An Cosantóir

| 27 www.military.ie THE DEFENCE FORCES MAGAZINE (Military First Responder) and GMDSS (Global Maritime Distress and Safety Systems) as well as a variety of military and maritime training such as weapons training and seamanship. Additionally, I was also successful in being part of the Defence Forces sailing team for Volvo Cork Week 2022. My favourite and most memorable experience to date was having the privilege of being a member of the crew on board LÉ George Bernard Shaw, where I spent 4 weeks on board. While on board I carried out a wide variety of tasks and roles while at sea, patrolling predominantly the West coast of Ireland, seeing places that I would have otherwise not have visited. We took in some spectacular scenery along the way, visiting places such as the Skellig Islands and Bere Island to name a few. The teamwork and comradery that I have experienced since joining the unit is next to none with everyone looking out for one another both within and outside of the military environment, building a strong esprit de corps between all members of the unit. This in turn allows us to be a much more clinical, effective, and decisive team. I very much look forward to what the NSR has to offer next. Able Seaman Matthew Broe "I joined the NSR as I always wanted to join the military since a young age. I had no nautical experience whatsoever, and the NSR appeared to be an excellent organisation to challenge myself and learn new skills. I am currently in my final year of Business and Law BSc in TUD. The NSR has been very flexible allowing me to complete various training and courses which fit around my college timetable, while also providing me with opportunities to earn money, supplementing my income during college. Since joining the NSR, I have completed my recruit syllabus, a seamanship course, damage control and firefighting course, a personal survival techniques course, manual handling, jeep and minibus driving courses among other training opportunities. These courses have been pivotal to my personal and professional development and allow me to become an asset to the NSR and the NS. Additionally, I have learned countless transferable skills, most notably a civilian licence enabling me to tow trailers and drive minibuses outside the DF. I have served on board both LÉ William Butler Yeats and LÉ Samuel Beckett, where I further developed my skills. The opportunity to work alongside PDF NS personnel was excellent. I was able to put my skills into practice and every day provided countless learning experiences. I have seen the entirety of the Irish coast and have seen many beautiful places I wouldn't have visited otherwise, all while learning new skills. Joining the NSR has been an overwhelmingly positive experience and has provided countless new experiences that I would not have been offered in my civilian life. The comradery and variety of life within the NSR is second to none, and I would recommend anyone who is considering joining to do so." Recruit Victoria Hastings Rafferty – Dublin Unit NSR I recently graduated from UCD with a degree in Geoscience and now work as a graduate environmental consultant in land contamination and hydrogeology. My role is hands-on, often spent outdoors on construction sites across the country. Outside of work, I spend my spare time following my passion for outdoor activities like climbing the Wicklow mountains and scuba diving with the UCD Sub-Aqua Club, where I also serve as the Public Relations Officer. My lifelong love for the sea and the outdoors drew me to pursue a childhood dream of joining the Irish Naval Service. While initially considering the Permanent Defence Forces, discovering the Naval Service Reserve offered the perfect balance to pursue my geoscience career full-time while fulfilling my military aspirations part-time. The opportunities within the Defence Forces, including various courses and the camaraderie, further motivated my decision. Serving on one of our vessels for a patrol is my ultimate motivation. Currently I am undergoing recruit training with my Unit. I've completed the Personal Survival Techniques (PST) course at the National Maritime College of Ireland (NMCI) which was a fun but daunting experience, learning how to abandon a ship and survive. Additionally, I took a visit to the boatyard in Valentia Island in Kerry which provided a first-hand look at the construction of the new Naval Service Reserve motor launches, I was fascinated by the design and construction process of these vessels, fuelling my anticipation for future training opportunities. In the short term, I aim to complete recruit training and pass out as an Ordinary Seaman soon. Moving forward, I aspire to contribute my skills to the Defence Forces Dive Club. In the long term I aim to progress into a leadership position within DUNSR. As one of the very few females in my unit, I am driven to serve as a future role model for females and advocate for greater female representation within our ranks. Casevac exercise Casevac exercise with the Irish Coast Guard NSR crew onboard of LÉ George Bernard Shaw AB Thorton on board of LÉ George Bernard Shaw during multiship patrol exercise Able Seaman Matthew Broe Rec Hastings- Rafferty NSR

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