Record number of international armies take on Nato's toughest patrolling test
A record 32 nations have taken part in this year's world-renowned patrolling exercise – Cambrian Patrol.
Taking place in the Brecon Beacons each year, it is a gruelling test of basic soldiering for the militaries of the world.
Despite it being in its 64th year, the exercise still remains key to operations today.
This year's Exercise Cambrian Patrol takes place over eight phases, from 6 October to 15.
The event is organised and run by the 160th (Welsh) Brigade, based in Brecon, the British Army's headquarters in Wales.
Ex Cambrian Patrol has been held annually since 1959 and is respected by military partners around the world as is referred to as "Nato's toughest patrolling test'.
This year 111 teams have entered, including 42 Regular, 15 Reserve, 16 University Officer Training Corps, and a record number of international patrols fronting up this year, with 32 nations included – and with some countries entering more than one team, it takes the total number to 38.
The exercise is unique and the largest of its kind, with some foreign entrants having to claim the right to take part in the UK by winning through their own domestic competition.
For example, the Australian Army runs an infantry skills competition called the Duke of Gloucester Cup, with the winning unit then getting to represent the country in the Cambrian Patrol.
It may be a test of age-old basic soldiering but Cambrian Patrol is also constantly evolving.
For the first time this year's enemy boasts a curious collection of kit – a grad rocket launcher, Soviet-era battle tank, and a rapier, amongst other things – all loaned to the military by a Welsh farmer-turned-tank enthusiast.
Fun and competition aside – this is a show of an allied patrolling force on a global scale and must remain relevant to threats present in the world today.
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