According to a recent press release from the British Army, Exercise Cambrian Patrol, renowned as the British Army’s toughest patrols test, marks its 65th anniversary this year.
The exercise, set to begin on October 4 in the challenging terrain of Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons), will see soldiers from across the world test their military skills in navigation, tactics, leadership, and teamwork.
Lieutenant Colonel Will Peltor, Officer Commanding the event, highlighted the enduring relevance of the exercise: “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.”
This year’s event will see 113 patrols enter, with participants from the UK’s Regular and Reserve forces, as well as international patrols from 35 countries. The patrols will navigate more than 40 miles, facing a series of tasks such as medical evacuations, minefield clearance, and intelligence gathering.
Lt Col Peltor noted the exercise’s increasing complexity, adding: “There will be an increased presence of unmanned air systems (UAS) and other new technologies, exposing patrols to the uncertainty and dynamic threat of the modern operating environment.”
Brigadier Nick Thomas CBE, Commander of 160th (Welsh) Brigade, praised the international involvement, stating: “Exercise Cambrian Patrol continues to evolve to provide relevance and utility in meeting the needs of the British Army and our allies, championing tactical patrolling excellence.”
I’d love to see Cambrian Patrol style events expanded to other branches of the army. Obviously all of them would have to involve some light infantry skills, but everyone should have some light infantry skills anyway. But it would be great eg to have an AMS competition that involved a patrol with a CUF scenario, a prolonged field care stand, working in a PHEC (yes I know PHV or R1V exists, no I don’t like it, and no I don’t think it’s comparable). Or an RS patrol whith rebros, jamming, masts, etc involved. Or an RLC Patrol where they have… Read more »
Er Dern, You have an awful lot TLA (three letter acronyms) and FLA’s (four letter acronyms) in there. I’m sure it is an interesting post worthy of comment and engagement. I do understand the RLC (Royal Logistic Corps). So in the spirit of engagement; I actually think there could be scenarios that could be worked up that would be relevant to the RLC. After all the British Army briefly used horse soldiers in Bosnia and Kosova to patrol the mountains back in the 90’s so perhaps pack animals might be needed at some point, especially if we get involved in… Read more »
Hi CR AMS– Army Medical Services (RAMC, RADC, RAVC and QARANC). CUF – Care Under Fire, basic and limited medical treatment done in a combat situation. PHEC – Pre Hospital Emergency Care. Usually carried out in a permissive environment in a 2+ person team, ocassionally (as in this case) used to describe a facility rather than the actual team or treatment provided. PHV – Pre Hospital Validation, a pretty naff exam that medics and doctors have to sit every few years to be signed off to deploy on operations. Theoretically it’s a test of medical knowledge and competency, in practice… Read more »