An Cosantóir

www.military.ie THE DEFENCE FORCES MAGAZINE | 7 www.military.ie THE DEFENCE FORCES MAGAZINE a function check on the M4 weapon system in under three minutes. Immediately after this the team began event 2. Event 2 saw the team conducting a 21km Recon Ruck in under three hours. In nearly 30 degree heat the team not only impressively completed the ruck in a time of 2hrs 36 they were amongst one of three teams that started and finished together as a squad. Once the event was complete all teams had another quick turnaround before they were brought to the Clark Simulation centre. Here teams would complete events 3 and 4, Call for fire and the US Doctrine exam. For event three, call for fire the team was broken into 2 groups. Using an artillery simulator, teams had to identify, adjust fire and neutralise the EN threat within a given timeframe. Both teams scored a perfect score, neutralising the EN target within 2 minutes. At the award ceremony it was made known that the team had in fact won this event outright. The final event for the day was an individual 50 question US military doctrine and vehicle identification exam. Individual team scores were compiled in order to give the squad's average. Although all events for the first day of the competition were finished, the team would not have the opportunity to rest just yet as they were brought out to a patrol harbour where the team would stage from for the rest of the competition. After some battle prep, food, some rest and a lot of water the team was ready to attack the next day of events. At 0300hrs the team took off on its first of two-land navigation event. The night Navigation saw the team divided into two groups, tasked with getting to 5 points within a three-hour timeframe. Two hours later when the sun rose each individual team member had to complete the same on a different course. The terrain for the navigation events was a blend of intricate cross-country track systems coupled with dense forest jungle type terrain. This event proved to be a strong point for the Defence Forces Cavalry team, with the team acquiring a total of 35 markers out of a possible 40. By this stage the result of the previous day's events had been calculated. The team was in 5th place. However, to the wishes of the team they asked for their ranking not to be told to them throughout the competition, a strategy employed so that the team would remain focused on each event, one event at a time. The tempo of the competition was well established at this stage. The next event would see teams conduct a Round Robin of Military Skills. Broken into four stages the team would have to complete a weapons stand consisting of a .50cal and 240B, a Javelin Deployment and engagement stand, a medical lane and an Observation post lane. Three .50cal's and 240B's were allocated to the team members, each member had to dissemble, reassemble, perform a safety function check and complete immediate action drills on the weapon systems under time constraints. For the Javelin deployment stand the team had to operate the CLU in order to identify, track and destroy EN vehicles in the wood line, as well as potential VISMOD vehicles. For the medical event, the team employed the US medical principle of TCCC (Tactical Casualty Combat Care). The team was assessed in their ability to render medical aid to two causalities. Having quickly assessed and addressed the wounds; the team performed a successful casevac and medevac out of the area. The last event of the day required the team to conduct actions associated with establishing an OP. Specific individual tasks evaluated included an emplacement of a claymore, prep a range card, AFVID, estimate range on a target and transmit a sighting report. At the end of the day's events the team had moved up into 4th place. The third day of the comp began at 0600hrs when the team set off on its Area Reconnaissance event to assess and evaluate reconnaissance skills and tactical proficiency of the squad. During the event the team was required to disseminate information from an OPORD and gather information on the route, gather and report the necessary information accurately and timely before conducting an OP Screen action in conjunction with other competitor teams. Having completed the tactical reconnaissance and security tasking the team enjoyed a quick power nap before beginning the final competition event; "The final charge". Beginning with a 2-mile run the event consisted of a combination of all the events and Cavalry Scout skills that the teams were tested on over the 6 day period. Despite extreme temperatures, little to no rest, unfamiliar environments, and foreign weapons, and another Army's doctrine, the Cavalry team placed 4th overall out of the 18 of the best scout teams from around the world. Their team spirit, communication, enthusiasm, and the comradeship they brought to each event was commended throughout. It is important to note that the preparation and final placing would not have been achieved without the support of the Cavalry School, the supporting squadrons and all the DFTC units. The Irish Defence Forces participation at the Gainey Cup highlighted the world class scouts produced by the Irish Army Cavalry Corps, and the Defence Forces on the International Stage. Javelin event Team after first event Team and coaches outside the Manoeuvre School of Excellence

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