A 55-year-old Scottish Army reservist is believed to have become the oldest person to complete Nato’s toughest patrol challenge.

Major David ‘Harry’ Hood, from Dunfermline, won a bronze medal in the grueling Exercise Cambrian Patrol, which sees teams of soldiers attempt to navigate a 60km course through the rugged Brecon Beacons in less than 48 hours, while which carries packages of 35 kg.

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

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 sailing drills and essential military exercises.

However, a few days before the event, the team found themselves a man down after several members had to drop out due to service commitments, injury or illness, leading to Major Hood calling on his son – also a serving soldier – to step into the breach.

Major Hood said: “We’ve been training for months but being reservists and given how tough the test is, some have had to drop out. A few days before the exercise I was a man down 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: “We knew he was out of training at the time so we got in touch and arranged for him to be released. He finished his medicine and we took him on board.”

The 55-year-old reflected that having his son by his side on the trail “made a big difference”.

“It was a real once in a lifetime experience to share with Declan. At one point, it really kept me going,” he said.

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“The hardest time came after the river crossing – ran on only an hour’s sleep, soaked in only raincoats 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 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 was even more rewarding because of the teamwork and camaraderie in the Scots 7 squad.

“Initially I had no intention of doing it, but after training with the team and seeing their dedication and hard work, I felt I had to participate,” he said.

“I was 20 years old in 1992, and while I may not have the same physical stamina, my mentality has certainly been strengthened by years of experience in the service.”

“It was a real team effort. I couldn’t have done it without the rest of the bands.

“They were an inspiration and the way they represented the 7 Scots and the Army Reserve is something to be really proud of.”

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