An Cosantóir

www.military.ie THE DEFENCE FORCES MAGAZINE | 23 WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE ABOUT TO DO RECRUIT TRAINING? Stay physically fit and be eager to learn. Don't fear mistakes—they're part of growth. Embrace each moment of recruit training with pride, as it's a unique experience that builds lifelong friendships. Looking back, it's one of the best parts of your career, and the memories you create with your peers will stay with you forever. WHAT DO YOU ENJOY THE MOST ABOUT TRAINING PEOPLE IN THE DF? I love watching students' progress through their courses, seeing their skills, confidence, and personalities evolve. Whether it's a civilian becoming a Private or a Private advancing to Corporal, witnessing their sense of pride and achievement is rewarding. Knowing I've helped them through challenging times and fostered their teamwork gives me a deep sense of fulfilment. WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS FOR THE FUTURE? I'm currently preparing for a training mission with EUMAM in about a month, focusing on getting everything in order for this exciting opportunity. In the next year or two, I hope to complete a Senior NCO course to further my leadership skills. Beyond that, I'm open to new challenges within the DF, whether it's another deployment or a specialized role. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE QUOTE? I was inspired by a speech from Admiral William McRaven, and this part resonates with me: 'If you make your bed every morning, you will have accomplished the first task of the day. It will give you a small sense of pride, and it will encourage you to do another task and another and another. By the end of the day, that one task completed will have turned into many tasks completed. Making your bed will also reinforce the fact that little things in life matter. If you can't do the little things right, you will never do the big things right. And, if by chance you have a miserable day, you will come home to a bed that is made—that you made—and a made bed gives you encouragement that tomorrow will be better.' This reminds me that small, disciplined actions lead to greater success. WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO YOUR 18-YEAR-OLD SELF? Seize each day and live every moment fully, as you never know what lies ahead. Embrace opportunities and challenges, as they shape who you become. WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEBODY WHO HAS GOT A PLACE ON AN NCO COURSE AND WANTS TO PREPARE? Preparation is everything. Maintain a strong level of fitness and sharpen your tactical awareness. Navigation is often the most challenging part of the NCO course, so practice with a mentor in tough terrains like mountains, then test yourself alone, reversing routes to build confidence. The course will guide you, but your success depends on applying yourself fully to every task. WHAT SKILLS THAT YOU HAVE GOT FROM THE DF DO YOU FIND HAVE PREPARED YOU BEST FOR LIFE? Communication has been transformative for me. I used to be nervous speaking in groups, but leading briefings and training sessions has built my confidence. Timekeeping is another key skill—being early is a DF principle that translates to all areas of life. These skills have made me more effective both personally and professionally. Returning from 113 Inf Bn UNIFIL. During that trip I also came home for Christmas to surprise my daughter during her visit to Santa Graduation for Level 7 Minor in Leadership Management and Defence Studies through the Defence Forces

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