking accommodates, witnessing the spectacular facilities within the new establishment, cross-country skiing, rewarding those who have gone above and beyond, and a conversation with personnel from Commando Helicopter Force (CHF).

The visit started with a late-night arrival in Tromsø. After disembarking the flight, a two-hour transfer to Camp Viking in terrible conditions awaited. From the moment CGRM arrived in Norway, he witnessed the impressive skills that are developed throughout the comprehensive training packages the Norway Enabling Group (NEG) deliver. The driver safely navigated through conditions that can only be repeated on ‘Ice Road Truckers’!
The following day was all systems go well before the sun appeared over the mountain top. Post breakfast, CGRM was treated to a tour of Camp Viking. During the tour, he met CSgt Michael Lister, from Commando Logistic Regiment’s Quartermaster’s Department. CSgt Lister has been instrumental in the success of the real life support the NEG delivers. His G4 knowledge alongside his work ethic ensured all boots on the ground were adequately equipped to undertake various arduous courses. He was given special thanks by CGRM.


Upon completion of the tour, CGRM delivered a captivating address to the present Cold Weather Warfare Course (CWWC). Throughout the address, CGRM spoke about his experiences on the CWWC. He spoke about how the skillset that these individuals were honing is essential to the security of NATO and the UK. After the address, CGRM spoke to many members of the course individually. The participants shared their thoughts, mostly positive, and asked a range of questions which CGRM answered.
As one would expect, CGRM is not exempt from the physical activities that the Mountain Leaders are renowned for! The Unit’s Mountain Leader, CSgt Evans, signed out some ‘Pusser’s Planks’ for CGRM and made sure that he put the General through his paces. CSgt Evans, along with many others including individuals from the United States Marine Corps and Armed Forces of Slovenia and the Netherlands took CGRM on a ‘casual’ cross-country ski across undulating terrain. CGRM quickly remembered his youth spent as a member of the Royal Marines Biathlon team and led the pack!
After the ‘casual’ ski, CGRM met with the Mobility Training Team. Within Norway ‘skid pans’ are essential for driver development. CSgt Weatheritt and his team tested CGRM’s driving skills (possibly to failure) by teaching him various forms of vehicle skid control on an ice rink. To picture this serial, think ‘Ice Road Truckers’ meet the stars from ‘The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift’.

A safe and drift free transit to Camp Viking meant that CGRM was able to attend a lunch with the Vehicle Mechanics (VMs) from the Light Aid Detachment. CGRM listened to concerns expressed by the VMs over a fantastic lunch cooked by members of Field Catering Troop.
Immediately after lunch, CGRM recalled his days spent as a Young Officer within Medical Squadron, Commando Logistic Regiment. Next, CGRM had a coffee with the NEG and presented a number of deserving individuals with his Challenge Coin in recognition of their outstanding contribution to Winter Deployment.
To complete the visit, CGRM was transported to CHF in Clockwork, Bardufoss. Here he addressed the Unit, answered questions, and met those who work so hard to ensure air support is available in some of the most challenging conditions on the planet.
An eventful visit, CGRM was thankful for the opportunity to meet those who sacrifice so much for operational capability.
Read more from the Journal of the Royal Marines
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