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DOP, the section commanders issued orders and supervised their
troops as they ���camo���d��� up and moved out in tactical formation.
After reaching the exercise area, adopting all-round cover and
allotting arcs of fire, the platoon scouts and section commanders were positioned over their trench sites and the platoon was
briefed on the steps that were to follow by the platoon sergeant,
Sgt Chris Mitchell. The sections then occupied and began to
prepare the positions.
Following a break for food, digging resumed in earnest and
concurrent activity resumed, which included work parties and
the sending out of recce patrols to gather up-to-the-minute
information about the surrounding terrain.
It was impressed upon all ranks that defensive tactics are
proactive and information based, rather than merely occupying
trench positions and waiting for an enemy to attack.
Due to time constraints, one selected trench position had
been partly prepared in advance by the engineers and then
finished off by work parties from the platoon. This was used as
a demonstration trench to show the dimensions, required standard of camouflage, and overhead protection, of a three-man
battle trench.
Additionally, the exercise troops received lessons and briefings
on defensive routines during the exercise itself, and the section
commanders and 2i/cs made sure their troops were working efficiently at all times, whether digging or on a work detail.
���End-Ex��� was called at approximately 1600hrs, and the platoon
filled in their positions. On returning to Cathal Brugha, weapons
and equipment were cleaned and handed back before Capt Peter
Comiskey (OC SP Coy) debriefed everyone who had taken part.
Overall, the exercise was judged to be an important step
in the right direction, being a precursor to a potential future
battalion-level defensive exercise in the New Year.
The ���can do��� attitude and the quick learning curve of the
exercise troops bodes well for the future of the RDF as it
faces new challenges after the recent reorganisation of the
Defence Forces.
www.military.ie the defence forces magazine
