Page 58 - QDG Volume 9 No. 5

56 1st The Queen’s Dragoon Guards
Admiral Pitka Challenge
B Sqn sent a two four-man teams to the
limits, fostering a spirit of camaraderie
Estonian/Russian border whilst deployed
and mutual respect among soldiers and
on Op Cabrit 15 to compete in what is
other nations. The patrol takes about 72
known to be the hardest patrol competi-
hours, with limited opportunity for rest.
tion in the world.
The terrain despite little relief was made
The Admiral Pitka Challenge is a
challenging by a number of bogs and
premier international patrol competition
dense woodland in which teams were
named after Admiral Johan Pitka, a key
channelled through by an active enemy
figure in Estonia’s fight for independence
force.
in the early 20th century. This annual
A key aspect of the challenge is its
event, held in Estonia, brings together
emphasis on interoperability and cooper-
elite military units from various nations
ation between NATO member states and
to test their tactical skills, endurance,
partner countries. By working together
and teamwork in demanding environ-
in realistic training environments, partic-
ments. The challenge honours Admiral
ipants enhance their ability to coordinate
Pitka’s legacy of resilience and leader-
and execute joint operations, which is
ship, emphasizing principles of national
critical for modern military engagements.
defence and cooperation among allied
In addition to its military objectives,
forces.
the Admiral Pitka Challenge serves as
The competition is structured to
a showcase for Estonia’s commitment
simulate real-world military scenarios,
to defence and its role as a vital NATO
focusing on reconnaissance, navigation,
ally. It also highlights the importance of
and survival skills. Teams must navigate
maintaining strong defence capabilities
vast wilderness areas while completing
in the Baltic region, especially given the
tasks that mimic combat and operational
evolving security landscape in Eastern
conditions, such as gathering intelli-
Europe.
gence, setting up observation posts, and
For the public, the event is a reminder
executing missions under stress. The
of the dedication and skill required to
physically and mentally gruelling event
protect national and regional security, it
pushed to the QDG soldiers to their
was enthusiastically supported with the
It is only this far…
stands attracting crowds of cheering
locals. The Admiral Pitka Challenge is not
only a test of military prowess but also a
symbol of unity and shared responsibility
in safeguarding freedom.
TC