Exercise Cambrian Patrol 2026 largest of its kind

• Iconic event increased to meet demand

• A demanding test of leadership, resilience and teamwork under pressure

• The event draws on lessons from contemporary conflict

This year’s Exercise Cambrian Patrol features more phases and more patrols – the biggest edition of the event since it began in 1959.

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Soldiers from The Corps of Royal Engineers, patrol wearing chemical suits though the water en route to their first task during Exercise Cambrian Patrol.

US Army platoon leader from the United States Military Academy explains to a member of the Directing Staff how his platoon plan to cross the river in a tactical situation during Exercise Cambrian Patrol 2024.

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Running from Friday 2 October to Tuesday 13 October, the event has expanded to cater for growing demand from UK units and international partners.

A total of 140 patrols have entered: including 75 Regular; 15 Reserve; and 13 University Officer Training Corps patrols; alongside 35 international patrols and two combined British Army and international patrols.

More than 350 support staff are in place to deliver Exercise Cambrian Patrol, which is widely respected by military partners around the world as NATO's toughest patrolling test.

Each phase begins with soldiers assembling near Builth Wells, following an initial kit inspection at Beulah.

After receiving their orders and completing detailed battle preparation, eight-person patrols set off across the Welsh mountains, covering up to 40 miles over roughly 48 hours.

The exercise concludes at Sennybridge, where patrols complete one of the toughest assessments in military training, with points earned determining whether they receive a gold, silver or bronze medal.

A test of leadership

Delivered by 160th (Welsh) Brigade on behalf of Commander Land Forces and in line with training direction from the Director Land Warfare Centre, this year's tasks are designed to reflect the demands of modern warfare.

Patrols will face casualty evacuation scenarios, intelligence-gathering missions, artillery fire planning, vehicle recognition, mock CBRN (chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear) incidents, reconnaissance tasks, minefield crossings and attacks on enemy positions, all under significant physical and mental pressure.

Major Darren Pridmore, Officer Commanding Exercise Cambrian Patrol, said: "This is all designed to test the skills that soldiers need to survive and fight on the modern battlefield. It is a demanding assessment of leadership, resilience, tactical judgement and teamwork under pressure."

A key feature this year is the exercise's emphasis on small unit leadership, placing junior officers and non-commissioned officers in an unforgiving environment where they must make decisions, maintain momentum under pressure and lead tired soldiers through complex tactical problems.

Tasks reflect current battlefield realities

The exercise has also sharpened its focus on persistent observation, drawing on lessons from contemporary conflict.

Patrols will be tracked by both ground forces and unmanned aerial systems (UAS), requiring careful consideration of movement, concealment and route selection.

Mobility and survivability tasks, including crossing the Forward Line of Own Troops, river crossings and minefield navigation during reconnaissance missions, further reflect current battlefield realities.

The growing importance of networks and information integration is also built into this year's exercise. Patrols will use safe houses, static sensors and UAS to build an intelligence picture over time, combining information from multiple sources to identify and report targets.

CBRN readiness will receive greater scrutiny too, with assessments focused on whether units arrive equipped, prepared and capable of operating effectively in a contaminated environment.

Major Pridmore said: "We've preserved the spirit of Cambrian Patrol while adapting it to reflect the realities of contemporary conflict.

“From drones and persistent surveillance, to intelligence integration and CBRN readiness, this year's exercise better reflects the challenges soldiers can expect to face on operations.

"The battlefield is evolving rapidly and success increasingly depends on close collaboration between operators, innovators and industry.

“Cambrian Patrol provides a unique opportunity to bring those communities together, helping us adapt faster, exploit emerging technologies and maintain operational advantage."

A global event

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Gurkha soldiers from Gurkha Company (Sattang) crossing the river using makeshift life rafts during Exercise Cambrian Patrol 2024.

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With 35 international patrols competing alongside UK and joint teams, the event continues to attract significant international participation.

Major Pridmore said: "The United Kingdom does not fight alone. Future operations will be conducted alongside allies and partners, making interoperability and mutual understanding essential.

“With teams from across the world competing alongside UK patrols, the strengthens professional relationships, raises standards and provides valuable preparation for multinational operations.

"This also demonstrates that national security is a collective effort. From Defence industry and Government, to local communities and landowners, many partners contribute to the success and resilience of the nation.

“The support of the people of Wales remains fundamental to the delivery of this iconic exercise."

Patrols will conclude the exercise with a detailed debrief and reporting process, with performance assessed throughout to determine whether teams are awarded a gold, silver or bronze medal, or a completion coin.

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