The Pakistan Army has done it once again! It has won a gold medal in one of the most vigorous and challenging military exercises in the world, i.e. ‘Exercise Cambrian Patrol’ which was held from 13th – 22nd october. This is the third time in the running and overall fourth time, as they won initially in 2010. Thereby it comes as no wonder that the Special Service Group (SSG) of the Pakistan Army is one of the ‘8 most elite Special Forces in the world’. 

Pakistan Army is indeed in top form, for it is no ordinary accomplishment to get the highest distinction after competing with 120-140 teams. Of which 90-100 are from the British Army and international teams such as Albania, Armenia, Australia, Bosnia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Georgia, Holland, Herzegovina, Italy, Ireland, India, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Latvia, Lithuania, Mexico, Moldova, New Zealand, Nepal, Oman, Philippines, Poland, Serbia, Spain, Switzerland, UAE, Ukraine, Uzbekistan and the USA.

Exercise Cambrian Patrol

Exercise Cambrian Patrol was initiated in 1959 by a group of Welsh Army soldiers. It started out as a training exercise of long-distance marching across the mountains. It is organized annually by the 160^th Infantry Brigade and Headquarters Wales at the Brecon Beacons. It is considered one of its kind, and the biggest patrolling exercise in the world.

The Exercise Cambrian Patrol is a test of mental and physical competence. It assesses the military skill set of today’s soldier. It also increases the level of endurance as well as enhances leadership capabilities.

A team of 8 soldiers have to traverse through the formidable Cambrian Mountains and Welsh swamplands, covering a distance of 80 km with approximately a 50 pound pack on their back in a two day patrolling mission. Upon arriving at the Patrol Base, the teams are inspected to make sure that they have their kit, necessary clothes as well as equipment. The patrol commanders are instructed regarding a particular setting. They have to prepare and mark out a route according to that. There can be 7 to 10 phases. Along the way they will have to deal with many situations such as:

• mock explosive devices
• close target investigations,
• intelligence gathering,
• protective measures against biological, chemical, nuclear and radiological dangers,
• first aid & casualty evacuations,
• river and obstacle crossing,
• ambush drills,
• patrol techniques,
• navigation skills,
• rock climbing

It usually takes place in the second week of October, and spans 10 days. Over the years; it is seen that about one-third of the teams fail to complete the exercise. And only about 5% get the top positions.