Page 109 - The Bugle 2018

Cambrian Patrol
Cambrian Patrol Team- Rfn Rich
If I’m honest, Cambrian Patrol was a very sponta- neous decision for me as, even a few weeks beforehand, I had no intention of doing it. I heard that a couple lads had dropped out and that we were starting to worry we wouldn’t have enough for a team. My best mate was already in the team. So, I just thought, why not? So, I volunteered about 2 weeks before the competition.
Because it was relatively short notice when I knew I was definitely doing Cambrian I knew I didn’t have long to prepare for the exercise. I also knew that I didn’t want to over do it as I could cause injury. My best form of training was my annual camp with my Battalion at Okehampton the week before. We practised carrying the same weight which we knew we’d be carrying for Cambrian on the whole exercise; we also set up OP’s for 2 nights in a row in some harsh weather. This prepared us for not only the robustness we’d have to show with sleep depri- vation but also the extreme temperature we would have to endure.
To put it bluntly, my expectation wasn’t great. I’d heard stories before on just how rats it could be. I was expecting to be tested to my limit on everything I knew as a soldier down to the very basics and I wasn’t wrong!!
Easily the best part was hearing the words “end ex” closely followed by being awarded our silver medal.
I would say for me personally the worst part was getting to the top of one of the Brecon Beacons just as storm BRIAN hit. We were very exposed and feeling pretty broken at this point and two of the guys dropped out. The stands were welcome as they broke up the tabbing and I genuinely enjoyed them. Even the river crossing in the middle of storm Brian didn’t feel too bad - I was so cold I just went numb in the water!
I learnt that I can withstand a lot more than I thought. I also learnt that I have some great friends and we really encouraged each other to get through. You realise doing things like this who you can really depend on in totally different situations. It might sound a little dramatic but I find whenever I’m knackered out or soaked through to the bone I think back to things like Cambrian and realise I’m capable of anything as with a lot of things I’ve done in the army.
To anyone thinking of doing Cambrian I would say go for it! But be 110% committed that you’ll give it everything, otherwise there is no point. Even at the hardest of times I kept telling myself I’m only coming off this training area when it’s completed or I’ve broken a bone. In my personal opinion Cambrian patrol is 30% physical and 70% mental. You can do all the phys in the world but if your head isn’t in the game you’ll crumble.
At the time I said I’ll never do this again! But I have to admit getting a silver medal has only made me more hungry for a gold.
Defence Task- Lt Braycotton
During October 2017 6 Rifles not only entered a team to the Cambrian Patrol they also successfully ran 6 enemy positions as part of the vast support network
GETTING TO THE TOP OF ONE OF THE BRECON BEACONS JUST AS STORM BRIAN HIT
Cambrian Patrol Team; Cpl Meadows, Rfn Rich, Cpl Frost, Rfn Ladd, 2Lt Fred Montane-Willis, Rfn Williams
that provides the challenging conditions that give the patrol its world class reputation as the ultimate test of a military skill set. In previous years this tasking was not considered the best in which to spend 2 weeks however throughout the planning and appli- cation of the task we applied defensive doctrine and looked at the task as a defensive exercise in which to counter the offensive element of the Patrol teams. This would give the competing teams a realistic and accurate positions on which to Recce and also ensure the troops involved in running the positions remined focused and motivated throughout the 2 weeks.
Setting up 6 enemy positions across a fairly large geographical area in mid wales proved the first challenge. In order to achieve a realistic network of defensive positions 6 RIFLES utilised its Assault Pioneers platoon (based in Paignton and Exeter). Using the Assault Pioneers, we built robust positions, this allowed the Pioneers to exercise their skill set and teach the rest of those involved how to build pickets, set out razor wire and understand the importance of deception by building dummy positions, all valuable skills for an infantry soldier. The Enemy Positions task was a good opportunity to learn/practice new skills.
We also sourced enemy uniforms and utilised inflatable armour to add to the realism of the defensive exercise. The inflatables were concealed underneath the appropriate camouflage and positioned in realistic positions. Once the 6 positions were ‘operational’ the focus switched to maintaining the morale of the men. Two weeks in the field during October in the Brecon countryside can sap the morale of the most hardened soldier. However, the attitude and professionalism of those involved kept the morale at a decent level throughout. Also, the field kitchen that was provided and ran by 1 RIFLES helped keep the men fuelled and gave them something daily to look forward to.
6 RIFLES are returning to support the task again this year hoping to build on last years’ experience. As such 6 Rifles have been tasked with running the 6 Positions that the patrol teams will Recce and run the Assembly area from which all patrol teams will start. Finding willing volunteers for this year has been easy after those involved last year spoke highly of their involvement last October.
GIVE THE COMPETING TEAMS A REALISTIC AND ACCURATE POSITIONS ON WHICH TO RECCE
THE RIFLES
SIXTH BATTALION 115