The Southern Infantry Regiment of the Albanian Armed Forces has ranked third in the world in the “Cambrian Patrol” competition in Wales, known as the toughest military patrol exercise in the world.
Second Lieutenant Serxhio Salliu has just returned with the team he led in the international defense competition, where the Southern Infantry Regiment was awarded the bronze medal. The final challenge in Wales lasted 48 hours in harsh terrain, made more difficult by the heavy load each soldier had to carry.
“We had to patrol long distances while carrying 45 to 50 kilograms in difficult weather conditions. The hardest moment was crossing the water obstacle and the contact scenario, simulated by the British Army,”
— Second Lieutenant Serxhio Salliu, Southern Infantry Regiment, AAF.
Before facing the competition with 122 international military teams, the Albanian troops trained across several areas of the country for various military scenarios: terrain navigation, rapid intervention, first aid, and simulated combat situations.
“We trained in different locations in Berat, Bizë, and Kosovo, and the final training was in England with the British side. We prepared for all scenarios expected in the competition.”
According to Salliu, the lack of familiarity with the terrain was a disadvantage for foreign troops competing alongside the British units. Among the challenges, the moment he remembers most fondly was seeing the Albanian national flag raised alongside the flags of some of the world’s most elite armies.
“It was a moment of pride for the entire team — we succeeded in winning the bronze medal.”
Second Lieutenant Serxhio Salliu has been part of the Armed Forces for five years.
“I was drawn by the discipline, the work, and the teamwork,” he said, as reported by TV Klan.
Meanwhile, the primary objective of the Albanian Armed Forces remains the recruitment of young people and the strengthening of human capacities.
