Bexhill soldier taking part in TA's biggest ever expedition

An Army exercise in Greenland will test her fitness and leadership skills to the limit.

Lance Corporal Ali Rowsell, 26 who serves with 56 Signal Squadron based in Eastbourne, has been selected together with fellow TA soldier from the squadron Lance Corporal Stella Jennings for an expedition which marks the centenary of the Territorial Army.

Lance Corporal Rowsell, a PE teacher in civilian life, left the UK last Friday for the biggest expedition ever mounted by the TA.

She is climbing completely uncharted peaks, including Naparutaq, at 2,211m the highest peak in western Greenland, as well as spending parts of the expedition at least five days away from the nearest human habitation.

The operation also involves sailing, skiing and sea kayaking.

A total of 82 Royal Signals TA soldiers from across the country have been selected to qualify for Exercise Midnight Sun which involved five selection weekends in Wales and Scotland.

Three training and development weekends followed which trained the participants in the skill sets needed for Arctic Survival.

Each group has a nominated group medic, an equipment guru, a mountain rescue expert (for the mountaineers), and a communications operator.

Training for all of these was carried out during these weekends and ensured that every participant will play a crucial role towards the success of the team.

There is also a bespoke communications package provided by the BT Emergency Response Team (ERT), as part of the Defence Career Partnering.

Marking 100th anniversary of the Territorial Army, the expedition celebrates all that the TA is about: demonstrating the opportunities available to the TA and helping to train robust, resilient soldiers for the demands of today's Army.