An Cosantóir

An Cosantóir April 2020 www.dfmagazine.ie 38 | IAN FARRELL 2BDE MP CORPS SGT BY CPL LEE COYLE S gt Ian Farrell grew up in Rathfarnham in Dublin, his interest for joining the DF came from some friends of his, two of which wanted to join as Cadets and an- other wanting to join as a Recruit. Before joining the DF Sgt Farrell was studying sports science, but the sports science course he was enrolled in was cancelled due to a high rate of drop outs of the course. Sgt Farrell then decided to apply the DF, and being the only one of his friends to successfully do so. Sgt Farrell was enlisted on 24 Nov 2003 into the 2 Inf Bn which was stationed in Cathal Brugha Barracks, Rathmines. He enjoyed the training finding it completely different than anything he had done before, he also made some great friends. After his initial training he was posted into the same unit that trained him and began to complete a wide range of courses which included Map Making Course, Personnel Management Systems Course, and a GESI Lower Control Operators Course. In Nov 2005 Sgt Farrell got his first chance to serve over- seas with the 94th Inf Bn UNMIL, his appointment over there was S2 Cpl Int Cell, which he did as an acting Cpl. He enjoyed his first overseas deployment and found it challenging and rewarding. In 2007 Sgt Farrell undertook an MP Probationer Course, this was a completely new role for him and was totaly dif- ferent than the Infantry, but he really enjoyed getting to see the differences in the roles of other DF members, and on completing the course was posted to 2 Bde MP. While a young MP Cpl he completed a MT Dvr Course and a Military Detention Staff Course. Sgt Farrells second tour overseas was with the 10th UFOR Bosnia in Feb 2010, which was a chance for him to use his MP skills in a challenging overseas environment, which he found rewarding. When he returned from this overseas tour he completed a DR Course and a DR Instructor Course. He then travelled for his third tour overseas with 106 Inf Bn UNIFIL in May 2012, his appointment was as a TOC watchkeeper. This was first experience in a role of this na- ture, with it being a high pressure and challenging position, but he found it exciting and rewarding, and it expanded his overseas experience. On his return from overseas he completed a Tac Inf Course, Mt Dvr Mod 3A (Minibus) Course, and an Interna- tional MP Photography Course. He enjoyed the photography course especially getting to work alongside international students and to get to see their tactical, techniques, and procedures (TTPs). He completed his MP Standard NCOs Course in Oct 2016, over the next few months he also completed an MP Drugs and substances Course, MP Investigation Course, and an MP Baton Restraint Course. He was promoted to Sgt on 5 Jun 2018 and was posted to Leinster House, Government Buildings. Early in Jan 2019 he was detached to NCO Training wing in the DFTC, to instruct on a Standard NCOs Course. While there he was selected for his fourth Overseas tour with the 114 Inf Bn UNIFIL. His appointment with the 114 Bn was TOC Watchkeeper again. Just before his return home from this overseas tour he was inter-company posted to the Investigation Branch, 2 Bde MP. As the Investigation Sgt in 2 Bde MP he is responsible for a wide range of tasks, some of his main responsibilities are to investigate all cases assigned to him, to assist An Garda Sio- channa and customs when required, perform duties of Bde Duty Investigator, ensure that items of evidence are submit- ted correctly and secured to establish a chain of custody, and to brief other units on crime scene prevention. At the minute Sgt Farrell is about to travel overseas again with the 116 Inf Bn UNIFIL, this time his appointment is as the MP Sgt. In the future he plans on completing a number of courses to help his career which include a Scene Of Crimes Opera- tors Course (SOCO), MP Close Protection Course, and a Senior Course.

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