Wolfmen by RAM Training
Wolfmen is one of RAM Training's newer experiences, and we had high expectations from the makers of Zombie Boot Camp. We arrived at the compound to be greeted by 'Sniper' Jack, and once everyone has arrived we were kitted out with protective clothing, consisting of vest, helmet, gloves, and elbow and knee pads. At this point the amount of protective gear seems really excessive and over bearing. The kit makes it quite difficult to move at times which we thought may impede our enjoyment, but we knew from experience that we would need it!
During a briefing with the stern Major Roy, we learnt that the area has a history of attacks which could be linked to werewolves, and that there have even been rumours of a special ops team going missing back in 2010 while investigating these claims. The briefing is accompanied by graphic pictures which leave little to the imagination and we were advised to ensure our tea was fully digested or to close our eyes!. Next came weapons training with Max and Jack. The technique of 'stacking' on a door before entering was demonstrated and we were given the opportunity to use either the round or rectangular riot shields with batons for close quarter combat. It was obvious at this point that these guys are not only deadly serious but that they know exactly what they are talking about. With all instructors being from the military, our training on how to use this equipment is as real to life as the equipment itself.
Once finished our first mission was explained. We were to negotiate a series of rooms in teams of 3 or 4, clearing the rooms of hostiles as we move. During this mission we would not only encounter werewolves but also inmates from the local asylum who may be on the loose. These inmates may or may not also be hostile, and we are advised to utilise negotiation techniques before force where ever possible. On entering the base we first have to travel down a long narrow corridor, where we are subsequently attacked from both the front and behind by crazed inmates and werewolves. We use the techniques learnt to push down to the end of the corridor and it is here where the extent of our experience is realised.
Go back to when we first arrived and were issued with protective clothing which we commented may be too cumbersome and over the top. Now we wish we could go back to this point and tape bubble wrap around ourselves from head to toe before putting on double the amount of issued gear! Wolfman is NOT your stereotypical scare experience. The actors don't touch you, they charge at you, grab you, and slam you into walls. Sod the usual 'don't run' and 'do not touch the actors' basic rules! You run, you run fast, and you beat the living daylights out of anything that touches you. Granted we are supposed to check that our target is hostile before retaliating, but once the adrenaline kicks in and combined with mass disorientation, we probably all ended up taking a few hits from team mates as well!
At the end of mission 1 we were hot, out of breath, dripping with sweat and covered in bruises. And you only have 15-30 minutes rest time before you get to do it all over again......
Mission 2 involved paint ball guns with our trusty baton playing more of a back up roll. This time we were trained in the art of close quarter battle, and how to effectively clear a room before being taken to a 2nd location This time we had to clear the site in smaller 2 man teams and although the combat is not as physical as mission 1, this involved obstacle negotiation which in the dark and with all your protective gear on was not the easiest thing to do. On leaving the base we were chased right up to getting back into the now moving van.
I personally made the mistake of being more bothered about checking I had put the safety catch back on before getting in the van than making sure we were not being followed. This resulted in being grabbed by the pursuing werewolf, followed by my best girly screams and flailing of baton until he let me go. Thankfully the rest of my team came back to help me, and even more thankfully they waited until I was clear before firing on the sneaky wolf and bundling me back into the van.
Back at the base we were even further out of breath, dripping with more sweat and covered in even more bruises. We were exhausted and exhilarated and were pleased to remove all the safety equipment and get back into civilian clothes and our normal lives!
RAM Training's event are like nothing else in this country and are definitely some of the most physical things we have ever done. But if you think you're tough enough, then this will leave you howling for more!
Note: refreshments are not provided free and you have to pay £5 per person to access to the photos taken during the event, so take plenty of water with you if possible and be prepared to pay a bit extra if you want a memento of your session.
During a briefing with the stern Major Roy, we learnt that the area has a history of attacks which could be linked to werewolves, and that there have even been rumours of a special ops team going missing back in 2010 while investigating these claims. The briefing is accompanied by graphic pictures which leave little to the imagination and we were advised to ensure our tea was fully digested or to close our eyes!. Next came weapons training with Max and Jack. The technique of 'stacking' on a door before entering was demonstrated and we were given the opportunity to use either the round or rectangular riot shields with batons for close quarter combat. It was obvious at this point that these guys are not only deadly serious but that they know exactly what they are talking about. With all instructors being from the military, our training on how to use this equipment is as real to life as the equipment itself.
Once finished our first mission was explained. We were to negotiate a series of rooms in teams of 3 or 4, clearing the rooms of hostiles as we move. During this mission we would not only encounter werewolves but also inmates from the local asylum who may be on the loose. These inmates may or may not also be hostile, and we are advised to utilise negotiation techniques before force where ever possible. On entering the base we first have to travel down a long narrow corridor, where we are subsequently attacked from both the front and behind by crazed inmates and werewolves. We use the techniques learnt to push down to the end of the corridor and it is here where the extent of our experience is realised.
Go back to when we first arrived and were issued with protective clothing which we commented may be too cumbersome and over the top. Now we wish we could go back to this point and tape bubble wrap around ourselves from head to toe before putting on double the amount of issued gear! Wolfman is NOT your stereotypical scare experience. The actors don't touch you, they charge at you, grab you, and slam you into walls. Sod the usual 'don't run' and 'do not touch the actors' basic rules! You run, you run fast, and you beat the living daylights out of anything that touches you. Granted we are supposed to check that our target is hostile before retaliating, but once the adrenaline kicks in and combined with mass disorientation, we probably all ended up taking a few hits from team mates as well!
At the end of mission 1 we were hot, out of breath, dripping with sweat and covered in bruises. And you only have 15-30 minutes rest time before you get to do it all over again......
Mission 2 involved paint ball guns with our trusty baton playing more of a back up roll. This time we were trained in the art of close quarter battle, and how to effectively clear a room before being taken to a 2nd location This time we had to clear the site in smaller 2 man teams and although the combat is not as physical as mission 1, this involved obstacle negotiation which in the dark and with all your protective gear on was not the easiest thing to do. On leaving the base we were chased right up to getting back into the now moving van.
I personally made the mistake of being more bothered about checking I had put the safety catch back on before getting in the van than making sure we were not being followed. This resulted in being grabbed by the pursuing werewolf, followed by my best girly screams and flailing of baton until he let me go. Thankfully the rest of my team came back to help me, and even more thankfully they waited until I was clear before firing on the sneaky wolf and bundling me back into the van.
Back at the base we were even further out of breath, dripping with more sweat and covered in even more bruises. We were exhausted and exhilarated and were pleased to remove all the safety equipment and get back into civilian clothes and our normal lives!
RAM Training's event are like nothing else in this country and are definitely some of the most physical things we have ever done. But if you think you're tough enough, then this will leave you howling for more!
Note: refreshments are not provided free and you have to pay £5 per person to access to the photos taken during the event, so take plenty of water with you if possible and be prepared to pay a bit extra if you want a memento of your session.
Read our review of the original Zombie Boot Camp
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