Recruit Intake 24 (RI24) underwent a rigorous Final Test Exercise (FTX) or Samjhana Birsana, on the hills of Brecon, Wales, in October 2024. This exercise, the culmination of nine months of intensive infantry training, assessed our fieldcraft, combat effectiveness, and resilience.
The FTX took place on the rugged hills of Sennybridge in the Brecon Beacons. It is a harsh and unforgiving landscape and serves as the ultimate proving ground for all British Army infantry soldiers. The terrain was treacherous, with steep slopes, dense forests, and an unpredictable weather patterns. RI24 approached the exercise with determination, anticipating the real-world scenarios that would require adaptability and endurance.
Our primary objectives included conducting tactical manoeuvres, adhering to administrative procedures, and gaining a comprehensive understanding of various military strategies such as patrols, ambushes, reconnaissance missions, and platoon deliberate attacks. The inclement weather and challenging terrain, particularly at night, posed significant obstacles. The wind howled through the valleys, carrying with it biting sleet that stung our faces. Our hands were numb with cold, and our stomachs growled from hunger. Despite the harsh conditions, we pressed on, fuelled by a sense of camaraderie and determination. These conditions tested our resilience and skills, as we navigated the treacherous landscape, tripped, and slipped in the pitch-black darkness. The experience underscored the paramount importance of teamwork, strengthening our bonds as a unit.
The FTX was a gruelling test, both physically and mentally. However, it also brought us closer together as a unit. We learned the true meaning of teamwork, resilience, and perseverance. The experiences we shared on those mountains will stay with us for a lifetime.
