Exercise Cambrian Patrol, the premier patrolling event of the British Army, turns 65 this year. The annual event is organised by 160th Infantry Brigade and Headquarters Wales and is one of the world’s toughest patrolling tests.
During Exercise Cambrian Patrol, soldiers from across the world take part in the ultimate challenge of military fieldcraft, navigation, tactics, leadership skills and teamwork which takes place in the undulating terrain of Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) where the exercise has had its roots since 1959.
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 southeast 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 be provided with a set of orders based on a specific scenario involving enemy forces, which they will subsequently relay to their patrol members. They are required to prepare for the mission and choose a designated route, navigating both day and night while completing a series of tasks.
These tasks encompass medical treatment and casualty evacuation scenarios, the clearance of safe lanes through minefields, intelligence gathering, implementing protective measures against chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear threats, executing a water crossing, utilizing artillery fire, recognizing vehicles, conducting close-target reconnaissance, performing a section attack, and managing prisoners of war.
Following the exercise, the patrols will be tasked with compiling a report and recalling all essential information during the debrief, which is integral to the scoring process that determines whether they will receive a gold, silver, or bronze medal, or a completion coin.
The Cambrian Patrol exercise has evolved significantly since its inception in 1959, when it was originally conceived by a group of Welsh Territorial Army soldiers as a weekend training event. This initial event focused on long-distance marching through the Cambrian Mountains and concluded with a shooting competition at the Sennybridge Training Area.
Lt Col Peltor said: “This year the exercise aims to build upon the focus of 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.”
Brigadier Nick Thomas CBE, Commander 160th (Welsh) Brigade and head of the Army in Wales, said: “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.”
