An Cosantóir

An Cosantóir September / October 2024 www.military.ie/magazine 16 | I n June 2024, the Defence Forces Military Police (MP) Corps sent nine members including two Reserve Defence Forces (RDF) personnel to participate in "Angel Guardian", an annual exercise held in Spain. The Irish Defence Forces have been participating in this MP exercise since 2019. The exercise site was located in the Bétera and Marines military base in Valencia. "Angel Guardian" aims to train and exercise MP units on NATO and national TTP (tactics, techniques and procedures) on the execution and conduction of MP operations. It promotes the strengthening of ties amongst MP units of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Military Emergency Unit (UME), Royal Guard, from Spain and NATO Allied and PfP (Partnership for Peace) countries. This year the exercise's planning and operations have expanded from platoon to company level. The scale of the exercise was reduced in comparison to previous years in order to facilitate more resources to the Company (Coy) and Platoon (Pl) Commanders. 300 international MP participants attended the annual exercise. On arrival, there was general administration and preparation before the exercise commenced at 2000hrs on Sunday. It began with the Operations briefing for the company cell and details of various scenarios which would take place the following day were provided. Coy and Pl Commanders were directed to develop and issue orders. The exercise scenarios were realistic and well planned out, testing a wide range of MP skills. Some of the scenarios included; refugee displacement camps, active shooter situations, Bn (battalion) HQ security, WIT (Weapons Intelligence Team), CIED (Counter Improvised Explosive Device), CRC (Crowd and Riot Control), CPERS (Captured Persons) and RTC (Road Traffic Collisions) investigations. The exercise was divided into two 48hr blocks within which the Platoons would rotate through different scenarios. It was required that information was communicated back to the Coy Comd cell which would allow them to build an accurate intelligence picture of the AO (Area of Operation). After the first 48hr block was completed, the two Coys switched AOs and commenced again. Working alongside colleagues from different nations it was clear to see and attest that Irish MP TTPs matched that of the NATO and PfP countries. Personally, I rotated between Coy 2 I/C and Coy Comdr of Alpha Coy. The Irish section was assigned to the 5th Pl, Alpha Coy and equipped with Spanish H&K pistols, G36s rifles and vehicles. Within the Pl there was a section of Spanish Navy and Bulgarian MPs. The exercise scenarios built mutual trust and readiness by exposing troops to diverse environments and situations, fostering adaptability for real world operations. This mutual trust and confidence was ultimately tested during an arduous CRC exercise, where the Pl had to extract a highly valued target from a highly resistive force. The MP Corps has a very active RDF element and this year we were able to continue to practice our interoperability by integrating two members within the section. CS Carroll (2 BDE) and Cpl Kinsella (DFTC) were able to demonstrate abundant levels of interoperability throughout the exercise. Both NCO's leveraged their civilian expertise to enhance our military operations, bringing valuable skills and fresh perspectives. By giving their own time to the organisation, they demonstrate a deep commitment to service, while balancing their civilian responsibilities. It's essential for RDF troops to participate in exercises with PDF (Permanent Defence Forces) troops to ensure seamless integration during real-world operations. Under the Single Force Concept (SFC), "the RDF is intended to be fully integrated with PDF units". These joint exercises ensure the RDF are aligned with the latest tactics and procedures used. They also foster strong relationships and mutual understanding, which are crucial for effective coordination and rapid deployment when RDF personnel are deployed. Both members of the RDF and PDF were able to progress their skills they learnt on exercise and enhance their respective units with them. EXERCISE ANGEL GUARDIAN 2024 ARTICLE BY CAPT MUIRIS Ó MURCHADHA PHOTOS PROVIDED BY CAPT MUIRIS Ó MURCHADHA CRC Exercise Combined Irish and Bulgarian Section dismantling a blocked entrance during CRC exercise 5th Platoon and exercise troops after the CRC exercise

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