An Cosantóir

29 required some extra stretching time at night in the billets! The Cadet Class also benefited from the experience of the POC. During Platoon Field Assessment, Cadets had the advantage of having 'actual' section commanders and platoon sergeants in appointment with them, as they performed the role of platoon commander. The POC were also an unlimited source of advice to the Cadet Class throughout the 11 months. Prior to the commissioning of the 94th Cadet Class, 10 POC held a series of briefings about what was expected from them from NCOs as newly commissioned officers. As a commissioned officer who is prior-enlisted, an extra 50% is expected in everything that you do. This applies to operational taskings, overseas service, staff work and overall attitude and professionalism. No apology is made for this. You are expected to bring the high standards that are required as an NCO directly into commissioned life. Officers who have received commissions through a PO Class have a unique perspective on military life. They have made all the mistakes as Privates and Junior NCOs. They fully understand the challenges and demands of enlisted life. They expect exceptionally high standards from NCOs due to their previous service. They are a huge asset to have in any unit due to their experience, which cannot be taught on any training course. These men and women are part of a small, unique and proud cohort of commissioned officers. At all times, they represent the 226 NCOs who have already travelled this challenging path. Today, approximately 40 serving officers from the 8th, 9th and 10th Potential Officers Classes are spread throughout the DF. They remain an invaluable source of information and guidance for any NCO considering pursuing this highly challenging but rewarding career opportunity. as a Regimental Sergeant Major for several years. These officers then fill the appointments of staff/company officers throughout all regiments. Defence Forces: The first Potential Officers Class were commissioned in 1964. These officers 'paved the way' for the nine subsequent classes that followed. In December 2020, the 2nd POC celebrated the 50th Anniversary of their commissioning in 1970. I have had the privilege to serve with two members of that class in my formative years as a member of Oglaig na hÉireann: Comdt Charles Martin and Lt Col Pat Coughlan. Lt Col Coughlan was the first commissioned officer to come through the PO system to reach the rank of Lt Col. The Course: Since 1964, a total of 226 NCOs have completed the Potential Officers Course. The course is highly challenging and rewarding. The 11-month course has been conducted in various schools of the Military College throughout the years. The 11 POC will be the third course to be conducted in the Cadet School. There has always been a good mix of students from all NCO ranks, representing all services, Corps and Brigades. The ethos of the course is 'Big Boys'/Girls' Rules'. NCOs are trusted to admin themselves, using the experience and qualifications from within the class to instruct each other on the various sub-courses, such as C-IED Instructor, Barrack Security, Adjutant, Logs Officer, Range Management and Tactics to name a few. Students are immersed in academic studies from NUI Maynooth and Military Writing throughout the course also. The 10 POC had the opportunity to conduct training exercises with the 94th Cadet Class such as Platoon Field Assessment and Operations Other Than War (OOTW). These exercises were highly enjoyable, even though the older students EARNING IT THE HARD WAY v CS (now Captain) Gerry Duff gives a quick set of orders on the ground during Platoon Field Assessment v After the Commissioning ceremony members of the 10th POC embrace each other in congratulations on becoming Commissioned Officers of the Irish Defence Forces v Members of 10th POC taking the Oath (Capt Gerry Duff seen on the far left) v The course halts under the clock tower of Dublin Castle

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