Beyond the Barracks: Empowering Military Spouses Through Adventure

Beyond the Barracks: Empowering Military Spouses Through Adventure

Military spouses are often characterised by resilience, adaptability, and unwavering commitment. Yet, behind the stoicism lies a unique set of challenges: frequent relocations that disrupt careers and social networks, the emotional toll of deployments and the constant need to rebuild a sense of community in new environments. 

Forces Wives Challenge (FWC) CIC was set up in 2019 to provide opportunities for women with partners in the UK Armed Forces, both serving and veteran, to take part in adventurous activities and challenges. The result is a rapidly-growing, vibrant community of over 2000 women, united by a passion for the outdoors.

One of the cornerstones of FWC is its commitment to promoting well-being, both physical and mental. Recognising the stresses and uncertainties inherent in military life, they utilise outdoor challenges to encourage self-care and resilience.

Imagine a group of military spouses conquering a challenging hike across the stunning landscapes of the UK. The shared accomplishment fosters not only physical fitness but also a powerful sense of camaraderie and inner strength. Overcoming physical obstacles together translates into enhanced mental fortitude, equipping them to better navigate the emotional challenges of deployments and frequent relocations. These initiatives create safe yet exhilarating spaces for women to prioritise their own needs and build coping mechanisms.

It all began with an expedition in 2019 to climb Ojos del Salado, the world’s highest volcano, at 6893m in Chile and since then FWC have gone on to complete a variety of challenges including rock climbing, horse riding, canoeing and learning bushcraft skills in the forest.

In March 2022, FWC became the world’s first all-female team to retrace the steps of the Heroes of Telemark, a small group of men who risked their lives to successfully sabotage Hitler’s plans to create an atomic bomb.  FWC paid tribute to the men of the daring WWII Special Forces Operation by following their footsteps across Norway’s Hardangervidda Plateau – one of the wildest, most inhospitable environments on earth. 

Hill and lowland walking in the UK is a regular feature on the FWC calendar, and the community comes together every year in September for their annual climb of Pen y Fan in Bannau Brychieniog (formerly Brecon Beacons). Typically this will involve a group of up to 100 women, walking together, chatting and supporting each other all the way to the summit. Participants come away feeling uplifted and boosted by the experience, often signing up for their next challenge straight away. 

FWC have just completed their 76th challenge – a five day ‘Discover Sailing’ event on the Solent, offering an introduction to coastal sailing for all abilities. This is a great example of a FWC event, where members will sign up for a challenge and arrive, often not knowing anyone beforehand, and push themselves out of their comfort zone trying a new activity.

Strong connections and friendships are quickly made through the shared experiences, many of which can be life-changing. Some of the FWC members will have given up careers as well as hobbies and interests to enable them to fulfil their role within a military family, many have moved away from friends and family, and all find the opportunity to have time for themselves invaluable. 

By offering a diverse range of activities, with a strong emphasis on outdoor adventures that prioritise well-being, foster community, encourage personal development, and embrace challenge, FWC empowers its remarkable members to thrive, not just survive, the unique demands of military life.

They are a testament to the power of connection, resilience, and the unwavering spirit of those who stand behind our forces, demonstrating that sometimes, the greatest challenges lead to the strongest bonds and the most profound personal growth. Their work extends far beyond the barracks, creating a stronger, more connected, and empowered community of military spouses across the nation, one adventure at a time.