An Cosantóir

13 element of the course. Using the techniques learnt from the first two weeks, we were shown how to set up different heavy ropes obstacles and complete them safely. Every obstacle had its own physical challenge in construction, followed by another physical challenge to com- plete the obstacle, once it was set up. The week accumulated, with students, setting up and run- ning a full ropes obstacle course. This provided a memorable day out for a lucky potential NCO's course. This CTI course has been one of the highlights of my time in the DF. It is a great example of how the DF can provide you with experienc- es and job variety in which other jobs simply cannot match. It was a fantastic experience to complete the course with members from all ranks and branches of the DF. I look forward to assisting DFAM, in running confidence training events in the future, alongside my normal roles as an engineering officer in the Naval Service. The confidence training instructor course is an excellent course for any member of the Defence Forces who have a keen interest in rock climb- ing. The course challenges all students to be proficient in establishing safe rock climbing and abseil systems. Prior to going on the course, I had climbing experience at various climbing routes around Ireland and a few trips abroad. It was always a course I wished to undertake and proved to be a very rewarding challenge. All students on the course are drawn from every branch and Corp of the Defence Forces, with a mixed level of experience. Some students on the course had completed the Defence Forces instructors. The members of DFAM went out of their way to ensure the students on the course had everything they needed to learn and become instructors themselves. This consisted of extra hours, extra tuition and ensuring each student had confidence in themselves. For anyone thinking of joining DFAM I cannot recommend it enough. I am Sub-Lieutenant John Smithers, an engineer- ing officer in the Naval Service. In my free time, I enjoy doing activities such as rock climbing and mountaineering, which led me to join the Defence Forces Association of Mountaineers (DFAM). Upon joining DFAM, I was informed about the Confidence Training Instructors Course (CTI) and what it entails. The CTI course over three weeks brings the students to a basic instructor level in rock climbing, abseiling, water confidence and the construction and running of heavy ropes courses. After finishing the course, a CTI can then assist DFAM in the running of confidence training events. This course imme- diately appealed to me, as it was an opportunity to combine my interests from outside work into the DF. In the Naval Service, due to the sea rotations, it can very be hard to be released for shore based courses. Fortunately, this year I was in a position to do the course and I was very grateful for the opportunity to do so. The first two weeks focused on the rock climb- ing and abseiling elements of the course. The first week was based in Renmore barracks with the training taking place along the sea cliffs of the Burren. It was an interesting change to be hanging off the side of the cliffs instead of looking at them from a ship! The second week was based in McKee barracks with the training taking place in Dalkey Quarry. These two weeks were my favourite part of the course. Prior to these two weeks, all rock-climbing training that I completed, was through civilian courses. On the CTI course, the level of intensity compared to these courses was considerably higher. It was brilliant! The CTI instructors were always encouraging the students to push their climbing grade in a safe manner and to have confidence in themselves, their equipment and technique. At the end of every day, I was tired, relieved and exhilarated… an excellent combination. The third week was focused on the heavy ropes THE 21ST CONFIDENCE TRAINING INSTRUCTORS (CTI) COURSE Cpl Sarah Nolan

• Cover