Following weeks of dedicated preparation and training, a team of Calday CCF cadets travelled to Sennybridge to take part in the Cadet Cambrian Patrol Competition—widely regarded as one of the most physically and mentally demanding events in the cadet calendar.
The competition is designed to test cadets under realistic and challenging field conditions. Teams must carry their own equipment while navigating across difficult terrain and completing a demanding series of military-skills stands. These can assess areas such as navigation, fieldcraft, first aid, observation, leadership, teamwork and decision-making under pressure.
What makes Cambrian Patrol particularly difficult is that cadets must continue performing when they are cold, wet, tired and physically exhausted. The distances covered, the weight of their equipment, limited rest and unpredictable Welsh weather all add to the challenge. Every member of the patrol must remain focused, communicate effectively and support the rest of the team, as one mistake can affect the whole patrol.
From the moment the Calday team arrived at Sennybridge, they were straight into action. While the Patrol Commander attended the initial briefing, the Second-in-Command organised the team’s rations and ammunition. The cadets then prepared their bashas, checked their equipment and made their final preparations for the challenge ahead.
Throughout the competition, the team faced long days, difficult stands and poor weather conditions. Despite being pushed physically and mentally, they remained determined and continued to work together. They supported one another through the hardest moments and applied the skills they had developed during weeks of training.
The patrol concluded with the cadets successfully completing their final attack—marking the end of an exceptionally demanding weekend. They crossed the finish smiling, knowing they had given everything and completed something that relatively few young people would ever attempt.
Simply completing the Cadet Cambrian Patrol is a significant achievement. It requires courage, discipline, resilience and an exceptional level of teamwork. The experience allows cadets to test themselves beyond their normal limits while developing confidence and leadership skills that will remain with them long after the competition.
We are incredibly proud of every cadet who represented Calday CCF. Their commitment throughout the training period and their conduct during the competition were a credit to themselves, the contingent and the school.
Congratulations to the entire team on an outstanding effort and a tremendous achievement.
