Wrong impression...again!

[Arbie]

There was an interesting article in the Guardian on Saturday about how the RM are starting to apply techniques used in freerunning to combat situations, especially in built-up areas. So much so, in fact, that they're paying (one assumes) a number of freerunners to host regular sessions at Lympstone. So far, so good - best practice and all that...until the otherwise apparently sensible OC comes out with this gem:

'..."I expected to find people who were a little bit lazy and maybe even involved in drug culture," admitted [Capt] Lerwill. "But they were nothing like that."...'


Even if he privately thought this, surely not the thing to say to a journo - and about people who are assisting you! It amused me even more to read the next line (by the journo):

'In fact, when the freerunners visited the Royal Marines HQ and tried their assault course wearing full kit and carrying a weapon, they recorded times quicker than those needed to qualify as a marine.'

When are the forces going to stop portraying themselves as anachronistic and judgemental, I wonder?

Full article: http://www.guardian.co.uk/military/story/0,,2239647,00.html#article_continue

Freerunning, I hear you cry? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-xItCVAFqIc&feature=related

[anotherthing]

Saw a new RM recruiting advert on Sky yesterday. It included aspects of freerunning and coasteering alongside the ususal clips of beastings round the assault course.

I thought it was quite a novel approach to recruitment that might appeal to todays youngsters :ok:

[GPMG]

Ahh, good, at least the trick that we used to employ whilst doing mountain training of running down rocky slopes has been given a name. Although judging by that video, those blokes are pretty impressive.

I'm not surprised that some of the free runners can do the Tarzan Assault course quicker than the pass times, it looks as if it was almost designed with them in mind.

Very impressive and if it gives the lads more confidence and agility in battle then more power to them.

edit:
Just viewed this video, I take it back, the tricks that we used were nothing compared to this guy.

http://www.metacafe.com/watch/378682/jump_britain/

The jump at 48 seconds in would have had few takers.

[Tourist]

Isnt he the bloke from the latest bond film?

[S78]

Yes he is: Sebastien Foucan







S78

[High_lander]

Yes, he is.
Sebastian Foucan, one of the founders of the idea of Parkour and free running.

[Green Flash]

I've just had a virus warning on that metacafe clip (Norton)! It might be a false alarm but be carefull.

[anotherthing]

Green Flash,

So did I, just close the pop up box and try again, it worked second time round for me

[Thud_and_Blunder]

Arbie,

I saw the article over the weekend (have been a longstanding covert Grauniad reader since the days of Sans Serif...) and was pleased with the coverage it gave to some forward-thinkers in HM Forces. Not sure I agree with the depiction of some within the system as anachronistic and overly judgemental; I thought it showed a willingness on the part of those involved to overcome their prejudices and to review current practices and dogma. Good on you for highlighting the article, and good on Royal for trying out new methods instead of just relying on the old ways.

[Epimetheus]

If your interest in parkour is aroused then check out http://www.spike.com/ifilmdetail/2684760 (http://www.spike.com/ifilmdetail/2684760)or do a search for "Dvinsk clan - Russian parkour". The vid starts after a 14 sec advert for college loans.

[Arbie]

Thud and Blunder,
I agree wholeheartedly that (a) the actual concept is a great idea, and (b) it's nice to see the Forces embracing such 'new-fangled crazes' :} - my point was merely that after having achieved so much and managed some positive press coverage into the bargain, the OC had to go and say such a ridiculous thing, which, I have no doubt, partly negated the positive effect for some readers.


As for the Grauniad, I think there was an automatic RAFP investigation every time it was unfolded from it's pristine condition at Lossie....one had to be very discreet!

[TMJ]

I got away with a caution picking up the G2 when I pointed out all the proper papers were being read (Lossie never got enough Telegraphs...) and it was either that, a comic or a something Scottish...