An Cosantóir

An Cosantóir May 2020 www.dfmagazine.ie 38 | JACQUELINE GRAHAM NSRC, TPT GP, DFTC PTE P te Jacqueline Graham was inspired to join the DF by her father and grandfather as they both served in different Corps within the DF. Her father served in the Military Police Corps, while her grandfather served in the Medical Corps. Another driving factor was a career inter- view that she got in school, which didn't go as planned with her being told she should consider a career elsewhere, this only made her more determined to join. Pte Graham applied for both the Army and Naval Service at the same time. After completing the physical and medi- cals for both she was unsuccessful at enlisting into the Naval Service, but she was successful at enlisting into the Army. So only two weeks after she completed her Leaving Cert, Pte Graham was attested into the DF on 11 June 1999 with the 31 Recruit Platoon, 27 Inf Bn, in Aiken Bks Dundalk. Her training was different than anything she had done before, especially after only completing her Leaving Cert. The training was re- ally physically and emotionally tough but she soon got into the swing of things. Once finished Recruit and Three Star training Pte Gra- ham was posted to the 2 Cav Sqn, based in Cathal Brugha Bks Rathmines. While in the cavalry she completed many courses, many of them being driver courses. These included Jeep and trailer, DR Course, Mini Bus, and a 4X4 Truck. She then went on to become a driver of the AML20, and AML 60 in 2005. In June 2008 Pte Graham transferred to 2 Bde Tpt Coy, also based in Cathal Brugha Bks. Some of the first courses she completed in her new unit were an ECDL course, PMS course and even an orderly room Cpls course. As a member of trans- port unit she conducted even more driving courses, first up was a 6X6 driving course which she completed in 2010, next was a midi coach driving course which she completed in 2011 and finally a full coach driving course which she completed in that same year. In 2014 she transferred to the NSRC, Tpt Gp which are based in the DFTC Curragh Camp. This move opened up the opportunity to complete further driving courses within the DF fleet of vehicles. Pte Graham completed an Articulated Lorry and Trailer course in 2016, also the 8X8 Truck and Trailer course that she completed 2017. These vehicles are some of the largest and heaviest on the roads in Ireland. While serving with the NSRC Pte Graham has also been given the opportunity to complete externally recognised courses through the DF. All of these courses are related to the safe transportion of goods. Like ADR training, which is the transportation of dangerous goods. She also completed IATA training which is the transport of goods by air, IMDG which is International Maritime Dangerous Goods, and a Cert in Dangerous Goods Safety Advisors (DGSA). Pte Graham is currently employed in the Goods In and Goods Out Office of the NSRC, this entails dealing with overseas manifests and troop rotations for overseas mis- sions. Due to working in this office she has also been able to complete third level education to assist her in her job with a Diploma in Freight Forwarding, and a Degree in Sup- ply Chain Management. Pte Graham hopes to stay in the NSRC as she really enjoys her work. She also gets the opportunity to use all her skills and qualifications that she has learned, while also expanding her knowledge in the logistics role.

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