Enhanced UAS Focus In Latest Cambrian Patrol Exercise

A legendarily tough patrol test staged annually by the British Army — and being attempted by soldiers from 40 nations — will this year feature an increased focus on Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS).

Exercise Cambrian Patrol has now been running for 65 years and is set against the unforgiving backdrop of the Brecon Beacons in Wales. Participating soldiers must complete a mock mission where they are expected to cover more than 40 miles of terrain, dealing with a variety of enemy threats and challenges en route.

A total of 113 eight-person patrols are stepping up to take on the test this year; the exercise begins on Friday (October 4). As per a British Army press release, patrol commanders will receive orders based on a specific scenario involving enemy forces. They need to brief their patrols, battle prep and select a designated route, then navigate it day and night while completing assigned tasks.

These include medical treatment and casualty evacuation scenarios; clearance of safe lanes through minefields; intelligence gathering; seeking protective measures against chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear threats; a water crossing; employment of artillery fires and vehicle recognition; close-target reconnaissance; a section attack and prisoner of war handling.

The patrols will then have to write a debrief report recalling key information; it all forms part of the scoring process to assess whether they will be awarded a gold, silver or bronze medal, or a completion coin.

Lieutenant Colonel Will Peltor, Officer Commanding this year's event, said: “As we mark the 65th year since the first Exercise Cambrian Patrol took place it’s important to note that the event maintains its core standards and is as relevant today, in the modern operational environment, as it was for Territorial Soldiers nearly seven decades ago when they were being tested on their Cold War readiness."

He added: "This year the exercise aims to build upon the focus of core soldiering, a theme for the last few years, while also exposing patrols to an element of the uncertainty and dynamic threat of the modern operating environment.

“There will be an increased presence of unmanned air systems (UAS), in addition to other new or emerging training technologies and equipment, subsequently enhancing operational capability and supporting innovation and experimentation.

“Highlights this year will be the opportunity for patrols to integrate with UAS to assist in the completion of some tasks, as well as negotiating how they move across ground against the backdrop of a heightened enemy UAS threat, as well as exposure to an array of enemy vehicles."

• You can read more details about the event on the British Army website