Soldier reaches peak performance on the slopes (From The Northern Echo)

Soldier reaches peak performance on the slopes

12:34pm Friday 5th February 2010 in

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A STOCKTON soldier has completed two weeks' intensive ski training at the Army's Alpine Training Centre in the Bavarian Alps.

Sergeant Alastair Dodds joined soldiers from units across the UK and Germany on Exercise Snow Warrior, part of the Army's adventurous training programme.

Already an experienced skier, at the end of the two week course he had achieved the Army's Advanced Ski Proficiency (Alpine) and Advanced Ski Tour Proficiency qualifications.

He said: "Being in the Army lets you take part in just about any sport you can name. I play golf and football, and while I've been in the Army I've qualified as a British Sub-Aqua Club Dive Leader. Now I've got more advanced skiing qualifications, I'm another step closer to becoming a ski instructor with the Army."

Sgt Dodds, who attended Ian Ramsay School in Stockton and whose parents Michael and Paulene still live in the town, joined the Army in 1998.

A member of 39 Regiment Royal Artillery based in Newcastle, he operates the Army's Multi-Launch Rocket System. Since joining the Army he has travelled widely, visiting Cyprus, Northern Ireland, Germany, California, New Mexico, Texas, France, Italy and Egypt. He has also served on operations in Afghanistan.