A 55-year-old reservist became the oldest person to complete NATO’s most difficult task

A 55-year-old Scottish Army reservist is believed to be the oldest person to complete NATO’s toughest patrol mission.

Major David ‘Harry’ Hood, from Dunfermline, earned a bronze medal in the grueling Cambrian Patrol exercise, which sees teams of soldiers attempt to walk a 60km route through the rugged Brecon Beacons in less than 48 hours carrying 35kg rucksacks.

Along the way, they face challenges such as river crossings, mass casualty scenarios and minefield clearance in an event designed to test their endurance, skills and leadership.

Ahead of the event, the former regular army soldier, now a reservist with 7 Scots, put his team through a rigorous training regime, focusing on navigation exercises and basic military training.

However, just days before the event, the team found itself short-handed after several members had to leave the team due to work commitments, injury or illness, prompting Major Hood to call on his son – also in the military – to step in. .

Major Hood said: “We have been training for months but being reservists and given how difficult the challenge is, some have had to drop out. A few days before practice we were short 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 was out of training at the time so I got in touch and arranged for his release. He passed his medical and we took him on board.”

The 55-year-old said having his son by his side on the course “made a big difference”.

“To share with Declan is a truly unique experience. He really supported me at one point,” he said.

“The hardest part came after crossing the river – running on only an hour’s sleep, soaked to the bone in nothing but waterproof clothing and freezing – it was hard to stay motivated.

“I fell into a drainage ditch but Declan was there to pull me out. His presence, both for support and physical assistance, was of great importance.”

Major Hood, who joined the Army in 1985, had already deployed once in 1992, when he was in his 20s.

However, he said it was even more rewarding this time because of the teamwork and camaraderie within the 7 Scots team.

“At first I didn’t intend to do 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 in 1992, and while I may not have the same physical stamina, my mentality has certainly been strengthened by years of service experience.”

“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.”