An Cosantóir

| 9 www.military.ie THE DEFENCE FORCES MAGAZINE military skills became the main object during the final weeks. This included orders procedure, CBRN drills, water crossing drills, basic life support training and patrol reporting. Because of the wide range of experienced personnel in the 28 Inf Bn most of these military skills could be revised and practised within Finner Camp. The team also used training facilities in the Artillery School in the DFTC using the virtual battle space simulator under the instruction of Lt Gary Marron and Lt Erika Murray. The level of instruction was of the highest standard and it was an excellent opportunity to use the state of the art facilities. Throughout the training phase Sgt Foley, Sgt Devenney and Cpl O'Donnell left no stone unturned in regards to preparation and execution of all scenarios as well as critical analysis of how the team performed and what areas needed improvement. Having previously ran the Basic Infantry Close Recce Course in the 28 Inf Bn both Sgt Foley and Sgt Devenney were able to translate their experiences and knowledge into focused and well- rounded scenario based training. The team travelled to Wales on 08 Oct 23. Prior to the commencement of the exercise on the 11 Oct 23 they had to undergo weapons handling and pyrotechnics training with UK armed forces weapons system which the team would use on the patrol. This training was provided by the royal Gurkha rifles who were acting as the teams hosting unit. The team received final training prior to commencement of the patrol in CBRN and patrol writing. The team also received maps of the patrol area from the hosting unit. Throughout the exercise itself, each team member performed to an exceptional standard both in their physical and mental resilience as well as their application of training they received. Pte Sean Ward acted as lead scout and primary navigator throughout the duration of the exercise. Using his experience, he expertly navigated the team through the rugged and unforgiving terrain of the Welsh country side in both white out and black dark conditions using only a compass and map as all electronic and digital devices were strictly prohibited. Cpl Thomas O'Donnell performed the role of scribe for the entirety of the patrol. This challenging appointment meant that Cpl O'Donnell had to be constantly aware of his surroundings taking note of all relevant information to be transferred into a comprehensive patrol report at the end of the forty eight hours. Having many years of experience, he shone in this role and his careful and consistent note taking were of the upmost importance during a high pressure debrief session of the team at the conclusion of the exercise by the directing staff. Pte Eddie Lynch was integral to the team's success, in particular during the counter explosive ordnance stand where the team scored full marks. His attention to detail and tactical awareness locating all three explosive ordnance devices and clearing a safe path through a minefield was vital in allowing the team to deliver first aid to four members of friendly forces. Pte Robert Whitham took on the role of signaller and was responsible for communications of reports back to higher command as well as reporting of rendezvous and report lines as the team progressed through different aspects of the patrol. Pte Brian McFadden was given the arduous appointment of team medic. He impressed the directing staff in his own drills during the basic life support stand in which a friendly force patrol had ventured off road into a minefield resulting in multiple injuries. His systematic approach, calm communications and application of clinical skills ensured the friendly forces received rapid and lifesaving treatment resulting in the team scoring high in this scenario. Pte Robinson demonstrated his professionalism and knowledge throughout the duration of the patrol. He also displayed his impressive knowledge during the AFV recognition scenario. This was a time pressured situation that required a calm disposition in order to correctly identify a range of armoured vehicles on a computer simulator. Sgt Danny Devenney excelled in his role of 2IC of the team. From the first day of training to the final minute of the exercise, Sgt Devenney's experience and leadership was evident to be seen. His quick thinking and ability to adapt to an ever changing environment was essential during all aspects of the exercise. Sgt Devenney also acted as Counter CBRN specialist and his knowledge and expertise came to the fore during both the training phase instructing the other members of the team and during the exercise itself in the C-CBRN stand, in which the team had to use equipment they had only handled once before. This may have caused problems but for Sgt Devenney's expert knowledge in the basic principles of C-CBRN. It is important to note that although the team trained and performed well over the course of the training and the exercise, none of this would have been possible without the help and support afforded to them by so many people within the Defence Forces. A word of thanks to Lt Col Shane Rockett (OC 28 Inf Bn), Comdt Enda Caldwell (2IC 28 Inf Bn), Comdt Neil Ledwith (CO Sp Coy 28 Inf Bn), Sgt Maj Patrick Enfield (BSM 28 Inf Bn), The 28th Infantry Battalion would like to thank the following for support; DF Dive group, Medical School DFTC, Artillery School, Engineer School, Sgt John Cleary (28 Inf Bn Logs Staff) Staff at J7 Pte Jennifer O'Connor, 2 Bde Transport, Dir Transport Office Pte Michelle Tarpey, DF Ordnance Procurement Cell, 2023 7 Inf Bn Cambrian Patrol Team. A special mention to Sgt John McGuigan, Sgt Sean Paul McCabe and Sgt Vinnie Quinn in the 27 InfBn. Without their knowledge and expertise in organising a pre exercise based on their own past experiences from the competition the team felt it would not have been possible to achieve gold standard. F22B receiving their Exercise Cambrian Patrol Gold medal 2023 Back Row (L-R) Pte McGlinchey, Cpl O'Donnell T, Pte Robinson, Pte Whitiker, Pte Ward, Pte Gallagher Front Row (L-R) Pte Mc Bride, Pte McFadden, Sgt Devenney, Sgt Foley, Lt Smyth, Pte Lynch DF members and other gold medal winners Water Crossing Drills

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