Page 44 - Bugle Spring 2025

8 RIFLES
EX CAMBRIAN PATROL 2024
I’ve always wondered how far I can push
myself, both physically and mentally.
After completing Ex CAMBRIAN PATROL, I
now know it is further than I thought. As
reservists, it is often hard to know how
we measure up compared to our regular
counterparts, but after our intense build
up training for this challenging patrol
competitions, we are up to the task.
The physical preparation for our bodies to
carry over 40kg over 60 kms of Welsh hills
started in July when team hopefuls set out
to complete the Yorkshire 3 Peaks Challenge
carrying the full weight for the patrol. This initial
I’ve always
wondered
how far I
can push
myself,
both
physically
and
mentally.
After
completing
Ex
CAMBRIAN
PATROL, I
now know
it is further
than I
thought.
An exhausted but elated patrol at the finish line.
test alone was challenging enough and over
the 26 miles of Yorkshire mountains the reality
of the challenge we all had in our sights set in.
Leading the patrol has been the toughest
challenge I have faced in my career to date,
but thankfully I was fortunate enough to
have a strong team who made my job as
commander much easier. The teamwork and
comradery we developed over our training
together made our morale unbreakable, and
along with the physical and mental robustness
of all the patrol members we had enough to
carry us to the finish line.
Over the steep valleys of the black
mountains and the near freezing river
crossing, the team carried on with a smile
on their faces, embodying the resilience of
Riflemen. Resilience got the whole team to the
finish line achieving a bronze medal.
Opportunities to represent the battalion
and regiment by pushing yourself to your
physical and mental limit are rare, especially
pitted against such a high calibre Regular
Army and international teams. It has been a
real honour to lead this team and every one of
its members should be extremely proud of our
Bronze Medal.
2Lt Brown
The 8 RIFLES
team receive
their bronze
medals.
44 RIFLES The Bugle