Army team attempts worlds

sixth highest mountain

By Nathaniel Harrison

Join the Army. See the world. Or is that the Navy? But some soldiers will see the world from one of the highest points on Earth.

Ten members of Australia’s Army Alpine Association are making an attempt on Cho Oyu, the world’s sixth highest mountain at 8,201 metres.

The expedition is part of preparations for the Everest Expedition in 2001, an Army Federation activity, and will provide vital high altitude experience and test equipment and techniques in preparation for Everest.

The Cho Oyu expedition builds on the Army Alpine Association’s highly successful Shishapangma expedition last year and will provide a pool of Australian Defence Force members suitable for selection for the Everest climbing team.

Cho Oyu has been selected for its height and lengthy route that closely approximate the proposed North Ridge on Everest.

Except for the Everest Bicentennial expedition in 1988, this will be the highest mountain the Army Alpine Association has ever attempted.

Expedition leader Captain Roger Grose said the climb presented a significant challenge and would test the planning skills, self-reliance and initiative of team members.

“The 10 man team includes one Navy, five Army and one Air Force member as well as three civilians who are all experienced members of the Army Alpine Association,” he said. “As a team, we will aim to be self-reliant during the expedition with only essential support staff at base camp. This provides the opportunity for members to maximise their high altitude mountaineering skills in reaching the summit.”

The team travel to Nepal then overland to Tibet. The expedition is scheduled to take 44 days returning to Australia on May 28. ■