A Portsmouth soldier is embarking on a 3,000-mile Atlantic Ocean rowing challenge after swapping his desk job for military life. Bombardier Olie Cutting will make history as part of the first junior Army team competing in the Force Atlantic race this December.
Bombardier Olie Cutting, aged 37, abandoned his logistics career in 2019 to pursue an Army position, and the decision has transformed his entire existence. The Portsmouth soldier Atlantic adventure represents his biggest challenge yet since making that life-changing choice.
“I enlisted seeking enhanced opportunities and a more thrilling lifestyle, alongside self-improvement, professional qualifications, and extraordinary experiences,” Olie revealed.
The career switch has fundamentally altered Olie’s perspective on life. “Every facet of my existence has shifted – my thinking, my viewpoint, my priorities. The experience has made me a superior version of myself,” he stated.
Olie is currently training for the Force Atlantic competition, which demands rowing 3,000 miles across unpredictable ocean waters. The expedition will span approximately six weeks, testing him and his teammates to their limits.
“The overwhelming scale presents the greatest obstacle,” he acknowledged. “Crossing three thousand miles without support across open ocean will inevitably present numerous difficulties. However, ensuring our team possesses the necessary equipment and preparation to confront these challenges and achieve our objective remains paramount.”
The bombardier joins three fellow servicemen from 12th Regiment Royal Artillery, forming an unprecedented junior Army crew in the competition’s history. Their Portsmouth soldier Atlantic adventure begins on 12th December, with completion targeted for mid-January.
“I’m tremendously excited about this undertaking,” Olie expressed. “Our preparation is progressing excellently. Training together as regimental colleagues has strengthened our team unity and mutual understanding tremendously.”
Olie attributes his military background for providing essential mental and physical stamina required for this demanding venture.
“Army service establishes solid foundational fitness through annual assessments and regimental physical training programmes, offering an excellent foundation,” he noted. “Nevertheless, we’re not conditioned as endurance specialists, necessitating targeted training specifically designed for this particular challenge.”
He continued: “Professionally, our roles equip us with valuable resilience and problem-solving capabilities. Additionally, the Army provides professional expertise and guidance addressing any knowledge deficiencies.”
Representing the Army’s junior ranks fills Olie with pride as he approaches this monumental undertaking. “This represents an unrepeatable opportunity, and I’m eager to discover our team’s potential achievements,” he concluded.
