AN Officer Cadet from Yorkshire has yomped his way through the toughest patrolling test NATO has to offer.

Exercise Cambrian Patrol is an annual event organised and run by 160 (Wales) Brigade. It is both physically and mentally demanding and is a highlight in the British Army’s training calendar.

Internationally, it is regarded as one of the toughest tests facing the modern-day soldier can face and some foreign entrants have to claim the right to take part by winning through their own domestic competition.

Officer Cadet Callum Moreman, 21, of Northumbria University Officer Training Corps, said this was his first attempt at completing the exercise.

“The expectation for the next couple of days is lots of walking, over lots of hills, while carrying a lot of weight and with maybe a few surprises thrown our way,” said the Northumbria University graduate, who studied film and TV production.

“We’ve done a fair bit in terms of preparation for this with the core thing being fitness. If you’re not fit, you’re not going to get around in the first place.

“I just missed out on having a go at this event last year as I was first reserve.

“I’m looking to get a commission into the Army when I go to Sandhurst next year. That’s the overall aim because the Army really appeals to me at the moment. Getting things like this under my belt will help my experience.”

And Callum’s team did indeed do well, finishing with an impressive bronze medal.

A record number of teams (119) were cleared to enter this year and will included a mixed Regular and Reserve team for the first time in the event’s 55-year history.

Exercise Cambrian Patrol itself began in 1959, when a group of Welsh Territorial Army soldiers designed a weekend training event, featuring long distance marching over the Cambrian Mountains, culminating in a shooting match on the Sennybridge training area.

Navigating both by day and night, the patrols faced many testing and specialist challenges, including observation and reconnaissance of enemy forces, cold river crossings in full kit without access to boats, first-aid and an attack. At the completion of the exercise each patrol faces a comprehensive debriefing session on their mission.

Military skills, stamina and dedication are constantly evaluated during the patrol and marked with a system of points. Teams that successfully completed their mission are awarded a gold, silver or bronze medal or certificate of merit, depending on the total number of points they have gained.