An Cosantóir

12 For many people, promotion within the Defence Forces, will be seen as a natural and necessary step in their career progression. This article written by Cpl Shelley Kehoe (J1, DFHQ) and Cpl Alan Ferguson (27th Inf Bn), outlines just what's in- volved for those wishing to progress their career in the Infantry as they recount their experiences from the 8th Infantry Platoon Sergeants Course. The course commenced on the morning of 17th January 2022 and concluded on the 09th of March 2022. Made up of thirty-one males and 2 females, we came from Infantry units all over the country. The course was 7.5 weeks in total with four major assessments throughout. There were four Combat Fitness Assessments or CFAs grouped togeth- er as one, as each had to be passed in order to continue; a command test appointment, ongoing evaluation and a written general test. Thirty-three students successfully passed the course. Individual student preparation for this, included getting equipment such as comms, body armour and NVE from the home unit to the NCO Training Wing (NCOTW), physically preparing for the four CFAs, revision of map reading and navigation and revision of infantry platoon and section tactics, roles etc. Below is a brief outline of what is covered on the course: Week 1 CFA 1–3.2 km combat run with 16 kg to be com- pleted in under 20 minutes. Log runs Display/revision stands which included weapons/ ammo/comms/NVE Lectures on the characteristics of light Infantry and the Organisation of an Infantry Battalion Principles of Offence TLPP, the 7 Question Estimate, OpOrds & Annexes Offensive Operations at Bn and Coy Level CSS at Bn & Coy level Retrograde operations & the conduct of Withdraw- al operations Area Defence Bn Level IWW Stands on Support Weapons HMG, 81 Mortar, Javelin Anti-Armour, Sniper Coy Deliberate Attack by day & night Week 2 CFA 2 – 8km Combat Run with 16kg to be com- pleted in under 62 minutes Battle PTs CFA3- Tactical Simulation Test, 25m Leopard crawl, 25m dummy drag (70kg males/50kgs fe- males), 25m double jerry can carry. CASEVAC Stretcher Run FIBUA/MOUT Fundamentals and characteristics Deliberate Bn Attack in FIBUA/MOUT DIBUA Organisation and planning Role of Platoon Sgt & CS in FIBUA/MOUT & DIBUA Practical FIBUA/MOUT drills in MTF The Manoeuvirst Approach, All Arms Concept and Effects Based Operations lectures Offensive TEWT-FIBUA/MOUT CSS Night Navigation in the Curragh area Recce Platoon Role & Responsibilities including Sniper assets Infantry CBRN tactics, TTPs, rehearsals Indirect Fire Planning, Target Grid Procedures - Artillery School TEWT Debrief CASEVAC procedures including casualty treat- ment and processing and role of Pln Sgt Week 3 CFA 4- 12.8km loaded march with 18kg to be com- pleted in under 2 hours 1 minute FIWAF Offensive TWET Mid-Course Interviews Ambush lectures including demonstration and rehearsals Patrol Harbours, roles of sentries including demonstration and rehearsals Revision on Recce Patrols and Patrol Reports Fighting Patrols and Raids TEWT Debrief Platoon Attack revision including Rehearsal of Concept (ROC) drills General Test Preparation for Field Training Exercise (FTX) Urban Warrior- stores, weapons, ammunition, equipment, orders preparation and delivery My experience from the course (Cpl Shelly Kehoe): The first few weeks consisted of the course form- ing together as a group because it was made up of 8TH INFANTRY PL ATOON SERGE ANTS COURSE 8TH INFANTRY PLATOON SERGEANTS COURSE By Cpl Shelley Kehoe & Cpl Alan Ferguson Photos by Armn Sam Gibney

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