An Cosantóir

PEOPLE OF THE DF 20 | CAN YOU GIVE ME A DESCRIPTION OF YOUR CAREER SO FAR? I enlisted in the Army Reserve in 2002 and completed my recruit training in Cavan, the following year I completed my 2-3* training. I applied for and was recommended for my Potential NCO course in 2005. I completed it in Custume Barracks, Athlone. This was my first in depth experience of tactical training. I loved the physical challenge. Further to my Potential NCO course I have also competed weapons courses, including the GPMG SF, Rifle Marksmanship, M203, Grenade and HK USP. As a member of the falling plates shooting team, we won the All- Army competition in 2019. I wouldn't have considered myself to be a naturally good shot, but I was extremely fortunate to get the opportunity to train, and gain experience and knowledge from instructors in the unit. I have been extremely lucky to have the opportunity to take part in other courses within the Defence Forces. I completed An Campa Gaeilge, a training course in the Gaeltacht promoting the use of the Irish language. I also play football with the Defence Forces ladies football team. As an NCO, I instructed primarily on recruit training and 2-3* courses. I particularly enjoyed instructing on recruit training. It afforded me an opportunity to develop my skills as a leader and observe over a period of time the progress the students made. I was commissioned as an Officer in 2021, and since my commissioning I have been platoon commander for 2 recruit platoons. This brings many different challenges than those I had as an NCO. While the roles are very different and can be challenging, I am very much enjoying these and continue to develop as an Officer. My current role is Recruit Liaison Officer in 1 Cn Cois. WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO JOIN THE RDF? I initially joined after a recruitment talk at my school. I enjoyed the mix of physical training, weapons and tactical training. It was so different to anything I had ever experienced. I have had a hugely positive experience over 20 years. I have learned so much, and I look forward to what the next few years will bring. WHAT WAS YOUR PROUDEST MOMENT IN THE RDF? Without doubt, being commissioned as an Officer in the Army Reserve after a very robust but rewarding course. I knew the course was going to be challenging when I applied. There was a huge amount of work involved, which formed a strong level of teamwork from the start that continued throughout the course. One of the most difficult experiences I have had throughout my Defence Forces career was when my father passed away while I was a student on the PO Course. During this very difficult time, it was the strength and support of my comrades that helped me through and kept my morale high. It proved to me that the bonds built within the Defence Forces are so unique and everlasting. Some of my strongest friendships have been built within the Defence Forces. NAME: YEAR JOINED: CIVILIAN EMPLOYMENT: RANK: CURRENT UNIT: LISA O' HALLORAN 2002 CLINICAL MIDWIFE MANAGER LIEUTENANT 1 CN COIS (A.R.) An Cosantóir January / February 2025 www.military.ie/magazine Welcoming a new arrival on the labour ward Completing I.T.s fitness test part 3

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