Recommendation 104

Witnesses emphasised the highly specialised set of skills required to operate in the Arctic, which is one of the “worst battlespaces in the world to fight in”. 128 Lieutenant Commander Dr John Ash noted that: “You can take a competent pilot and that person would not be fit for duty in the Arctic.” 129 Regular training in Arctic conditions is essential to develop and maintain the ability to operate in the region effectively with allies. Dr Duncan Depledge observed that the cold-weather skills can be quickly lost owing to turnover of personnel, and thus a “very high tempo” of training is required. 130