Page 115 - The Rifles Bugle Autumn 2019
P. 115

 Defence Engagement –
Ex CAMBRIAN PATROL 2018
The Battalion was very focused on ensuring that our DE nations completed Ex CAMBRIAN PATROL 18 this year after a disappointing performance in 2017. Both Armenia and Georgia were visited in July to issue the challenge and to oversee their kit and training prepa- ration. As the patrol date approached, the Albanian team raised its sights to the challenge. Typically, the teams arrived at various levels of preparedness.
The Albanians with their Lympstone qualified commander had undertaken a gruelling pre training regime, the Georgians were totally focused on getting a gold medal whilst the Armenians were pulled together with a scratch but enthusiastic team.
The pre-training went well with thorough kit checks focusing on reducing the weight per man down to as little as possible. We made our way up to the start line in deepest Wales ready for the off in good order. With a small team of instructors, we managed to deliver a good level of training and were thrilled to see all the teams completing the patrol. This was mostly down to the STTT who worked particularly hard throughout including CSjt Deeley, WO2 Dwyer, Cpl Davies, Lt Heveran, LCpl Adkin and CSjt Smith
The competition ended with the Georgians and Albanians winning a bronze medal. The Armenians completed the course which for a scratch group of conscripts was impressive. We ended a busy fortnight with a visit to London which was facilitated by F Coy, the London Regiment offering up accommodation.
The upshot of the competition was a renewed determination from the Georgians to get a gold medal – this year we have heard they have conducted their own pre-training and selection process which we are certainly counting as meaningful capacity building.
I was lucky enough to meet the Albanian ambas- sador which was also a clear measurement of the effect of this type of Defence Engagement. The Armenians were also very much happier about the patrol and now they see the challenge as more achievable and are sending a stronger team of regulars this year. Onwards and upwards for defence engagement at 6 RIFLES measured against the success of our teams going forward to Ex CAMBRIAN PATROL 19!
Maj Dave Owen OC HQ Coy
WE MADE OUR WAY
UP TO THE START LINE IN DEEPEST WALES READY FOR THE OFF IN GOOD ORDER
    The Armenian, Albanian and Georgian Cambrian teams enjoy some down time following successfully completing Ex CAMBRIAN PATROL
 






















































































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