SOURCE: AFI
The prestigious Cambrian Patrol, often hailed as the ‘Olympics of military patrolling,’ is all set to commence from October 6 to October 15, 2023. This challenging military exercise, hosted by Headquarters 160th (Welsh) Brigade, will feature participation from over 60 teams worldwide. Among these elite teams, the Indian Army will be represented by Chetak Corp’s Gandiv division.
Chetak Corp will be pitting its skills against 60-70 teams hailing from various corners of the globe, as announced by the Southwestern Command (SWC) of the Indian Army on May 24. The SWC lauded the victorious “Team ThreeFive,” which emerged triumphant in the demanding Cambrian Patrol competition in 2023, showcasing their unwavering spirit and remarkable endurance.
Established in 1960, the Cambrian Patrol is renowned for pushing soldiers to their limits through long-distance marches and a series of intricate military manoeuvres. Teams comprising both men and women, consisting of eight members each, will navigate a grueling 65-kilometer course within a strict 48-hour timeframe. They will navigate the rugged terrain of mid-Wales, enduring adverse conditions every step of the way. This exercise, according to the British Ministry of Defence, serves as a comprehensive test of endurance, teamwork, leadership, self-discipline, courage, and physical stamina.
In the previous edition of the Cambrian Patrol, the Indian Army’s Gorkha Rifles achieved a remarkable feat by securing a gold medal. They outperformed an impressive lineup of 96 teams, representing special forces and regiments from across the globe. Despite facing challenging terrain and harsh weather conditions, the Gorkhas displayed exceptional skills in navigation, efficient delivery of patrol orders, and remarkable endurance. Their outstanding achievement garnered praise not only from the Indian Ministry of Defence but also from the Indian High Commission in London.
The Cambrian Patrol is mission-focused and scenario-based, designed to assess patrol performance in line with the Battlecraft Syllabus (BCS) and Individual Training Requirement (ITR). It also evaluates the team’s ‘robustness’ and leadership capabilities. This exercise continues to be a benchmark for assessing military prowess and readiness on a global scale.
Source link