A grim combo of vicious weather and attacks from mock Russian armour replicated the rigours of modern warfare for personnel embroiled in the latest Ex Cambrian Patrol.
Soldiers were tested on the full spectrum of combat challenges during this year’s event as they were pushed to their limits at range and in demanding conditions.
And contenders soon found that exercise bosses had upped the ante across the rugged Brecon countryside – using lessons from the war in Ukraine to reflect situations they would likely face on the contemporary battlefield.
Obstacles included a Russian-style trench system as well as vehicles adapted to look like the Soviet-era armour still in service with Kremlin forces.
“It was a shock to some of the troops when they were counter-attacked by something looking very much like a BMP-2,” Cambrian Patrol OiC Maj Darren Pridmore (WG) said with a smile.
“The upshot was a definite test for everyone involved.
“There were some difficult conditions too – and while the weather improved over the ten days, the troops had to deal with Storm Amy earlier on in the exercise with high winds and driving rain.
“There is a reason why we train our best soldiers in this part of the world – it’s a tough environment and you can easily experience all four seasons in one day.”
This year’s Cambrian Patrol was, by all accounts, a fearsome challenge for the eight-strong teams involved.
Each contending outfit tabbed 37 miles in 48 hours, climbing and descending some 3,300 feet in the process, all while facing a raft of serials.
Among them were section attacks, medevacs, integration with drones and the infamous river crossing, all while carrying personal kit across tough terrain.
Of the 109 teams starting out, only 20 were presented with the coveted gold medal. Another 54 took silver and there were 22 bronze award recipients, while eight received certificates for successfully completing the arduous course.
Maj Pridmore, who led the organisers from Headquarters 160th (Welsh) Brigade, told Soldier: “One of the units taking gold was Northumbrian University Officers’ Training Corps – which is a really significant achievement in itself.
“As well as teams from the British Army regular and reserve, there were also quite a number of international contenders involved – some 33 in all,” he added. “Among them were the Nepali army, the top scorers, as well as soldiers from countries including the United States, Pakistan, India and Chile.
“We also had interest from new countries – there was a delegation from Japan observing and they are now considering their own team for the 2026 event.
“In addition, we had special guests visiting us throughout, including the Chief of the General Staff, Gen Sir Roly Walker, among other senior officers.”
With the exercise based on the battlecraft syllabus and individual training requirement, Maj Pridmore said troops had soldiered well throughout. In particular, they had shown a dogged determination in dealing with setbacks, including the sudden loss of colleagues to injury.
But the officer pointed out the event had also identified areas for improvement, such as armoured vehicle recognition, which would allow commanders to ensure personnel were as prepared for action as possible.
“There are always things you can learn, including for us as the organisers, and we can take plenty away as we continue to adapt Cambrian Patrol,” he concluded.
“It’s been a great experience and we are already planning for next year’s event.”
