An Cosantóir

16 OPERATIONAL CAPABILITIES OF 1 BAR OPERATIONAL CAPABILITIES OF 1 BAR By 2/Lt Nathan Larkin Photos by Airman Sam Gibney June 6th, 7th and 8th saw the culmination of many weeks' preparation and training for the 1st Brigade Artillery Regiment (1 BAR) in their first assessment, this one by the unit itself and various members of NATO during the SEL Level 1 (self-evaluation) phase of the Operational Capabilities Concept (OCC). This is a NATO- led programme in which Ireland is involved, IOT determine our compatibility with NATO doctrine as a partner/ potential contributor to the Alliance. Over the three-day exercise in Kilworth Camp, which deployed more than 100 personnel of the unit based in Collins Barracks, Cork, as well as personnel from 2 BAR, Athlone, the regiment self-assessed in a multitude of scenarios including IED and CBRN threats, deployment and actions of an artillery battery, as well as the units UAV and FST asset's ability to provide accurate and current information of the landscape (ISTAR). This exercise had been meticulously trained and prepared for over the last 2 years, to ensure current doctrine of the Irish Defence Forces met the standard agreements (STANAGs) of procedure and doctrine set by NATO. Over the last two years leading to the exercise, a programme of training was completed by all personnel involved to qualify those in courses not previously completed, such as C-IED and CBRN, and refresher training was conducted on Artillery tactics, including the deployment and duties of a gun battery, the procedures of the FPC and the abilities to surveil, detect and report by the ISTAR assets of an Artillery regiment. The 1st Brigade Artillery Regiment, one of the two artillery regiments in the Defence Forces (along with 2nd Brigade Artillery Regiment based in Custume Barracks, Athlone) has been the lead unit of Collins Barracks based in Cork City since the disbanding of 4th Bn in 2012. Before re-org of the Defence Forces in 1998, it was based in Ballincollig, known as the 1st Field Artillery Regiment. The Regiment is led by Commanding Officer Lt Col. Adrian P. Keohane, 2IC Comdt. Dave Sweeney and Sgt Major A. Marlow. The deployment in early June was led by Bty Cmdr Comdt. Kevin Baston working out of the FPC (Fire Planning Cell) deployed in Kilworth Camp, Capt. Paul O'Donoghue in the role of Bty Captain and 2/Lt. Angela McGuigan acting as Command Post Officer (CPO), commanding the gun battery of six 105mm Howitzers deployed at FOB Collins. As well as the FPC and gun battery, the regiment deployed a number of ISTAR assets IOT to surveil the area of operation and allow the capability to call in fire missions, which was seen multiple times throughout the exercise – as well as the simulation of a precision strike on an enemy position (complete with a flyover) and the HELEVAC of an IED casualty, all performed by the Aer Corps. Scenarios that were assessed included multiple serials which had timings to be met, and specific doctrine and procedures to be followed – all in co-operation with NATO STANAGs. Serials began with the move out from Collins Barracks to Kilworth (a convoy of 28 vehicles including gun crews, FPC elements, ISTAR teams, security, and logistics personnel) which was escorted by An Garda Siochana in Cork City to Kilworth Camp. From there was the deployment of the gun battery and setup of the FPC in their respective sites, as well as the deployment of FST teams to their OP locations. Once in location and deployed, a simulated suspected fire at a chemical plant resulted in the battery increasing their CBRN alert status, dawning CBRN Dresscat 3 (wearing CBRN boots, trousers and coat, with respirator and gloves being carried) and deploying CBRN sentries. Simultaneous to this, ISTAR elements began reporting to the FPC when in position, on any suspicious activity within the area of responsibility, with the presence of possible enemy forces necessitating an illumination mission to deter further presence. C-IED capabilities were also assessed on the first and second day of the exercise, first with the discovery of an IED and subsequent withdrawal tactics displayed – then, the scenario of and IED casualty was assessed. When the simulated casualty occurred, MEDEVAC capabilities were shown with the individual being evacuated by HELEVAC. A HELEVAC was requested by the FST team to which the casualty had occurred, and an LZ was prepped. The casualty was then loaded onto the helicopter (all the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Sentry on Post with GPMG SF UAV preparing to Land 105mm Light Field Gun in travelling position

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