An Cosantóir

www.military.ie THE DEFENCE FORCES MAGAZINE | 13 order to ensure the students qualify to undergo the course. All stu- dents and substitutes for the course must attend these pre-course events. The written exam assesses the students' knowledge of les- sons learned during their Potential NCO Course thus ensuring they have studied the basic tactics and doctrine prior to the AASC. The night navigation exercise is a course set out on the Curragh plains which covers a distance of no more than 8km with eight check- points and a maximum time allowed of 1hr 30mins. Both tests are 'pass or fail' with students afforded a retest the following day in the case of an initial fail. Once the student completes these pre-course assessments they have qualified to undergo the AASC. The aim of the All Arms Standard NCOs Course is to train cor- porals in the Army and Air Corps (line) to the level of professional knowledge and all arms skills required for the rank of sergeant. This is achieved by combining field tactical training with an emphasis on building individual leadership ability. The course also builds the soldiers' physical robustness while giving him/her the confidence to administer a platoon and display leadership as platoon 2IC in support of their platoon commander. The course has sixteen dif- ferent tables of instruction in its syllabus, each paying particular attention to a different aspect of what is required of a sergeant in the Defence Forces. The most prominent tables are tactical training, leadership, and physical training. The student is taught and refreshed in basic infantry tactics and assessed in command appointments on three field training exercises (FTXs). The first FTX, 'Scabbard', is a platoon level exercise combining section attacks, recce patrols and platoon level deliberate actions such as ambush and raid. The exercise is designed to push the students both physi- cally and mentally while regularly exposing them to command and leadership appointments as section commander and 2IC in order to refresh their skills from their Potential NCOs course. The second FTX, 'Assess', is focused at platoon level with multiple advance- to-contact platoon quick attacks. This exercise lets the students lead the platoon as platoon commander and platoon sergeant in assessed appointments. There is also an introduction to company level operations during FTX 'Assess' with the students completing a deliberate company attack under the command of NCOTW officers and NCOs. The final FTX, 'Confirm' is a student-driven, company level exercise in a crisis management operation setting. The past three iterations of the AASC have seen the student's set-up camp in the exercise forward operating base (FOB) in Kilworth training area. The FOB serves as an outpost from which the students can administer themselves and plan and launch operations. This exer- cise exploits the all arms nature of the course with students from all corps encouraged to bring their unique skills to the fore. This can include engineer students setting up the camp with genera- tors and lights, CIS students maintaining communications, cavalry students conducting observation posts, etc. The exercise activity typically takes the form of section level patrolling with deliberate platoon offensive operations, culminating in a deliberate company attack with NCOTW staff filling the key company appointments. By studying the basic infantry TTPs outlined in TM 201 – The Manual of Infantry Platoon and Section Tactics prior to the course, and listening attentively in class, you will ensure you possess the basic knowledge required to be successful during the three FTXs. The leadership block of the course is delivered by the Sergeant Major of the Infantry School and the NCOTW's company sergeant. The knowledge imparted by these experienced senior NCOs is invaluable to the students' development as professionally compe- tent leaders and future sergeants. The leadership block forces the students to explore and analyse their own leadership style and how they can improve it; it also discusses alternative leadership styles and how to engage effectively with other leaders. Crucially, the leadership block teaches the student to take ownership of the mission and tasks they have been allotted, and how to promote and use the Mission Command philosophy within their day to day work routine. Prior to the course, you should examine your personal leadership philosophy and critically analyse your performance as a leader to date. This will help open your mind and enable you to engage during class discussion. The physical training block of the course is designed to ensure the students are physically robust in preparation for the three FTXs. All AASC PT sessions are conducted in combat uniform and usually include a combat equipment load of at least 16kg. PT sessions range from circuit training to log runs, but the most important event, is the Combat Fitness Assess- ment. This assess- ment is conduct- ed three times dur- ing the course with the average time being the student's final score. The dress is combat uniform with battle vest and day sack to weigh no less than 16kg, helmets are worn, and rifles car- ried. The students have 62 minutes to complete the 8km cross- country route. In preparation for this assessment, and for the course in general, there is no substitute for battle PT. A routine lunchtime 5km run in shorts and t-shirt will not result in you be- ing sufficiently prepared to undergo a robust career course such as the AASC. The All Arms Standard NCO Course is designed to develop and inspire military leaders of the highest character and competence who will in turn enhance their unit and drive the Defence Forces to achieve excellence. The NCOTW trusts that students who complete the course have this potential when returning to their units. They not alone possess enhanced leadership skills, but they have also embraced hardship during the three FTXs, and acquired greater levels of physical robustness and mental resilience. This results in these future sergeants becoming rightful role models in their respective units as they have earned their stripes the hard way. For anyone wishing to inquire about upcoming courses or have questions related to what is required of students, the staff at the NCOTW will gladly help. AASC students conducting a FRAGO. Orders being given with the use of a model diagram. Sgt Rory Behan, NCOTW instructor.

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