An Cosantóir

www.military.ie THE DEFENCE FORCES MAGAZINE | 21 patrols. They will experience their first "hands-on" time with patrol formations, section and platoon battel drills and how to operate from and within a patrol harbour. Everyone will appreciate how vital it is to support each other within their section and platoon. FTT is truly a lifechanging experience – only one of many which the Defence Forces has to offer. TOET'S AND IMMEDIATE ACTION… After stripping the rifle time and time again, going through "imme- diate actions" when a stoppage occurs, identifying issues with the weapon and some basic handling skills soon come under the exami- nation and the Test of the Elementary Training (TOET). The first time is yet another steppingstone for each young troop. After weeks of studying and training with the AUG, the time has come to face the TOET examining Officer. Every aspect of safety with the weapon is examined as part of the TOET. From preparation to firing, every- thing that is being done is being judged and scored – not only for an individual recruit but for the whole platoon. Once again uniformity is the key to success. "Slow is smooth. Smooth is fast". Each part of the weapon is expected to be in the same position for each recruit when the Officer approaches each individual and checks their knowledge on a weapon groups and elements of the rifle. With this passed, weapons are being reassembled and a quick check of maga- zine loading is carried out, followed by the final test – range orders and IA's. It is imperative that every recruit knows how to recognize, diagnose and fix any weapon stoppage he might encounter. From empty magazine, obstruction, misfire up to gas system issues, each scenario is being checked to ensure that each person knows exactly what to do. There is a very special sense of accomplishment to the first TOET. It is also a very valuable insight before soldiers will be TOET'd from more advanced weapon systems. AT THE TARGET IN FRONT IN YOUR OWN TIME… During the first firing range, marksmanship principles come to the light as the most important part of the day. Every shot is taken under a direct supervision of an NCO or Officer, who can correct recruit's position and aim errors and ensure safety is paramount. Every shooter gets to see the effects of wind and bullet drop with the distance. Only now, basic knowledge about ballistics and trajectory are beginning to come together, when recruits can see the real difference between the aim off at 200 and 300m. Finally comes last part of the day on the range: all the weapons must be cleaned and accepted into the armoury. Having the AUG completed opens the way for the first 24-hour exercise where all the discipline, tactical and physical training will be put to the test. After packing their main kit, recruits are being transported to their drop off point when they will take their main battle packs and weapon. At this stage exercise begins with each NCO briefing their section on the battle scenario. This usually falls to an "enemy force" made out of two and three start privates "tak- ing over" an Army training facility. The Platoon's task is to approach the camp, set up a patrol harbour, deploy reconnaissance detail and then close up and destroy the enemy. Troops have no idea about few surprises along the way or how the enemy party plans on interacting with them. A 10km march, mostly up the hill with full gear on is the first task which will test their physical fitness levels. With arrival to the operating area, a safety and blank ammuni- tion and pyrotechnics brief is carried out by the Officer in charge and whole platoon heads out to set up the patrol harbour. This is one of the most vital parts of the training as it introduces recruits to some very army specific activities such as setting up stag duty roster, recce patrols, patrol practices and eventually – fire contacts and reaction to an effective enemy fire. Whole platoon will be given multiple chances to be dispatched to attack known enemy positions as well as will be abruptly waken up by a sudden hostile engagement within their patrol harbour. At the very next morn- ing, whole platoon is being introduced to an organized section and platoon attacks. Nearing close to 24 hours in the field, recruits are tasked with last and final task of short, fully loaded march back to the pickup area. At the "end ex" pride and sense of accomplishment are shared emotions within the whole platoon. Teamwork and re- silience brought them to the end of the exercise, which now opens their way to more advanced training and most importantly – the passing out parade. PASSING OUT PARADE The most important moment for every recruit, without a shadow of doubt is the Passing Out Parade. This is the very moment they have worked for so hard. This is the time where they can invite their family, to the same square where they rehearsed marching drills for all those evenings. On this very day they are not recruits anymore. For many, this is the most important parade of their career. They get a chance to show a perfect, uniform and soldier like marching in front of their loved ones, with their NCOs and Of- ficers who guided them during their training and most importantly in front of the Battalion Commanding Officer. This is also the very moment where two important awards are given: The Best Recruit and the Best Shot. At this stage everyone has probably made their mind about what does he or she want to achieve in the Army Re- serve. Some will move to PDF, some will decide that this is not for them all, however the connections made during the initial training will stay with them for life. The final stage of the training, before becoming a fully qualified 3 star Private is mastering the GPMG, navigation, more advanced tactical training and a range of other military skills. During that time, 2-star soldiers will take part in various Army Reserve activi- ties. From public events such as the St Patricks Day parades, to community support in the form of the Light Up a Light in Our Lady's Hospice in Dublin, PR events such as open and recruitment days and will assist during vital and crucial PDF and AR training courses. This is also a very good practice before they will enlist on the courses after receiving 3 stars. Physical fitness will become a part of their civilian lives as yearly tests might rule them out or grant them right to attend various courses. An Cosantoir 10k run brings a fantastic opportunity to attend it together as a block The main strength of todays Army Reservists are their integrity, training, dedication and commitment. With this, todays AR can fulfil all the tasks assigned to them and assist their colleagues from the Permanent Force at any stage. Being a Reservist is not only an adventure but truly a life changing experience, where an army discipline and skills can be introduced to a civilian live. Truly a life less ordinary.

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