Page 8 - The Light Blue Volunteer Journal 2021

Cambrian Patrol Training
Cambrian Patrol is the premier patrolling event of the British Army that occurs annually in Brecon, Wales. It aims to provide challenging patrols to enhance operational capability and is open to Regular, Reserves and Overseas Military Units and is often used as an exercise for Commanding Officers to test the basic training standards of their soldiers.
For the first two weeks in October, Cambridge University Officer Training Corps (CUOTC) completed their training and selection for Ex Cambrian Patrol. This training was in conjunction with Oxford UOTC which strengthened inter-UOTC relationship and allowed the officer cadets to learn from each unit’s strengths.
Week one included progressive difficulty of physical training and teaching of all the fundamental criteria which will be assessed at different check points during the patrol. The mornings included slowly increasing the weight and distance
of TABs with the final assessment of 10 miles with 30kg and weapon system to be physically ‘cleared.’ The afternoon saw Officer Cadets learning a variety of lessons such as Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear warfare, Captured Personnel and Battle casualty drills.
Week two focussed on the realities of war with a visit to Brookwood Cemetery where we got a tour in both the
Commonwealth and American sections, engaged in discussions over War films and took the opportunity to listen to the personal stories of the staff. The week finished off with a curry supper and visit from the CO to boost morale before moving onto the final phase of training.
The patrolling teams were then faced with a gruelling
mock patrol, TABing for 24 hours through the night to various checkpoints on the Pirbright training area. Those who were injured or unable to take part in the mock patrol were put to use setting up and running the central base point, responding to radios and creating scenarios for the teams to return to after each checkpoint. These scenarios allowed the cadets to put into practice the skills they had learnt throughout the weeks, allowing them to identify their strengths and weaknesses and begin to give each team member a role for the actual patrol.
Cambrian Patrol is really a test for the fittest of the fittest, both mentally and physically for Cadets of all levels and the training saw Cadets pushed out of their comfort zones while improving knowledge, fitness and resilience.
JUO Slater and OCdt Stocks
8 THE LIGHT BLUE VOLUNTEER