By james art Major David ‘Harry’ Hood, from Dunfermline, won a bronze medal in the grueling Cambrian Patrol exercise, which sees teams of soldiers attempt to cover a 60km course through the rugged Brecon Beacons in less than 48 hours while carrying 35kg rucksacks .
Along the way, they face challenges such as river crossings, mass casualty scenarios and clearing minefields in an event designed to test their endurance, skills and leadership abilities.
In the run-up to the event, the former regular army soldier, now a reservist with 7 Scots, led his team through a rigorous training regime focused on navigational exercises and basic military drills.
However, just days before the event, the team found themselves short-handed after several members had to leave due to work commitments, injuries or illness, resulting in Major Hood calling on his son – also an active soldier – to intervene in the breakthrough .
Major Hood said: “We have been training for months but as reservists and given how difficult the test is, some have had to drop out. Days before the drill we were down a man and couldn’t compete – so that’s when I called my son Declan.’
Corporal Declan Hood, 26, also serves in the Royal Regiment of Scotland.
Major Hood added: “I knew he had no training at the time so I got in touch and arranged for his release. He completed his medicals and we got him on board.
The 55-year-old reflected that having his son by his side on the course “made a big difference”.
“It was a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience to share with Declan. At one point, he really supported me,” he said.
“The hardest part came after crossing the river – running on only an hour’s sleep, soaked in only waterproof clothes and freezing – it was hard to stay motivated.
“I fell into a drain but Declan was there to pull me out. Being there, both for support and physical help, made a big difference.”
Major Hood, who joined the Army in 1985, had already completed the challenge once before in 1992 when he was 20 years old.
However, he said this time it was even more rewarding because of the teamwork and camaraderie in the 7 Scots team.
“At first I wasn’t going to do it, but after training with the team and seeing their dedication and hard work, I felt I had to be involved,” he said.
“In 1992, I was 20 years old, and while I may not have the same physical stamina, my mentality has certainly improved from years of experience in the service.”
“It was a real team effort. I couldn’t have done it without the rest of the troops.
“They were an inspiration and the way they represented 7 Scots and the Army Reserve is something to be really proud of.”