Southland soldier to face one of the world's toughest patrolling tests

October 17 2007

Tapanui soldier Sapper Logan Hinz, 19, will be among a contingent of New Zealand soldiers testing their skills in the arduous Cambrian Patrol exercise in Wales this month.

Two New Zealand Army teams will participate in the event which is billed as the “premier patrolling event of the British Army”, and viewed as among the most arduous patrolling events in the world.

Over an intense 48-hour period each team will be tested on variety of skills including weapon-handling, combat first aid, helicopter drills, reaction to chemical, biological and nuclear threats, physical fitness and patrol techniques.

Sapper Hinz, said:

“The training has had its tough parts but it’s been enjoyable.
“I’m looking forward to getting there and competing. There’s plenty of excitement amongst the (New Zealand) teams to get there,” said Sapper Hinz, who will be leaving New Zealand for the first time to compete in the event.

Major Brent Smith, the contingent commander and team manager, said:

"The Cambrian Patrol involves teams from all over the world. Physically it’s extremely demanding and will require a total team effort by all members deploying to make it through to the end. Both teams have put in a lot of effort during their preparation and are looking forward to the challenges and working alongside teams from other nations.”

The team will leave New Zealand on October 23.

For further information on the event visit: www.army.mod.uk/160bde/cambrian_patrol/index.htm

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