An Cosantóir

Recce Coy 16 | by Wesley Bourke Photos Cpl Colum Lawlor An Cosant��ir April 2013 www.dfmagazine.ie R ecce Coy is considered by many to carry out a special forces role for our overseas battalions. It consists of gunners, troopers and infantrymen, all of whom are reconnaissance trained. Organised with cavalry, Javelin, and heavy mortar platoons, Recce Coy provides an ISTAR (intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance) package and heavy firesupport capability for the battalion commander. Recce Coy���s role is somewhat different to that of A and B Coys. Equipped with Mowag closereconnaissance vehicles (CRVs), light armoured tactical vehicles (LTAVs), Javelin anti-tank missile systems, and 120mm heavy mortars, Recce Coy carries out reconnaissance patrols to establish safe routes for patrols and convoys. In addition, at any one time there are two teams in Camp 2-45 on QRT (quick reaction time) standby. ���The teams operate on two different QRT levels,��� Sgt Trevor MacGarren told us. ���The team on QRT 1 have 15 minutes notice to grab their kit and get out the gate. The QRT 2 team have 30 minutes to move. If QRT 1 is called out QRT 2 automatically steps up to QRT1. We could be called out to anything from a road traffic accident to a major incident. For example, the Ghanaians recently came across a UXO and we were called in to secure the area until the IED disposal team arrived.��� Recce Coy was also tasked with manning and securing Camp 2-45 while the rest of the battalion moved across. Personnel in Recce Coy are trained to do each other���s jobs and with their recce and corps skills are as comfortable acting as vehicle crew or dismounts. LTAV driver Cpl Noel Henderson told us: ���I���m qualified on the LTAV as a driver, gunner, and signals operator and I���m a 120mm fire-support team commander with the Artillery Corps at home. The LTAV is a great piece of kit. You feel very well protected in it with no fear of mines or small arms. It is a good off-road vehicle and handles the terrain very well. It���s tight inside but comfortable.��� Regarding the Javelin, Lt Eoin Nolan, who is on his first trip overseas, said: ���The Javelin is an excellent weapon. Its great firepower and topof-the-range optics system, make it ideal for fire-support and reconnaissance. For me this was a great opportunity to be able to deploy overseas with the Javelin Platoon and also to get to command a patrol. It really gets you focused.���

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