An Cosantóir

www.military.ie THE DEFENCE FORCES MAGAZINE www.military C ombat Support (CS) & ISTAR comprising the Directorate, Artillery and Cavalry Corps had a busy 2024 in support of training and operations on-island and overseas. Notable Peace Support Operation contributions included, the Cavalry Recce Section (13) role in the UNDOF withdrawal (April) and the ongoing Artillery (27) and Cavalry (25) personnel deployed in UNIFIL, this within an increasingly challenging operating environment. EUBG 24/25 has also occupied both Corps resource planning, as training and exercises in preparation for the Standby phase progress. Our two 2 Artillery Regiments and three 3 Cavalry Squadrons continued to conduct ATCP operations and ATCA tasks on request, while also providing ceremonial honours for visiting dignitaries and State ceremonies. The Schools, ably supported by our Units continued to deliver a high standard of education and training courses focused on maintaining the essential CS 'skills sets' of direct and indirect fires, GBAD, armour driving and gunnery and ISTAR. The breath of courses conducted ranged from Artillery Gun Detachments Commanders, UAV Operators and Regimental Survey, while Cavalry courses focused on induction training (Scout Tactical, CRV Crew courses), career courses (Young Officer, Standard NCO) and professional development training (Combat Tracking Instructor, AFV Range Managers). With a view to maintaining and developing CS & ISTAR capabilities, the support provided to the Directorate by Schools and Units is an invaluable resource. Artillery Corps projects ongoing include 105mm Light Guns upgrade and refurbishment, procurement of Tactical and Operational UAVs and the replacement of Ground Surveillance Radars. Cavalry Corps projects include 'Scout' equipment (surveillance cameras, spotting scopes and multi spectral camouflage nets), UAS in both fixed and rotary wing configurations, while an interim direct fire capability – CRV+ (30mm cannon on a Kongsberg RS6 weapons station) MOWAG PIRANHA IIIH – is progressing as planned. Capability development in the context of CODF, where specifically within the Detailed Implementation Plan (DIP) the Armour Fleet Replacement, Military Radar-Recognised Air Picture, Anti-Drone/C-UAS and UAS/RPAS projects are essential to 'future proofing' the CS & ISTAR roles. In the previous 12 months' members of both Corps have engaged in various external courses and international visits. One such course was the Reconnaissance Operators Course (ROC) in Canada, viewed as the leading course for recce units, while visits included the International Armoured Vehicles Conference, Land Warfare Europe Conference and Eurosatory 2024, all with a view to developing training and operational standards, where interoperability and relationship building are key enablers. My thanks to the Artillery 'Gunners' and Cavalry 'Troopers' for their continued commitment and professionalism. Finally, I wish to acknowledge Comdt Joe Tynan's departure as Chief Instructor, Cavalry School, an appointment he held for almost 5 years. His dedication, determination and vision in progressing ISTAR training and capabilities was admirable. I wish him the very best in his new role in the Office of Joint Capability Development, Chief of Staff Division, an appointment in which he will no doubt bring the same energy and vision. (Insert pic 4) 2024 IN REVIEW ARTICLE BY COLONEL TOM MCGRATH D CS & ISTAR Cavalry Standard and YO's course in Kilworth Comdt Joe Tynan Artillery night shoot Cavalry Combat Tracker Instructors Course.

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