An Cosantóir

www.military.ie THE DEFENCE FORCES MAGAZINE | 17 They will learn how the rifle's mechanism works, and will learn how to strip, clean and assemble it, to load, aim and fire it in a safe and efficient manner, and to keep it firing when things go wrong. The Steyr rifle is the soldier's first weapon that they are intro- duced to in what could be a long career in the Defence Forces, and it is the weapon with which he or she will learn the fundamental importance of safety precautions, as well as confident handling of a weapon. As the soldier rises in grade and experiences other weapons, such as the general-purpose machine gun (GPMG) and M203 gre- nade launcher, will be introduced and mastered, but their basic grounding on the rifle will mould all their future weapon handling skills. In addition to operational activities the rifle also plays a role in ceremonial events, so recruits also learn arms drill on the bar- racks square. Alongside these practical military skills, recruits are being con- ditioned to the mindset required for military service as Defence Forces' values, attitudes and standards are impressed on them during the early months. Their uniform and cleanliness all come under scrutiny by the training NCOs. All buttons must be closed, boots must be polished, and DPM trousers and shirts creased. Stubble may be fashionable as a civvy, but not while you're in your Defence Forces uniform. Haircuts must be short and neat for males, long hair tied into a neat bun for females. Uniform dress and deportment must be top notch. Training NCOs continually identify and point out minor uniform errors to the recruits. These minor corrections may seem tedious to some, but they serve a practical purpose, teaching recruits how to pay attention to small details - it's the small details in combat situations that may decide the outcome of a battle. Close-order foot drill, always awkward at first, becomes progressively refined. Feet can become sore in these early days from wearing unfamiliar army-issue boots, but this early training period is the time to break them in. All drill commands and instruction from their NCOs must be reacted to immediately. This sharp 'ask no questions' attitude again has a practical purpose as it invokes alertness and instant obedience; something, which in actual combat can save, lives and win battles. The recruits slowly learn to manage their time and organise themselves for the impor- tant things. It's still early days yet, but they are on their way to becoming fully trained and quali- fied soldiers. For the junior NCOs on the instruction staff this is a good learning pro- cess too, as they get to practice their instructional and leadership skills. It takes time and effort to develop these skills, and the corporals on the instruction staff have at the very least 10 years' service with the RDF, during which they have amassed the necessary experience and skills to fulfil their role. As for the recruits, a lot more training lies ahead in 2018. While the two-week training block will be their main challenge, more training will follow that, including passing the standard DF fitness test. Further down the road they can look forward to fulfilling the all-important role of supporting our PDF comrades in 7 Inf Bn on such tasks as mission readi- ness exercises, unit tactical exercises, career course exercises, ceremonial duties, and any other requested tasks or duties in barracks or elsewhere. Range familiarisation in Gormanston Camp The Mod A1 version Steyr rifle Pictured are RDF students and instructors in Cathal Brugha Bks. Cpl Patrick Mulhall instructing the recruits on foot drill Cpl Eimear Ni Fhalluinc instructor on arms drill

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