An Cosantóir

| 19 www.military.ie THE DEFENCE FORCES MAGAZINE On the completion of Range Management, the focus quickly turned to refreshing our day and night nav skills which took place in the Curragh and Wicklow Mountains. This was followed by our Patrol assessments which took place in the Slieve Bloom Mountains and saw further examples of leadership skills being put into practice where students gained firsthand experience leading attached exercise troops while under the pressure of holding a command appointment. Students learned that leaders must influence, communicate, and collaborate effectively with the personnel under their command in order to achieve the mission. The course empowered students to develop their own style of leadership guided by the in-depth information contained in the Defence Forces Leadership Doctrine. Students were encouraged to see that developing as leaders was a journey that takes dedication and commitment, but that through a process grounded in the DF Leadership Doctrine, students would develop and mature as well informed and capable leaders. No complex organisation can operate without an effective system of administration. Students on the course soon gained an appreciation of various crucial administrative tasks junior leaders must perform. The adage of "you cannot spell officer without spelling office" became a reality as students prepared OPORDS, risk assessments and training programmes. Students built up a detailed picture of the less visible but vital tasks that officers must perform to ensure the efficient running of training. Throughout all aspects of the course, ranging from leading a platoon in attack to completing ammunition diaries, students were given the opportunity to live our Defence Forces values of respect, loyalty, selflessness, physical courage, moral courage, and integrity. To develop as junior leaders, students were required to demonstrate the skills and knowledge gained during the course by leading and collaborating in syndicates with fellow students. November's commissioning ceremony for the students of the 06th Army Reserve Potential Officer Course was the culmination of hard work, study, and dedication by the class. The course was an opportunity for the students to build on existing skills and discover new abilities in a challenging and rewarding environment. Capt Niall Stringer as Course Commander, and his team of instructors showed dedication and patience as they led the students through a rigorous and demanding course which tested both physical and intellectual abilities. The thirteen newly commissioned officers now take up their appointments in units across the country at an exciting and challenging time for the Reserve and the wider Defence Forces. The Reserve is now witnessing a significant expansion in recruitment and activity which will make demands on all members of the organisation in terms of time and commitment. Combining service in the Reserve with civilian life is only possible with the support and encouragement of families and friends, who play a vital part in allowing the organisation to flourish. The spirit of volunteerism that underpins the Reserve is a source of justified pride for members of the organisation, students of 06 Army Reserve Potential Officer course look forward with optimism and pride to serving the people of Ireland and playing their part in continuing the noble tradition of the profession of arms in Ireland. Section & Platoon battle drills Patrol order rehearsals Range Management block A visit to Leinster House

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