An Cosantóir

An Cosantóir July / August 2024 www.military.ie/magazine 26 | T he Naval Service Reserve (NSR) offers a truly unique type of duty. The new RDF Joint Induction Training syllabus is delivering foundation military training for the NSR and the Army Reserve (AR). On completion, NSR personnel will pass out as Ordinary Ratings. NSR Ordinary Ratings will then commence component specific training prior to serving onboard an Irish Naval Vessel. NSR personnel are required to undertake the demanding training in Personal Survival Techniques (PST) and Damage Control Fire Fighting (DCFF) to form part of a ship's crew. Ordinary Ratings must then complete a Task Book in order to be advanced to Able Rating. The Task Book is broken down into 44 tasks for which each rating must learn to perform the respective job, and then be tested by their Training Officer or NCO who will sign off on their proficiency. A sample of tasks include, Duties of a Look-out, Anchor & Cable party, Ship's Quartermaster and Helmsman. Once the Task Book is complete, the individual can be advanced to Able Rating. This is an exciting time for the NSR as we will soon be taking delivery of the first of four 14metre, twin engine Motor Launches (ML). These vessels were specifically designed for the NSR and are being built in Ireland. Armed with 7.62mm GPMGs the MLs will be fitted with military communications to undertake our primary role of Port Security for the main trading ports of Cork, Dublin, Limerick and Waterford. The wider NSR will be looking forward to the arrival of the MLs in particular three members of the Dublin Unit NSR, A/Sea Andrew Thornton and A/Sea Matthew Broe have just been advanced to Able Rating, and Rec Victoria Victoria Hastings Rafferty. They have recounted their experiences of service with the NSR thus far. The NSR is recruiting now in the four units of Cork, Dublin, Waterford and Limerick. See www.military.ie for details and make your application today. Ordinary Seaman Andrew Thorton From an early age I've always had a significant interest in the military, having family members who have served hugely influencing me growing up. Being an avid sailor from the age of 7 I was always drawn to the sea. The Naval Service was an obvious way to have an involvement in the military and the sea being the best of both worlds. In 2022 I successfully completed a degree at the Technology University Dublin, completing a bachelor's degree in aviation technology before going on to do a Bachelor of Science in transport operations and technology in 2023. I am currently working as a Graduate aircraft design engineer with CAE Parc Aviation. I've been a member of the Dublin Unit Naval Service Reserve since August 2021, undertaking a wide range of training. To date I have successfully completed training in DCFF (Damage Control and Fire Fighting), PST (Personal Survival Techniques), MFR THE NAVAL THE NAVAL SERVICE SERVICE RESERVE, RESERVE, A TRULY A TRULY UNIQUE UNIQUE SERVICE SERVICE ARTICLE BY CPL (RDF) LUKASZ GANCARZ PHOTOS BY CPL (RDF) LUKASZ GANCARZ Sunsets in the harbour have a different vibe to them Training on a Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat (RHIB) is a part of the NSR syllabus Sunrise on the sea

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