Army Leadership Challenge Day 2025

On a beautiful day in March 2025 the Dogsbody team left their desks for an Army Leadership Challenge Day, made possible by our Armed Forces Covenant.

Based at Longmoor Training Camp, we took part in a number of mental and physical military tasks facilitated by soldiers, from various corps within the army, including the army reserves. We learnt about the wide range of army roles and career opportunities the army offers including what is involved in being an army reserve.

Our day started with foraging – being shown what is useful and edible in the forest – pine needles and gorse flowers are an interesting flavour.

Then we moved to camouflage and concealment – and yes this did involve camo’ cream. It was incredible how hard it was a spot trained and untrained (us) professional who were hiding in plan sight. You can cover yourself in bracken for extra ‘hiding’ points and even put it inside your clothes for warmth…..but be warned you will find it everywhere when you finally get changed!

Observation was next, searching out 10 items, in a hide, from a distance with binoculars – we all missed the army reservist in the ghillie suit!

To finish the morning with my personal favourite – Royal Army Physical Training Corps, learning some of the physical tests recruits need to pass.

Lunch was actual army operational rations which were actually pretty nice! The heating method was interesting as army rations no longer requires an open fire.

Our afternoon kicked off with casualty evacuation. Learning about life in the medical corp and then learning how to apply a tourniquet correctly before having a head to head speed round.

Next was infantry, learning about life on the front line and tactical manoeuvre before giving it a go ourselves with paint balling and wooden targets.

Finally we learnt from the Army Air Corps and vehicle recovery, testing our communication skills and team work.

It was certainly a different day from sitting at a desk for 7 hours and it was lovely to get some vitamin D and meet fellow companies.

We highly suggest everyone find out more about joining the reserves and encourage the company to sign the Armed Forces Covenant as we have.