An Cosantóir

| 17 www.military.ie THE DEFENCE FORCES MAGAZINE Although a robust and challenging exercise it was a highly positive experience for all. At the end of exercise debrief it was noted by exercise control and other nations that the Irish performed to a very high standard. This exercise is an exceptional opportunity for members of the MP Corps to demonstrate their skills and drills in a multinational setting. Members of the RDF Cpl Roy Kinsella and CS Michael Carroll shared their views on the exercise CPL ROY KINSELLA How were you selected to participate in the exercise? I joined the RDF in 2002, originally a member of 6th MP Field Coy, back then the Military Police was divided into two groups, 'Garrison Policing' (PDF) & 'Field Policing' (FCA/RDF). The RDF trained consistently in the Green Role so permanent MP's could focus on real policing within the Defence Forces. Over many years and amalgamations the RDF transitioned into the PDF role. Since 2006, I began undertaking training to help me upskill. I participated in a year long integration programme, certifying me to operate with my PDF colleagues both at home & overseas. In 2021, I transferred from 2 Bde MP Coy, to the MP Group, MP School, in the DFTC. Today I am qualified in various roles within the MP Corps, including Baton & Restraint, and Crime Scene Photography. Along with being an MT driver, I'm also qualified as a DR Motorcyclist. I participate regularly with MP Group taskings & responsibilities, along with instructing within the MP School. Since the Defence Act was amended in 2021 to allow reservists overseas, I started looking at some options. Earlier this year I saw Angel Guardian advertised & I applied for it. Shortly after, I was informed that I was selected as first Sub in the event of anyone dropping out, which ultimately happened just a few weeks later. What was your initial reaction when you found out you would be travelling abroad for this exercise? I was delighted with the opportunity to participate in this popular NATO exercise. I was keen to see how other nations were operating in their respective Military Police roles & I relished the chance at putting two decades of training & experience to task. Did this exercise change the way you view your role as a reservist in any way? I think so, I've had a lot of time to reflect on my week since returning from the exercise and I look back at Angel Guardian as an incredibly positive & rewarding experience. There were many Reservists from other nations there on the exercise. Many were leading into long deployments overseas later and it was interesting to listen to their experiences & learn from their knowledge too. Like most nations across Europe, the ability to train in large exercises today is limited by manpower challenges that obviously exist. To travel to a NATO exercise that solely concentrates on Military Police units, offered me an opportunity to test my own abilities in a more challenging environment than I would be familiar with at home. I would suggest this annual exercise isn't just beneficial, it's essential today. As a result of my participation here, I am certainly more focused now & the experience has allowed me significant insight into where we need to be regarding our training moving forward. As an MP School Instructor, I hope to bring some of my experiences here & the lessons I learned to enhance future courses that I will be instructing on. What advice would you give to other reservists who may have the opportunity to participate in an international exercise like this in the future ? I would highly recommend RDF personnel applying for any overseas exercise that they believe they can commit to. There was teething problems regarding basic administration for RDF here, but this was to be expected in any organisation that is evolving. Talking to people who have been on these exercises before is critical, learn from others who have gone before you. Learn from their experiences and their mistakes. Prepare, Prepare, Prepare & when you get there, stay positive, no matter how big the challenges are, most importantly stay at your best and enjoy the experience. CS MICHAEL CARROLL How were you selected to participate in the exercise? I had known about the exercise and the PDF MPs involvement over the years, this year it clashed with the MP Standards Course so there were vacancies for the exercise. Cpl Kinsella had told me he had applied, I had holidays to take from my civilian job and decided to apply. What was your initial reaction when you found out you would be travelling abroad for this exercise? My initial reaction was both delighted having been selected and surprised that we as reservists were going on a NATO training exercise outside of the state. How did the Spanish environment and local conditions impact the exercise compared to training at home? The conditions were very hot, but it was nice to train in the sunshine instead of our damp weather. It was challenging with battle vest, helmet, rifle and pistol all day in the heat but you just got on with it and drank plenty of water. What was the most challenging part of the exercise for you personally? For me it was the long days, very early starts sometimes 0530hrs and lights out was 2300hrs, the room was large and crowded, over 100 bunk beds in the room with very little space between each set of bunk.The language barrier was sometimes difficult, receiving orders from people who's first language is not English could be challenging and important details sometimes missed. After saying that all nationalities got along and shared a laugh and a joke. Did this exercise change the way you view your role as a reservist in any way? Yes, most other armies had reservists in their ranks, we (as reservists) need to look at our training with the view to updating and upskilling so we can better support the PDF in their role. Exercise Angel Guardian Flash Cpl Kinsella enjoying a quick break from the exercise Cpl Kinsella, Cpl Gallagher, CS Carroll (Back row), Cpl HYNAN and Cpl Moran (Front row) following the CRC exercise CRC Exercise CS Carroll on the Spanish terrain Combined Irish and Bulgarian section on completion of Exercise

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