This challenging exercise consists of a four person recce patrol over a distance of 21km and a height gain of 1500m. In May 2010, the UKRFA sponsored two female patrols from Wales UOTC, the first female teams to ever compete in the Lombardia competition.
They finished 17th and 29th, an excellent result considering 52 teams started and only 36 finished.
Officer Cadet Catriona Hills explained ‘We were on a peacekeeping operation in Palazzago. The exercise started with shooting trials using 5.56mm, 7.62mm and sniper rifles, 12 bore semi-automatic shotguns and 9mm semi-automatic pistols in a variety of kneeling, prone unsupported and dynamic positions. There was then a military recognition round, covering 50 different objects including tanks, ships, aircraft, vehicles, rifles and artillery. The night patrol involved observation stances, deactivating an IED, a CIMIC mission in a village that was mortared, a building clearance exercise and a CASEVAC task. We then had one final hurdle to cross before reaching the finish line – to get ourselves and our equipment over a pond using a zip-wire. We finished in just over 17 hours. Our aim was just to complete the competition, but to come within the top 30 teams surprised us. It was challenging and tiring but also fun and very enjoyable. It felt amazing to have been given the opportunity to represent the British Army in an international competition. We have all taken something very positive away with us’.
WO1 Pratt, Cambrian Patrol Warrant Officer added ‘Do not underestimate how determined and motivated female UOTC cadets are!’
