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in reserve
RDF Public Order Training
by Lt John Mc Candless (Res Coy 28 Inf Bn)
W
hile many would have spent the June Bank Holiday with family and friends, reservists from 28
Inf Bn made their way to Finner Camp to attend
a public order course. Over 30 personnel of all ranks took
part in the three-day course instructed by Sgt Enda Cassidy (28 Inf Bn), assisted by Sgt Seán O'Donnell (RDF Cadre,
28 Inf Bn).
The course began with a lecture on the types of threats
and crowd dynamics that those tasked with maintaining
or restoring public order will face. Following a lecture on
the organisation of the public order platoon the course
was shown the protective equipment each team member
would wear.
With the lectures completed, the rest of the training
took place outside. We began by learning the various
formations running line, tactical withdrawal, etc; how to
An Cosantóir July/August 2013 www.dfmagazine.ie
cover crossroads, T-junctions, and left-to-right junctions;
what to do in the event of injuries ('man down'); and use
of the baton.
The course culminated with Exercise 'Range Road' in
Finner Camp, which evaluated how we had assimilated
the training throughout the weekend. In this exercise the
shield teams worked well together as rioters using various
types of missiles attacked the public order teams. It is vital
that each team member keeps their self-control in the face
of the aggression, that no-one breaks the line, and that all
know what their job is within the platoon.
This was a new departure in training for us and speaking
with the students after the exercise it was clear everyone
enjoyed the course although everyone was a little fatigued.
A special word of thanks must go to our instructors who
gave up their Bank Holiday to conduct the course.
