An Cosantóir

21 CADETSHIP 2019–2021 how they all did. "We would be relatively hands-on in terms of the physical training", he recalled, "there could be quite challenging physical conditions that the staff and students would have to face as the weather can change in minutes when on exercise. We were physically alongside them all the way and that was for a number of reasons, from assessment purposes to the off chance of an injury or emergency." He said that 75 was quite a large group of trainees. "A group that size is going to be a logistical challenge, but we just had to be adequately prepared. It requires a great level of attention to detail but when you are tasked with a job, you have to try and ensure it gets completed." Stephen and his fellow instructors saw the young men and women come in on the very first day. "When they start off they are civilians and they have to be put into and develop a military mindset. They were nervous and quite shy on the first day, but fast forward 17 months and we could see they had become one big cohesive unit." He added: "I was there from the start and was one of the few to see them through the whole thing. I could see the changes they went through, mentally and physically. You always have some characters, some very serious, others less so but they were all focused and did what was required to the best of their ability." By the end of it, Stephen says they were a good group overall. "I am confident they will make good officers and serve the Defence Forces well in the future." Stephen benefitted greatly from spending such a long time in the Cadet School adding: "Personally I enjoyed the experience. I take a lot of pride in seeing the improvement in someone through your efforts. Teaching them things and then later seeing them do those things well. I thoroughly enjoyed it and would not hesitate to do it again." THE STUDENT But what was it like to be a cadet going through the rigorous 17 months of instruction and training? Lt Paul Condon found it tough but ultimately fulfilling. But then he wasn't quite like any raw recruit. The Newbridge man has military heritage: his father Col Liam Condon, recently retired having been Aide de Camp to President Michael D Higgins. "It was a long and hard course – 17 months – it was tough and certainly tests you physically and mentally, but I kept the head down and, thankfully, got through it," he said. He explained how the course was in four phases. The first was essentially teaching them how to be a soldier, including physical fitness. Followed by lessons on tactics, then exercise including digging trenches etc and finally they were taught all about leadership skills. Paul remarked: "I thought it was tough and demanding. Some might not have lasted but I think we realised it was going to be worthwhile in the end." As well as the practical lessons learned, he found the Contract Tracing experience, which he and his fellow recruits had to go through twice over the 17 months, very rewarding. "We were making thousands of calls but if you caught one person and got them tested and helped them then it was very rewarding. I was happy to be doing something to help people at this time. Everyone in the class felt the same, we were grateful to be involved." Paul studied electronic engineering and is hoping to use those skills in the Ordnance Corps. Of course, it was only natural that he would follow in his proud father's footsteps. "I suppose it was natural, I grew up in the Curragh and was immersed in Army life so joining was always in my head", Paul said as the young officer looks forward to a long career in the Defence Forces. The 2021 Cadetship competition is now open - v Cadets marching forward in line to receive their certificates v A Cadet manoeuvres through a river trying to keep his rifle as dry as possible v A recently commissioned officer offers a salute... v COS Vice Admiral Mark Mellett DSM salutes Cadets of the Army and Air Corps during their commissioning parade v Lieutenant Paul Condon as a cadet https://www.military.ie/!2DO6VU

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