Indian Army Team Wins Gold Medal in Cambrian Patrol, Most Grueling Army Exercise in the World

Indian Army once again proved why Indian Army is considered one of the most dedicated armies in the world. As a team from the Indian Army’s Gorkha Rifles has won the gold medal at Cambrian Patrol, one of the most gruelling exercises in the world.

Team 2/8 Gorkha was awarded a gold medal in Cambrian Patrol organised by the British Army.

The British Army in Wales has tweeted a video of the ceremony where the Indian soldiers were awarded the medals. The tweet says that “Congratulations to 2nd Btn 8 Gorkha Rifles on their gold medal at #CambrianPatrol. Consistently superb.”

Check Out the Video Here:

Congratulations to 2nd Btn 8 Gorkha Rifles on their gold medal at #CambrianPatrol. Consistently superb. @adgpi @timesofindia @BritishArmy pic.twitter.com/E817CHZE6H

— Army Wales (@Army_Wales) October 21, 2016

The 2/8 Gorkhas then presented a memento, a traditional khukri, to the Brits. The khukri is the central element in the regimental insignia of the Gorkha Rifles.

What is Cambrian Patrol Exercise?

The Cambrian Patrol is an annual international military patrolling exercise in the rugged Cambrian Mountains of Wales. It is regarded as one of the toughest tests modern soldiers can face.

The exercise consists of a 55-km course that snakes across the Cambrian Mountains. It is a mission and task-oriented exercise, which means the participating team must complete tasks given to them. All this must be done within 48 hours. And the patrol must carry its full personal kit an equipment.

How the winners of the teams been decided?

The teams are given points based on the tasks their performances in several military tasks. Any missing equipment in their kits will be replaced by dead weight and the team will lose points. They are assessed on military skills, completion of orders and debrief.

Other factors that may be assessed include dismounted close combat skills; obstacle crossing drills; first aid procedures; recognition of aircraft; vehicles and equipment; IED and minefield clearance drills; patrol techniques, prisoner of war (PoW) handling; helicopter drills; media handling; radio communications skills and artillery target indication procedures among others.

However, the Cambrian Patrol is not a competition. Gold (75 percent), silver (65-74 percent) and bronze (55-64 percent) medals are awarded based on the number of points earned on completion of the gruelling course. Certificates are awarded to teams that finish with lower than 55 percent of the points.