Exercise Clockwork - CWAOC

In late November 2021, 656 Sqn Workshop deployed numerous SP to Norway onto the Cold Weather Aviation Operators Course (CWAOC) which is designed to allow us as aircraft operators to work safely in extreme cold weather environments.

Written By: L/Cpl Calder

The course consists of four main phases: the classroom phase, the non-tactical phase, the tactical phase, and the survival night. The classroom phase is all about learning the theory of survival, being educated on the proper use of the unique equipment used in the Arctic and cold weather specific tactics. Following this the nontactical phase involves getting used to the daily routine of living outdoors; two nights are spent in 10-man and then 4-man tents learning how to administrate yourself properly in the extreme cold. The tactical phase after this, for me, was far more challenging. Two nights enduring the extreme cold, whilst occupying sentry positions and responding to almost constant contacts. When I was doing this the temperature dropped as low as -27 degrees Celsius and was sustained at -25 for numerous days, but with windchill it felt a lot colder. The final phase of the training was the survival night; one night completely exposed, with only what we carried in our pockets to sustain us. We had to build our own shelter, start our own fire, and kill and cook our own food. This was the most fun I had on the course. Next morning saw us conducting the infamous ice-breaking drills; after a quick dip in a frozen lake followed by a tot of rum the course was finally finished.

As part of 656 Squadron this course is an absolute necessity: we are the Attack Helicopter Force’s only specialist Arctic squadron. While in theatre the risk of an aircraft landing away from the main operating base means that we must be ready to go out for recovery at a moment's notice in any weather conditions. The course provides us with the skills to not merely survive in the cold but to operate and conduct our normal duties effectively.

Personnel conduct a snowshoe walk.

LCpl Calder dressed for the Arctic.

LCpl Calder and his tent group in their survival shelter.