An Cosantóir

An Cosantóir September / October 2024 www.military.ie/magazine 30 | THE ARMY RESERVES THE ARMY RESERVES PROFESSIONAL PART-TIME PROFESSIONAL PART-TIME SOLDIER'S TRAINING SOLDIER'S TRAINING S ince the introduction of Single Force Concept and reorg in 2013, the training, service and career options of Reservists have been continuously improving. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Army Reserve personnel provided support not only to their PDF colleagues but most importantly to the civil service. Countless duties were covered in the COVID testing and vaccination centres, and multiple trained Reservists covered medical assignments on behalf of the Defence Forces. As requests for support relating to the pandemic increased for the PDF, their AR colleagues stepped up to cover additional work parties as required. During the path from becoming an inductee to a Three Star Private each soldier is taught a variety of skills including foot & arms drill, weapons handling, fieldcraft, first aid, navigation and many more life skills such as teamwork, time management and self-discipline. New recruits come from all walks of life. Different backgrounds, work and life experiences are one of the major strengths of the organisation. Recruits Ellie Haran, Jan Sztemon and Simran Saini share their views and personal experiences with the initial stages of training in the 3 Rifle Platoon, D Company. While my career in media has been fulfilling, thanks to a combination of sheer luck and hard work transitioning from photographer to videographer, and now managing production at a leading Irish video agency, as I approached my thirties, there was always something missing. I couldn't shake the desire to live out my childhood dream of joining the military. ARTICLE BY CPL LUKASZ GANCARZ PHOTOS PROVIDED BY CPL LUKASZ GANCARZ Recruit Ellie Haran is from from County Dublin, currently in her final year of college studying Sociology and Social Policy in Trinity College Dublin. She also works part-time in the pro shop at a hotel and golf resort. "I have been and still am heavily involved in sport namely GAA and golf. I've held many leadership roles in many areas of my life over the years and this year in particular I am the captain and chairperson of the Trinity College Ladies GAA club. I began to attend training nights with the RDF in July 2023 and I have thoroughly enjoyed the experience so far. I have found the RDF in Cathal Brugha to be a very welcoming and positive learning environment. From foot drill to physical training, to lectures and marching in the St. Patricks Day Parade in Dublin '24, I have learnt a huge amount in terms of discipline, respect and commitment. My RDF journey so far is unlike anything I've ever been involved in, especially as we progress with our training in weapon handling and firing with the ultimate goal of supporting the PDF. Although the uniform inspections to date have been challenging, the high standards expected from us as a platoon is continuously fostering ownership, cohesion, and responsibility from us as a unit. The values and skills instilled throughout RDF training are transferable and can certainly be applied throughout one's civilian career and everyday life. I have always had a keen interest in Óglaigh na hÉireann and am really looking forward to where this path leads me. " Recruit Jan Sztemon, originally from the Czech Republic, calls Ireland his home over a decade now. "Since I was a child, I've been torn between two passions: becoming a professional photographer and experiencing the thrill of military life. While my career in media has been fulfilling, thanks to a combination of sheer luck and hard work transitioning from photographer to videographer, and now managing production at a leading Irish video agency, as I approached my thirties, there was always something missing. I couldn't shake the desire to live out my childhood dream of joining the military. Cpl Moloney introduces the students to arms drill Recruit Haran representing her County in Gaelic Football Recruit Sztemon during weapons handling class

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