A 55-year-old Scottish army reservist is believed to have become the oldest person to complete Nato’s toughest patrolling challenge.
Major David “Harry” Hood, from Dunfermline, earned a bronze medal in the gruelling Exercise Cambrian Patrol, which sees teams of soldiers attempt to navigate a 60km course through the rugged Brecon Beacons in under 48 hours, while carrying 35kg packs.
Along the way they are faced with challenges such as river crossings, mass casualty scenarios and minefield clearances in an event designed to test their endurance, skills and leadership abilities.
In the run-up to the event, the former regular army soldier, who is now a reservist with 7 Scots, led his team through a rigorous training regime focusing on navigation exercises and essential military drills.
However just days before the event the team found itself a man down after several members had to drop out due to work commitments, injuries or illness, resulting in Major Hood calling on his son – also a serving soldier – to step into the breach.
Major Hood said: “We had been training for months, but being reservists and given how tough the test is, some had to drop out. Days before the exercise, we were a man down and couldn’t compete — so that’s when I phoned my son, Declan.”
Corporal Declan Hood, 26, also serves with the Royal Regiment of Scotland.
Major Hood added: “I knew he didn’t have a training at the time, so I got in touch and arranged for him to be released. He completed his medical, and we got him on board.”
The 55-year-old reflected that having his son alongside him on the course “made a big difference”.
“It was a real once-in-a-lifetime experience to share with Declan. At one point, he really kept me going,” he said.
“The toughest moment came after the river crossing — running on just an hour of sleep, soaked through in only waterproofs, and freezing – it was hard to stay motivated.
“I fell into a drainage ditch but Declan was there to pull me out. Having him there, both for support and to help physically, made a big difference.”
Major Hood, who joined the army in 1985, had already completed the challenge once before in 1992, when he was in his 20s.
However he said this time round it was even more rewarding due to the teamwork and camaraderie in the 7 Scots team.
“I originally had no intention of doing it, but after training with the team and seeing their dedication and hard work, I felt I had to take part,” he said.
“I was in my 20s back in 1992, and while I may not have the same physical stamina, my mentality has certainly strengthened from years of experience in service.”
“It was a true 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 truly proud of.”
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here