An Cosantóir

An Cosantóir July / August 2023 www.military.ie/magazine 16 | the Mortars need to get them firing on a target. As part of pre deployment training I was based in Kilworth Camp for a period of three weeks where we were rigorously trained on navigation, signals, DOFM and medical training. This culminated in a week long MRX in the Glen of Imaal where we were tested and evaluated to an extremely high standard on all the training we had received. I felt that all the skills and drills we had learned over form up would benefit us once we entered the mission area as a fundamental part of our tasks overseas is patrolling the AO in South Lebanon. Although we are in the mission area we are still upskilling on a daily basis on all our training requirements. I personally feel that the training we received has reinforced our skills and has benefited us as a battalion in the mission area. Pte Rachel LORDAN Ord Section AAI I joined the Naval Service in August 2014 at the age of twenty two and on completion of recruit training became an Able Mech onboard L.É. Niamh where I spent two years working in engine rooms with the engineering branch. I then joined the crew of L.É. Eithne in 2017 to go on the final Op Pontus Mediterranean migrant rescue mission. While onboard Eithne I worked both as a Mech and on deck I was given the opportunity to assist the medics with taking on board and caring for the migrants. On return to Ireland, I re-joined the crew of L.É. Niamh and again went to the Mediterranean for Operation Sophia before moving to the Army on a trainee technician scheme. To become an Armourer Artificer Instrument, I applied for the trainee technician scheme through the Ordnance Corps, on acceptance into the scheme I attended Carlow Institute of Technology to study Electronic Engineering. Throughout my time in college, I had two baby girls, Skye in 2020 and Willow in 2021, and I was fortunate to be able to move to Munster Technological University to continue on in college and be home with my girls as due to Covid-19 everything had been moved online and I was able to work from home. On completion of the degree, I attended the Ordnance School in the Curragh to complete the weapons phase of the course to finally qualify as the first female AAI of the Defence Forces. As my first appointment as an Armament Artificer Instrumentation in the Defence Forces my role is to look after the weapons systems and the optical equipment of the 122 Inf Bn in Lebanon. Once I completed the course, I joined the technicians of the Ordnance Corps of the 122, which consisted of an Ordnance Mechanical Engineer (OME) officer, armament artificer and an armourer and went straight to the Glen of Imaal for the final two weeks of form up for the MRX. Here we were all responsible for the different pre fire checks of the MOWAG's weapons, remote weapons systems, and Dual Remote weapons systems. The Javelin CLUs are inspected before live firing and as my first job as an AAI it was a great experience to be on the firing line for a javelin shoot and be at MOWAG live firing training exercise with both A Coy and Recce. CIVIL MILITARY COOPERATION UNIFIL attaches great importance to relations with the local population among whom the peacekeepers operate. There are several facets to this relationship: these include informing the people of South Lebanon about UNIFIL's mandate and activities; providing or facilitating limited assistance within means and capabilities; respecting and understanding local culture, customs and concerns; participating in community events and ensuring minimum disturbance to normal daily life from UNIFIL's operations in the area. To this end, interactions with the communities are regularly conducted at every level. Civil Affairs (civilian) and Civil Military Coordination (military) are the main interface between UNIFIL and the communities in which it operates. IRISHPOLBATT CIMIC endeavour to assist the local population in order to facilitate the achievement of military objectives and our mission. Through the Mayor's and elected officials, IRISHPOLBATT coordinate and implement Quick Impact Projects (QIPs) in order to address the needs of the people as identified by the Key Leaders. The types of projects that we have implemented have been focused on addressing critical issues with power, water and waste management in the region. Funding for these projects is drawn from the Governments of Ireland and Poland with the assistance of the Municipality. To date, the 122nd Battalion have provided funding and assistance for a wide array of projects in the local communities of our area of responsibility. The CIMIC cell of the 122 Inf Bn has assisted in projects for a well, solar panels, a bobcat, a waste vehicle and sports equipment just to name a few. The 122 Inf Bn CIMIC cell also has a number of projects in the pipeline and are continuing their planning in order to ensure they are best prepared to assist the local communities. The CIMIC cell's diligence and soft skills are key to maximising our force protection in the local communities.

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