Soldiers from across the world are readying themselves for the ultimate challenge of military fieldcraft, navigation, tactics, leadership skills and teamwork.
Exercise Cambrian Patrol chalks up 65 years as the British Army’s toughest patrols test
Exercise Cambrian Patrol chalks up 65 years as the British Army’s toughest patrols test
Exercise Cambrian Patrol chalks up 65 years as the British Army’s toughest patrols test
This all takes place across the undulating terrain of Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) where Exercise Cambrian Patrol has had its roots since 1959.
Around 1,000 troops, spread across eight phases of the event, will be faced with a mock mission that includes covering more than 40 miles from east to west, dealing with enemy threats and various other challenges.
Lieutenant Colonel Will Peltor, Officer Commanding this year's event, said: “As we mark the 65th year since the first Exercise Cambrian Patrol took place it’s important to note that the event maintains its core standards and is as relevant today, in the modern operational environment, as it was for Territorial Soldiers nearly seven decades ago when they were being tested on their Cold War readiness.
“The responsibility for retaining the spirit of the exercise, while modernising it through the years, resides with the British Army’s headquarters in Wales at 160th (Welsh) Brigade.
“We plan and deliver the eight phases on behalf of the Commander of the Field Army, in line with the training direction of Director Land Warfare Centre.
This year 113 patrols have entered, with 42 Regular, 18 Reserve, 15 University Officer Training Corps and 38 international: including two joint patrols within those numbers.
The exercise, which begins on 4 October at a location near Crickhowell in south east Powys, involves eight-person patrols advancing across challenging terrain, conducting numerous tasks which reflect the British Army’s training priorities within the soldier-first syllabus and individual training requirements.
Patrol commanders will receive a set of orders based on a specific scenario involving enemy forces, for onward briefing to members of their patrol.
They must battle prep and select a designated route, along which they must navigate through day and night and then complete a set of tasks.
These include medical treatment and casualty evacuation scenarios; clearance of safe lanes through minefields; intelligence gathering; seeking protective measures against chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear threats; a water crossing; employment of artillery fires and vehicle recognition; close-target reconnaissance; a section attack and prisoner of war handling.
The patrols will then have to write a report and recall all key information at the debrief, which forms part of the scoring process to assess whether they will be awarded a gold, silver or bronze medal, or a completion coin.
Exercise Cambrian Patrol is now very different to how it started in 1959 when a group of Welsh Territorial Army soldiers designed a weekend training event featuring long-distance marching over the Cambrian Mountains, culminating in a shooting match on the Sennybridge Training Area.
The focus is core soldiering, a theme for the last few years, while also exposing patrols to an element of the uncertainty and dynamic threat of the modern operating environment.
“There will be an increased presence of unmanned air systems (UAS), in addition to other new or emerging training technologies and equipment, subsequently enhancing operational capability and supporting innovation and experimentation.
“Highlights this year will be the opportunity for patrols to integrate with UAS to assist in the completion of some tasks, as well as negotiating how they move across ground against the backdrop of a heightened enemy UAS threat, as well as exposure to an array of enemy vehicles.
“Much of this has been achieved in collaboration with Defence industry and contractors, who now form an increasingly key component to ensuring the exercise retains its world-class calibre.
“In what is the 75th anniversary since NATO’s formation, it is appropriate Cambrian sees both NATO and non-NATO interest in the exercise expanding, with nearly 40 international patrols from 35 countries participating, with joint patrols once again featuring.
“The international dimension is key for both raising the standards and the performance of patrols, which is important in sharing best practice, as well as acting as good preparation for the realities of multi-national operations and deployments across the world.”
Exercise Cambrian Patrol, now in its 65th year, continues to evolve to provide relevance and utility in meeting the needs of the British Army and our allies, championing tactical patrolling excellence.
“The exercise provides an opportunity for our soldiers to test their core soldiering skills, alongside delivering a platform for experimentation and innovation as the Army drives towards enhancing lethality. It is also an excellent opportunity for us to operate alongside our many allies and partners.
“Delivery of the Cambrian Patrol is truly a team effort and I remain hugely grateful to those experts drawn from across the Field Army who assist in planning and delivering the exercise, as well as our industry partners who provide some of the latest equipment and technologies.
“Fundamental to the success of this event has also been the support of the people and landowners of Wales, who have allowed the Army to host this iconic exercise for more than six decades.”
