Event Director

COLONEL J M BIRD
Commander - Headquarters South West

A MESSAGE FROM THE EXERCISE DIRECTOR

I’m writing this having just finished the Ten Tors 2026 final planning conference and rehearsals.  I can assure you that excitement and anticipation is building from a organisers’ perspective – I assume the same is true from all team managers and participants.  From my perspective it is an absolute honour and pleasure to lead the Joint Military Command - South West Ten Tors team.

Prepare to be challenged 

Having completed Ten Tors 2017 as part of a serving soldier team, I was fortunate enough to experience the event first-hand. At the time, I could not have imagined that I would later be responsible for leading it. In preparation for the rehearsals, I therefore took the opportunity to run across several Tors to reacquaint myself with Dartmoor. True to form, it delivered gusting winds, showers, a touch of sleet, and yet moments of sunshine. It was a timely reminder of just how demanding the terrain and environment can be upon the Moor. Those of you training regularly on the Moor will already know how punishing, yet at the same time enjoyable, Dartmoor can be.

A military effort supporting our Region’s youth

Joint Military Command – South West conducts the majority of its operations across four pillars: UK Homeland operations and resilience; Firm Base (a secure environment that sustains the force, enables operations and ensures public consent); Cadets; and Engagement. In one way or another, Ten Tors — or Exercise Wyvern Tor 26 as we know it — intersects all four. This allows us to derive military benefit across a broad spectrum of outputs while delivering a safe, challenging, and enjoyable event for participants across the region — it’s a win-win.

An extraordinary collective effort

For many at Headquarters South West, Ten Tors is the highlight of the year. Rightly, it is also the annual high point and goal for many a participant and team manager. The scale and complexity of the event is staggering. Over the course of the weekend, we can expect almost 10,000 people to be directly involved or spectating. Then there is literally an army of enablers drawn from across the Ministry of Defence, emergency services, civilian authorities and volunteer organisations that come together making this multi-agency event possible. My sincere thanks and appreciation goes to all those who make the event a reality for the 2,400 young people taking part in the Ten Tors Challenge, the 450 in the Jubilee Challenge, and the 50 in the Granite Challenge.

Good luck to all participants

Finally, I wish everyone contributing to the event the very best of luck. I’m really looking forward to seeing your hard work, determination, and commitment rewarded over the course of the weekend.

Jim