An Cosantóir

15 THE 21ST CONFIDENCE TRAINING INSTRUCTORS (CTI) COURSE and obstacle courses. The standard expected across the three blocks was very high and as students, we were expected to rise to these challenges with enthusiasm, but also with the competence to become an instructor in the future. On day one of the course, there was a pass or fail test to ensure students had the ba- sic understanding of knots, rope work, abseiling and belaying. Week one was based in Ballyryan in The Burren. The days were very long and tax- ing, however this meant that we got exposure to a lot of climbing. As a student on the course with a small bit of climbing experience, I felt that my ability to climb as a lead climber and set up various climbing systems, was developed on a constant basis throughout the first week. The second week was assessment week and based out of Dalkey Quarry, which meant that all of the skills and systems that we honed on week one, would now be assessed. As expect- ed, the standard was extremely high due to the nature of what we would be qualified to do in the near future. The instructors made it clear that there would be no margin for error - a failure on a second attempt meant the student would be RTU'd. Once passed, we went into further lessons on the various ways of setting up different systems and climbed as much as we could. The instructors on the course have a weight of experience behind them across all spectrums of climbing, so the learning opportunities afforded to us by them was second to none. As students, we were pushed to go beyond our comfort zone and challenged on our ability and confidence, to set up systems that facilitated abseiling, top ropes, assisted hoists amongst many others. As the course is also an instructor course, we were also taught various methods of instruction and how to deal with students with little to no climb- ing experience behind them, with the emphasis being on their safety. The great aspect about this course was the fact that it had a huge mix of ranks from Pte to Captain from all branch- es of the Defence Forces. It meant that a Pte soldier would be given the autonomy and op- portunity to become an instructor at a very early point in their career, in something that takes skill and confidence. This was one of my favourite parts about this course, as rank did not come into the equation. It is based on one's ability to be a good climber and confident in their own ability to set up various systems. However, the most important attribute of any student on this course, is to be a good team player and be will- ing to put in the hard graft. Teamwork is particu- larly important in the final week - heavy ropes/ setting up obstacle courses. We were lucky to have a PNCOs course run through the heavy ropes obstacle course in the final week. It meant that by the end of the course, we had real expo- sure to actual students and therefore we were expected to design, set-up and run the course in a safe and controlled manner. For anyone interested in the outdoors and climb- ing, I would highly recommend to apply for this course. I look forward to assisting the Defence Forces Association of Mountaineering in the fu- ture, developing my skills as a CTI and working with the various CTIs across the DF. Group photo of 21st CTI Course Traversing across a River

• Cover