Exercise Cambrian Patrol, run by 160 (Wales) Brigade, is both physically and mentally demanding and is a highlight in the Army’s training calendar. More than a third of this year's entrants failed to finish, highlighting its reputation as one of the sternest tests a modern-day soldier can face.
This year’s exercise initially included 58 Regular Army, 31 Territorial Army and 15 international teams – 104 in total and a record number in the event’s 52-year history.
Teams were subjected to a thorough check to ensure they were in possession of the correct kit, equipment and clothing required for the exercise. Team patrol commanders were then given a set of orders at an assembly area in a woodland holding location near a tiny village called Garth, about six miles west of Builth Wells. Following the briefing, teams were then transported by road to a rendezvous point to begin the two-day test.
The exercise is split into seven phases and the teams, some with female soldiers, then had to march a mind-and-muscle sapping 45km carrying full personal kit and equipment, weighing in at some 60lbs, on a two-day patrolling mission.
Stamina
Navigating both by day and night, the patrols face many testing and specialist challenges, including observation and reconnaissance of enemy forces, cold river crossings in full kit without access to boats, first-aid and defensive shooting under attack. At the completion of their patrol, each team faces a comprehensive debriefing session on their mission.
Military skills, stamina and dedication were constantly evaluated during the patrol and marked with a system of points. Teams that successfully completed their patrol are awarded a gold, silver or bronze medal or certificate of merit, depending on the total number of points they have gained.
Cambrian Patrol Regimental Sergeant Major, WO1 Brian Pratt, said: “This year’s Cambrian Patrol was one of the toughest for many years. That’s backed up by the fact more than a third of patrols failed to finish.
“In total, we awarded six gold medals, 25 silvers and 19 bronze medals, with 14 certificates for teams who completed the exercise. “The two hardest phases for teams to contend with, weather wise, were the TA phases – one and seven. On those two weekends we had heavy downpours, although it did rain every night across all seven phases.
“Although not the longest of Cambrian routes, the teams still had to cover 1,800 metres of climb and 1,300 of descent, in addition to some horrendous terrain on the opening legs and you have a route that is both mentally and physically demanding and took its toll on all of the teams. “Again, the exercise has lived up to its reputation as one of the sternest tests a modern-day soldier can face.”
The six gold medals were awarded to:
1st Battalion The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, SP Company
Household Cavalry Regiment, B Squadron
2nd Battalion The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment, Recce Platoon, Team 1
The King’s Royal Hussars, Team 2
9 Gorkha Rifles, (India)
2 Engineer Regiment (New Zealand)
