Army Mountaineering Association
The British Army Mountaineering Association (AMA) is the governing body for climbing competitions and the representative body for mountaineering in the British Army. It is a member of the British Mountaineering Council and is the largest climbing club in the United Kingdom. History, Organisation and Status. The AMA was formed on 24 May 1957. It has charitable status and its constitution states that it exists 'To promote military efficiency by encouraging mountaineering in the Army'. Membership is open to serving members of the British Army and the Army Reserve. Since its inception the AMA has been involved  in delivering and supporting mountaineering activity for its members. The association is currently engaged in two major areas of activity which are: mountaineering and climbing competitions each of which is governed separately. The business of the AMA is managed by an executive committee who are elected annually. Its current president is Major General David Southall Mountaineering. The AMA organises mountaineering training and expeditions for its members and encourages them to organise their own expeditions. It makes grants from the AMA 'Memorial Fund' to help support individuals wishing to take part in significant mountaineering expeditions. Since its inception the AMA has  organised or provided significant support to a number of major expedition to the Greater Ranges including: Climbing Competitions. The AMA organises bouldering and indoor sport climbing competitions for the Army. The first Army level sport climbing competition was organised at Bristol by Colonel Paul John Edwards on 28 April 1995. The AMA continues to organise indoor climbing competitions and now competes annually against the Royal Navy and RAF, as well as contributing members to the Combined Services Sport Climbing team, which competes regularly against military sport climbers from other countries. Prominent AMA members. The following are current/former presidents, Vice -Presidents or Chairman of the AMA. UIAGM Mountain Guides: The following AMA members have become members of the British Association of Mountain Guides Other notable AMA Members: