EXERCISE CAMBRIAN PATROL 2018

More than 1,000 soldiers from the British Army, along with 37 international armies, challenged themselves on the world’s toughest patrol competition, Exercise Cambrian Patrol, which happens annually in Wales. 

The exercise is unique, world class and the largest of its kind, with some foreign entrants having to claim the right to take part in the UK by winning through their own domestic competition.

It began 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.

This year, as part of 2nd Battalion The Royal Irish Regiment’s wider Defence Engagement commitment, they not only entered a team in the competition but were also responsible for training and hosting 5 international teams from Belarus, Bosnia, Ireland, Moldova and Ukraine. 

The results for all involved were staggering.  Bosnia, Ireland and Ukraine attained a Silver Medal; with Belarus and the 2 R IRISH teams both scooping the prestigious Gold Medal, of which only 11 golds were awarded this year.  What was most impressive about this accolade was that it was the Belarusian team’s first time entering the competition.