An Cosantóir

| 19 ect, a new lexicon had to be learned and a large number of military syllabi had to be rewritten. In this the DF had a doughty and steadfast ally in IT Carlow (ITC), which was already involved in running programmes for CIS and the Ordnance Corps and was no stranger to the DF. A number of key staff at ITC are also former members of the DF, a factor that greatly assisted the process. In early May 2012 the final validation of the programmes for approval took place at the DFTC. The validation panel, established by ITC on behalf of HETAC, included eminent members of the Irish academic community, and was chaired by Ms Marion Coy (president emeritus of GMIT) and two serving Austrian army colonels. Taking place over two days in the Curragh Camp, some 30 members of the DF and ITC engaged with the panel, ensuring that a positive outcome would ensue, which it did as the panel approved all four programmes with a number of conditions and recommendations. Work commenced immediately to achieve final compliance and the revised panel report and documentation were sent for approval to HETAC. Programme approval and certification was indicated in September. As the programmes are rolled out in the coming years, enlisted personnel will be given the option to undertake academic content appropriate to each programme, which upon successful completion will earn an award for the individual on the NFQ. That this process is voluntary for each student is most important from the outset as the academic effort associated with the course is additional and complementary to the existing military subject matter. While every encouragement and support will be given to students, it is a journey they must navigate and manage as individuals. Pictured (l/r) are: Sgmn Cian Young, Sgmn Keith Houlihan, Pte William Nugent, Pte New entrants to Ryan Talbot & Sgmn Colin McKenna. the DF and serving privates and NCOs with career courses to complete now have the opportunity to opt for an accredited award as part of their major career courses. New members of the DF will make use of a work-based learning portfolio (WBLP) as they accumulate the experiential learning that will qualify them for a potential NCO course. The WBLP is similar to the ���Task Book��� of the past in that it records the learning accumulated by the private soldier as he, or she, progresses through their first years of service. Entries are required from every link in the chain of command that interacts with our young soldiers, sailors and airmen and women. It is anticipated that WBLPs will be held at company-level and will be included on the checklists for both DDFT and Office of the Registrar visits to units and formations. Those more senior NCOs who have completed their career modules before the launch of the LMDS programme may submit a ���recognition of prior learning portfolio��� (RPLP) to ITC. In the case of a successful submission ITC may offer the individual an appropriate placement on a level 8 degree in a cognate discipline. Specifically they may undertake a higher diploma in Business (Management) or a higher diploma in Supply Chain Management as offered by the Life-Long Learning Centre at ITC. The current senior NCO course was the first to avail of the BA LMDS programme. (A number of PNCO courses across the formations have now also started on their academic journey.) All the students on the senior course opted for the academic content and are now paired with DF supervisors and working with the ITC team as they each work towards the submission of a 4,000-word dissertation at the end of the first quarter of 2013. While the gains for the Defence Forces as a result of these validation initiatives are self-evident, the programmes require significant commitment on the part of units and formations; the type of support that DF units continually give to the training, education and learning of their personnel, whatever the rank. As the BA LMDS programmes are rolled out and as those who undertake the challenge step beyond what they are familiar with in terms of education, all elements involved (unit, formation, branch and corps) are exhorted to wholeheartedly support their personnel. Yes, it must be a matter of individual choice and personal effort by students, but the traditional comradeship and solidarity associated with service in the DF will ensure continued success both for our personnel and our organisation as it carries out its many tasks at home and abroad. ���Not having soldiers who can think will result in your wars being fought by fools and your thinking done by cowards.��� This pithy truth is attributed to General William Francis Butler of the British army at the end of the 19th century. Butler was born in Co Tipperary and had a distinguished military career spanning over four decades. That he came to such an opinion over 100 years ago is instructive. A successor of his, General AJN Graham, wrote recently on the importance of military education during a period of austerity. He stated ������so it is our people who can and must become our strategic edge, and we must invest in them to restore the balance. This is a matter of selection, training and education.��� With recognition of career courses now in place throughout its rank structure, all levels of leadership in the DF can look forward to the challenges and opportunities ahead with renewed vigour and confidence. About the author and the office of DF Registrar: Colonel Anthony Bracken BMC established the Office of DF Registrar over the period from May 2011 to December 2012. He is now Director of Combat Support & ISTAR. Lt Col David Cowhig has assumed the post of DF Registrar. Capt Peter Ott and Sgt Gary Condren currently serve in the office, which is located at the Old Girl���s School, O���Higgins Road West, Curragh Camp. Phone ext 5080, 5082 and 5084. www.military.ie the defence forces magazine

• Cover