An Cosantóir

An Cosantóir Dec 2018/Jan 2019 www.dfmagazine.ie 18 | BY LT SHANE FLOOD, 3 INF BN PHOTOS: BRITISH ARMY R egarded by militaries everywhere as the most difficult military exercise in the world, what does it really mean to represent your country and compete in the Cambrian Patrol? 38 differ- ent countries, contributing 137 different teams to take part in an exercise, specifically designed to test all elements of an infantry section. Testing soldiers in leadership, discipline, moral and physical courage, motivation and teamwork. The Cambrian Patrol team of 2018 consisted of eight of the highest trained infantry soldiers available in the Defence Forces. The train- ing began earlier this year with the Bde and DF Recce Competitions. In order to qualify for the Cambrian Patrol, the team first won the DF Recce Competition, held annually by the Infantry Weapons Wing. This competition allowed the team to demonstrate their recce skills, in order to win the coveted opportunity to represent the Defence Forces in Wales. This year's winners hailed from the 3rd Inf Bn, Kilkenny. Their level of training in preparation for the competition, demonstrated their commitment and loyalty to the unit they represented and the skills they have perfected. The beginning of the training for the Cam- brian Patrol consisted with the assembly of a team and support staff. The members of the team consisted of: Capt Kevin Lanigan and Sgt Tony O'Malley: Team Captain and Training Sgt – Capt Lanigan and Sgt O'Malley oversaw all elements of training. They ensured the highest of standards in stand training and route marches. Without the planning and preparation of the Team Capt and Training Sgt, it would not be possible to perform to the level required to compete in the Cambrian patrol. Lt Shane Flood: The Patrol Commander – previously competed in the 2016 Cambrian Patrol competition where the team attained a Silver medal. Having previous expertise allowed us to tailor our required training needs. Cpl Sean Fleming: Patrol 2IC – An NCO with abilities far exceeding his rank. Cpl Fleming was responsible for ensuring all personnel per- formed at the very highest level and demonstrated no limits to his physical and moral courage. Cpl Blaine Donovan: IC Fire Support Group (FSG) – He brought a level of skills and drills to the preparation and exercise that demonstrated his high level of military skills. He also acted as a Military First Re- sponder (MFR), providing medical assistance as required throughout. Cpl Ciaran Shelly: Lead Scout – Cpl Shelly had previously competed in the Cambrian Patrol in 2016 and brought expert navigation skills and experience to the team. In addition, he acted as the primary MFR, providing medical assistance throughout and triaging any mass casualty assessment they encountered. Pte Mark Sweeney: Lead Scribe – Pte Sweeney was responsible for ensuring all information throughout was documented and recorded, to include detailed information on all individuals and vehicles they encountered. Pte Paddy Heffernan: Scribe – Pte Heffernan was responsible for the detailed record keeping of the route taken, to include sketches of ev- ery crossing point and obstacle they encroached. In addition he was a MFR, providing medical assistance when required. The 3 Inf Bn Patrol in Brecon Beacons

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