In a remarkable feat of endurance and resilience, Major David “Harry” Hood, a 55-year-old Scottish Army reservist, has become the oldest known person to complete NATO’s most demanding patrolling test, Exercise Cambrian Patrol.
Accompanied by his 26-year-old son, Corporal Declan Hood, Major Hood navigated the course’s grueling challenges, from harsh terrain to extreme weather conditions. This accomplishment highlights not only physical tenacity but also the unique teamwork and camaraderie between father and son on one of the world’s most difficult military courses.
Exercise Cambrian Patrol: A Test of Physical and Mental Endurance
Exercise Cambrian Patrol, widely regarded as NATO’s toughest patrolling challenge, is a grueling 60-kilometer course that tests participants’ endurance, leadership, and military skills. The event takes place in the rugged Brecon Beacons of Wales, where teams of soldiers are tasked with traversing harsh terrain while carrying 35kg packs filled with essential supplies.
The objective is to complete the course within 48 hours, all while facing various military-themed obstacles and scenarios designed to simulate real-life combat challenges.
Each year, Exercise Cambrian Patrol attracts military personnel from across NATO countries, and only the most prepared can complete the course. Teams encounter a range of taxing tasks, including river crossings, handling mass casualty situations, and navigating through minefields.
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Success in the challenge requires not only immense physical strength but also mental agility and resilience to make decisions under pressure.
For Major Hood, who first completed the exercise in 1992, returning to the Cambrian Patrol more than three decades later added a new layer of difficulty. Despite the physical limitations that naturally come with age, Hood relied on his years of experience and mental fortitude to meet the demands of the course.
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Reflecting on the experience, he emphasized the importance of his team’s unity and commitment, which motivated him to push beyond his limits and complete the challenge.
A Father-Son Bond in the Face of Adversity
Days before the exercise, Major Hood faced an unexpected setback. Members of his 7 Scots team had to drop out due to work conflicts, injuries, or illness, leaving the team one soldier short. This challenge could have prevented them from participating altogether. However, Major Hood made a strategic decision to call upon his son, Corporal Declan Hood, to fill the gap.
This decision brought about a rare and invaluable experience for both father and son. Declan, a serving soldier himself, quickly completed his medical clearance and joined his father’s team, stepping up to face the challenges ahead.
The bond between them proved to be a critical element in their success, with Major Hood acknowledging the positive impact of Declan’s presence. Declan offered both moral support and physical assistance throughout the grueling course, particularly during the more difficult moments.
One of the most challenging parts of the patrol came during a river crossing when Major Hood was operating on just an hour of sleep, drenched and cold. Exhaustion and exposure began to weigh heavily on him, but Declan’s support helped him push forward. At one point, Major Hood fell into a drainage ditch and struggled to regain his footing.
Declan was there to pull him out, a testament to their shared determination and the power of their father-son bond. For Major Hood, having his son alongside him on such a tough course transformed the experience into a “once-in-a-lifetime” memory and made the victory even more rewarding.
Camaraderie, Team Spirit, and the Legacy of Service
Completing the Cambrian Patrol is no small feat for any soldier, but for a 55-year-old reservist, it was an accomplishment that underscored the value of teamwork and camaraderie within the Army Reserve.
Major Hood initially had not planned on undertaking the challenge again after his successful attempt in the 1990s. However, seeing the dedication and spirit of his 7 Scots team inspired him to join their training regime and ultimately commit to the mission.
In preparation, the team engaged in rigorous training focused on essential military drills, navigation, and survival skills. Even though they were reservists, they dedicated countless hours to ensure they could meet the demanding standards of the exercise.
Major Hood, a seasoned veteran who first joined the Army in 1985, recognized the unique strengths of his team members and described them as an inspiration. The younger troops in the 7 Scots team, each motivated and determined, embodied the resilience and commitment needed to represent the Army Reserve with pride.
Major Hood also noted that while he may not possess the same level of physical stamina as he did in his youth, his years of military experience have strengthened his mental resilience.
For him, the exercise was a testament to the fact that physical limitations can be overcome through teamwork, discipline, and a commitment to a shared goal.
Reflecting on the experience, Major Hood expressed deep gratitude for his team and their representation of the Army Reserve, stating that completing the course with them was a true team effort. His words captured the essence of military camaraderie, as each member played a crucial role in achieving their shared victory.
Major Hood’s completion of NATO’s toughest challenge at 55, alongside his son, stands as a powerful testament to resilience, family bonds, and the spirit of military service. His accomplishment exemplifies how physical endurance, experience, and teamwork can come together to overcome even the most daunting of challenges.
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