We’re proud to share that Calday Grange Combined Cadet Force (CCF) has returned from the Cadet Cambrian Patrol with a silver medal – a standout result in one of the UK’s toughest cadet challenges.
A Demanding Test of Skill and Stamina
Held from 16–18 May in the Cambrian Mountains and swamplands of mid-Wales, the Cambrian Patrol is a 36-hour endurance exercise testing cadets on military skills, fitness, and leadership. This year, 20 top teams entered. Only 19 made it through, highlighting the difficulty of the event.
Our cadets not only completed the course – they secured a silver medal, placing them among the best-performing teams nationwide.
The Exercise
In teams of eight, cadets covered roughly 25km of rough terrain, completing military tasks that align with the Army Cadet Syllabus (ACS). They operated independently and were assessed on:
- First Aid and Casevac
- Observation Posts (OPs)
- Section Defence and Attacks
- Orders and Briefings
- Navigation and Fieldcraft
- Communications and Information Systems (CIS)
They showed resilience, coordination, and leadership under constant pressure.
What the Silver Means
A silver medal recognises a final score of 65–74% across all tasks. Medals are awarded as follows:
- Gold: 75% and above
- Silver: 65–74%
- Bronze: 55–64%
- Certificate: Below 55% (course completion)
This result reflects the team’s hard work, strong preparation, and ability to perform in tough conditions.
Skills That Last
The Cambrian Patrol offers cadets a real test of applied knowledge. They put their training into action through:
- Tactical leadership
- Field-based navigation
- Realistic casualty care
- Decision-making in high-stress scenarios
Every step builds confidence, sharpens judgement, and strengthens team cohesion.
Why It Matters
Beyond physical challenge, the exercise develops:
- Resilience
- Accountability
- Initiative
- Teamwork
- Leadership
It prepares cadets not just for military roles but for broader life challenges.
Calday Grange CCF’s performance speaks for itself. Competing against top-level peers, they delivered a result that reflects professionalism, teamwork, and effort.
We’re proud of their success and the standard they’ve set.
Well done to everyone involved.
Cadets Reflect on the Challenge
Cadet Staff Sergeant Alex O Section Commander described the experience:
“Serving as section commander during the Cambrian patrol was both a challenging and rewarding experience. I was responsible for leading my team throughout section attacks, other combat situations and generally patrolling upholding a high level of discipline and moral to push my section to their limits. The section worked very well as a team and constantly adapted to the challenges we faced, clear communication was key in high pressure loud situations such as the mock helicopter crash we encountered, here the team worked well to extract a casualty and secure top secret documents aiding our mission the next day. Overall the way the team worked was to the highest standard and we did well to achieve silver, I can only hope we continue on the up and achieve gold next competition.”Cadet Staff Sergeant Eva P Second in Command, described the experience:
“The Cambrian Patrol was an extremely challenging physical competition. However, the challenge was equally rewarded with how we placed. Doing this patrol for the second time allowed me to see how far our cadets have progressed and how our training was put to good use. Our section was strong both physically and in mindset, with many obstacles having to be overcome, such as the rough terrain or the sweltering heat. This was a special competition for me as I was given a position of command as 2IC, meaning I had more responsibility for the section. This was a rewarding opportunity which I am grateful to have been given, as it allowed me to further develop my leadership. Our section as a whole did extremely well, keeping morale high the whole time, led by a great section commander who gave us the best opportunity to succeed. Overall, I am very proud of the team, and I look forward to any future competitions.”
Cadet Staff Sergeant Rosabella G described the experience:
“For me, Cambrian was a test of my physical and mental strength. I learnt I was stronger than I thought I was and I’m able to do whatever I set my mind too. Over the weekend we showed tremendous perseverance, fitness and mental strength, and I’m so proud of us all.”Cadet Corporal Jack S described the experience:
“For me, Cambrian was a test to see if I was capable of doing something on as big a scale as that. If I were anywhere else, or surrounded by anyone other than cadets, then I doubt I would have been able to accomplish all that we did. Getting the Cambrian badge is the best feeling I’ve had in a very long time.”Cadet Corporal James Mac described the experience:
“For me, I had already completed the Cambrian patrol once in year 10, but only achieved bronze. This year was a way to prove that I can do better than that. Thankfully, after our hard work and determination, we achieved silver. I still believe that we could get gold, but the whole team really showed strength, perseverance and commitment. I am very proud of the achievement for me and the rest of the team.”
Cadet Corporal Sean Mc described the experience:
“Taking part in the Cadet Cambrian Patrol as the team scout was a truly defining experience. It tested my observation skills under pressure in one of the most demanding cadet exercises in the world. From leading the team across unfamiliar terrain to spotting potential threats and making real-time decisions, the role pushed me to be sharp, resilient, and dependable. It taught me the value of teamwork and staying calm under pressure—lessons I’ll carry forward in everything I do.”
Cadet Corporal Noah A described the experience:
“For me Cambrian patrol proved that I could actually do allot of the skills we have been taught. It was an amazing experience through the walking, views, and section attacks. It is one of the best thing a I’ve done with cadets and I’m extremely glad I went through with the training and actual event. Thank you very much for making it available to me and if the opportunity to go again comes I would love to take part in it.”
Cadet Corporal Eva P described the experience:
“For me the Cambrian patrol pushed me to keep going and showed me how important it is to have a strong team. We supported each other throughout the weekend and helped each other to keep pushing forward. The Cambrian patrol showed us all how strong we can be and allowed us to put our fieldcraft skills to use.
Overall the patrol has helped us to reach our highest potential.”
