Over the weekend of 15th–17th May 2026, the Surrey ACF team travelled to Sennybridge, Wales to compete in the prestigious Cadet Cambrian Patrols, competing against 19 teams from across the United Kingdom representing both ACF Counties and CCF contingents.
The demanding exercise tested cadets across a wide range of military and leadership skills drawn directly from the Army Cadet Syllabus. Throughout the weekend, teams tackled challenging stands including Signals, Fieldcraft, and First Aid, alongside a series of other practical and tactical assessments designed to challenge cadets to their limits.
Adding to the challenge, cadets were required to navigate an arduous 25-kilometre route across unforgiving Sennybridge terrain, all while enduring the notoriously unpredictable Welsh weather. Every stage of the event was assessed, with teams striving to achieve Gold, Silver, Bronze, or Certificate standards.
The competition is specifically designed to test not only physical and mental endurance, but also teamwork, resilience, and leadership. With the pressures of last year’s result still fresh in their minds, the Surrey ACF team arrived determined to prove themselves, and they certainly rose to the challenge.
Despite the demanding conditions and intense exercise, the team performed superbly throughout the competition. Through their hard work, determination, and professionalism the Cadets were rewarded with the coveted Gold Standard Patrol award, alongside the title of Best National Team for the third consecutive year.
Team Captain Cdt CSM Rainger had this to say: “From the second we really arrived on the Friday night we all had a completely changed mind-set, we locked in and had our minds set on performing. We’d made it and now and all that was left was to put our all into the hills of Sennybridge. We opened Saturday unsure how the day would go, weather was rough and the terrain was difficult but we just grafted through it all and got it done to our best possible standard.
We had a phrase throughout the patrol, “pick up the brass” just meaning to look the part and get things done and it’s safe to say we did. Overall, we showed up, put our all into it, and achieved the win. After an unfortunate loss at HQSE Mil skills, breaking a three year winning streak, we knew we had to perform at this year’s Cambrian Patrol and achieve that gold standard. Even now the win still feels surreal and the energy on that parade square after winning Best ACF Patrol, is absolutely unmatched.”
This outstanding achievement is a testament to the dedication of the cadets and the commitment of the adult volunteers who support and train them throughout the year. The entire team should be immensely proud of their success and the manner in which they represented Surrey ACF and the Army Cadet Force on the national stage.
The Army Cadets is one of the UK’s leading youth organisations, offering young people unforgettable experiences and life-changing opportunities.
“With a strong focus on adventure, skills, and leadership, we empower cadets to challenge themselves, build confidence, and make lasting friendships. Our adult volunteers play a key role in guiding and inspiring the next generation.”
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