An Cosantóir

| 5 www.military.ie THE DEFENCE FORCES MAGAZINE Manager Comdt Helen Hosback info@military.ie +353 (0)45 44 5306 Editor Sgt John Rossiter connect@military.ie +353 (0)45 44 5307 Photo/Journalist Vacant journalist@military.ie Photographer A/M Sam Gibney photo@military.ie Admin NCO Cpl Martin Bennett requisitions@military.ie +353 (0)45 44 5312 DF/PR Information Cpl Eric Ryan magazine@military.ie +353 (0)45 44 5308 DF Webmaster Sgt Louise McDonald webmaster@military.ie +353 (0)45 44 5307 Magazine Archivist Mr Seán Shinnors Civilian Journalist Tony O'Brien Designer/Advertising JM Publishing & Media Arklow, Co. Wicklow, Ireland Tel: +353 (0)87 1344135 Email: info@jmpublishing.ie The fact that an article appears in this magazine does not indicate official approval of the views expressed by the author. © Published by OiC Public Relations Branch for the Defence Forces at DFHQ, Block 5, Ceannt Bks, DFTC, Curragh Camp, Co Kildare, Ireland. Tel: +353 (0)45 445312 Front Cover By Lt Karl Johnston Back Cover By Cpl Eric Ryan Editorial H ello, and welcome to our third issue of 2023, our 83rd volume of the An Cosantóir magazine. We hope you enjoy reading this edition and will continue to enjoy reading all the other An Cosantóir magazines we will publish in 2023. As a team, we thrive on providing you with interesting and up-to- date content. If you have any ideas for the magazine or what something to be featured please email us at magazine@military.ie. We are looking for contributors to the magazine, whether it be an article, photographs for our parade section, or even a charity event that you might be organising. We would be more than happy to feature the event in the An Cosantóir along with the GoFundMe link. Contributors are in with a chance of getting some cool prizes, so why not contribute? Our Noticeboard page features an advertisement for our An Cosantóir photo competition, which will come with one of these prizes. Our Noticeboard also features an advertisement for the DFPP trainee technician scheme. Our main feature this edition covers the 2023 International Sniper competition, the Irish Defence Forces took part in this gruelling challenge that tests the precision, skill, and teamwork of elite snipers from around the world. The competition which was held in Fort Benning and pitted some of the best snipers in the world against one another, challenging them to compete in a series of complex and demanding tasks that tested their abilities in a range of real-world scenarios. For the DF this competition represents an opportunity to showcase their skills and expertise of their elite snipers, and to learn from some of the best snipers in the world. The team of snipers selected to represent the Irish Defence Forces were among the best trained and most skilled in the country, with years of experience in a range of demanding environments. In this main feature Lt Karl Johnston gives us an overview of the event and we have an interview with members of the 2023 sniper team. Strengthening Firefighting Capabilities, A Test of Courage and Skill: Firefighting is an essential force protection capability provided by the Corps of Engineers (COE), both domestically and overseas. The recent completion of the Basic Fire Fighting course by a group of dedicated soldiers marks a significant milestone in maintaining and enhancing this crucial capability. Lt Darren Fehilly takes us through this mentally and physically demanding course and explains how students will be equipped with the tactics and techniques to handle firefighting operations effectively both at home and overseas. From pioneering leap to soaring heights a look back on the first Defence Forces freefall parachute jump, written by retired Col Tom Hodson, details the first DF freefall parachute jump, which took place in 1972. Hodson provides a background to his experience with freefall parachuting in Ireland and internationally before discussing how he approached his superiors about introducing parachuting into the DF. The article provides an interesting insight into the early days of freefall parachuting and the introduction of the activity into the DF. Surveillance and Airlift: Charting the future of Ireland's Maritime and Defence Air Operations is brought to us by Capt Declan Hickey. Surveillance and swift airlift capabilities cannot be overstated. At the forefront of these critical operations is 101 Sqn Air Corps operating out of No 1 Ops Wing. This unit plays a pivotal role in maritime defence, aerial surveillance and logistical support for various state agencies and the wider Defence Forces. With a proud history spanning over six decades the Sqn is now embarking on a new chapter in 2023, marked by the introduction of a state of the art aircraft that will revolutionize Air Corps capabilities. Capt Diarmuid Collins brings us our sports feature of the most recent Defence Forces adventure race and also talks about adventure racing within the DF. Recognizing the potential of adventure racing to complement and enhance military skills, the Defence Forces Adventure Racing club was established. As part of its development, the club organises the DF Adventure race, providing DF personnel with an opportunity to compete in an expedition style of adventure race. In the origin, concept and treatments of PTSD by Melissa Martin, she discusses the origins of PTSD which can be traced back to the early 20th century, when it was initially referred to as "Shell Shock" during World One. However, PTSD is not exclusive to combat veterans but can affect individuals who have experienced various forms of trauma. While PTSD has gained recognition and diagnostic criteria in recent decades, it still poses many unanswered questions. In our overseas current deployments map, Cpl Eric Ryan brings us a map of current Defence Forces overseas deployments with up-to-date personnel numbers for each mission location. DF Sports and Clubs notifies all members of upcoming events along with information on some recent sporting events, it also shows some pictures from recent team or individual events. As always, we have our regular features including PSS, continuing to provide vital mental health advice in 'Headspace and Timing'. From the archives brings us back to an article "Reserves Are Fit to Fight " this article is about the very first RDF PTL course. "You will face many defeats in life, but never let yourself be defeated" — Maya Angelou Sgt John Rossiter – Editor

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