An Cosantóir

the defence forces magazine | 23 reserves are 'fit to fight' days a Reservist can complete per annum, thus limiting course op- portunities. each of the students this year found the course to be varied in content, non repetitive in nature, practical and consistent. The instruction, reception, organisation, professionalism and the facilities of the dFPeS I freely admit were second to none, with our instruc- tors being eager and enthusiastic to impart their varying expertise, with each of the students being as equally enthusiastic and thirsty for knowledge to develop their new skillset. each day of the course was as one would expect quite physi- cally demanding, involving back to back practical lessons with a mix of some much welcomed theory lectures which gave the muscles a chance to rest up before togging out again on the Curragh plains, or falling in 'on deck' at the side of the training pool, to conduct more practical lessons. In hindsight it is still hard to pick out exactly what the best and most enjoyable aspects of the courses were, especially seeing as the entire course without exception was highly enjoyable. However, the new state of the art obstacle course at the back of the dFPeS I think will be etched in my mind for some time to come, along with the memories of making flotation devices out of our dMP combats in the 3.8m deep training pool. The exercises of both swimming dis- orientated while blind folded, and pushing a car tyre along the floor of the swimming pool for 50m are also memories that I think few of us will forget in a hurry. From my own point of view this was my first interaction with the dFPeS in my 11 years service, I have up until this course only really interacted with the CSC, Cav School, CIS School and TvMS while being on non unit run courses, and was very impressed with all aspects of the course, from the instruction and expertise, through to organisation and facili- ties. For anyone interested in becom- ing a PT leader in their respective units I can not recommend this course highly enough. It is not only a fantastic skillset to have as an NCO or Officer in the Reserve, but also from a personal point of view, as it furnishes students with a solid foundation in fitness ideology and training techniques. Prior to the commencement of the course I would strongly recommend obtain- ing a good level of fitness, as even though the prerequisite as per the joining instructions is a pass grade in the ITs, those who are grade 3 or 4 will without a doubt feel the pressure and the fatigue early on in the course, thus increasing the chance of perhaps injury and non completion of the course. With fit- ness being a major priority for the Reserve as a whole, and talk of the introduction of induction tests for all new RdF entrants, undoubtedly PTls at unit level are the key to the delivery of regular physical training being actualised. It is impossible to insure reserv- ists exercise regularly, and as such it must be stated that the onus to do so lies heavily upon individuals to train regularly in their own time, and make themselves available for ITs annually regardless of training commitments, in preparation for courses, but more importantly, to maintain a readiness and fitness for operations should their service be required. There is already another RdF PT leaders course planned for July 2012. Note that it is a physically demanding course, but well worth the effort in terms of both time dedicated to preparation, and also the two weeks leave required from civilian employment to attend the course. So for those successful in se- curing a place on next year's course I wish you all the very best, you won't regret it. It is truly a fabulous course. The successful students of the RDF PT Leaders course

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