An Cosantóir

www.military.ie THE DEFENCE FORCES MAGAZINE | 7 benchmark skills, tactics, techniques and procedures (TTPs) against international partners. With participants including highly experienced teams from larger militaries, the scale of the challenge was clear from the outset. The team consisted of 1 EOD Officer and 3 EOD NCOs. In addition, a support element was provided to the Multinational Command and Control cell, and two personnel were attached to the exercise control cell. Training for the Exercise commenced in July, when the EOD team began training on the upgraded REACHER Ver 2 ROV, in Ordnance Base Workshops, DFTC. What followed was an intense five-week pre-deployment training programme which focused on refining operator threat assessment and mission planning, and enhanced equipment training incorporating the REACHER Ver 2 and DJI Matrice UAS; kindly provided by the Ordnance School, DFTC to enhance IED reconnaissance capability for the team. In tandem, logistics planning was well underway, with final preparations being made alongside 101 Squadron, Air Corps, to transport both troops and EOD equipment to Keflavík Air Base from Baldonnel. It is important to note that this exercise would not have been possible if it wasn't for the assistance of the Ordnance Group DFTC, 101 Squadron, J4, J 3/5, J7, DOD and Department of Foreign Affairs. Ex NC was designed to replicate the types of complex and evolving explosive threats faced by military and security forces across the world. Throughout the exercise, the EOD teams responded to simulated improvised explosive devices (IED) threats of increasing complexity over a two-week period. The local environment itself added to the challenge; the windswept Icelandic terrain, with its harsh weather and unforgiving volcanic rock, mirrors the kind of unpredictable conditions in which real-world EOD operations often take place on island. Each team was required to demonstrate not just technical ability, but also endurance, adaptability, and resilience under pressure. Several unique sites were set up to imitate non-permissive, hostile enemy environments in both land and maritime domains to test each team's specialised TTPs. In addition to conducting complex training scenarios, teams from across participating countries collaborated within the multinational command and control and exploitation cells to enhance interoperability at the operational level. These cells ensured that EOD teams were organised to effectively counter improvised explosive device (IED) threats while ensuring the intelligence analysis and information sharing was in accordance with NATO standards and procedures. As the exercise unfolded, the teams rotated through a demanding series of tasks. Each task scenario was assessed by international directive staff, not only on the ability to neutralise devices safely, but also on decision-making, leadership, and team cohesion. The Irish EOD contingent was assessed as the best performing at the end of the exercise – ranking #1 out 18 participating nations - followed by the Norwegian Air Force #2. The Irish Defence Forces #1 ranking at Ex NC is therefore not only a testament to national EOD capability, but also the contribution of the Ordnance Corps to ensure high training standards are continually maintained. It underscores the professionalism, skill, and dedication of Irish EOD, that despite the relatively small size of the Defence Forces, can excel on the international stage. Such international exercises play a crucial role in strengthening interoperability between nations. They provide opportunities to exchange TTPs and information, and emerging threats – a particular example of this is the proliferation of UAV-IED attacks, as well as to learn from the experience of other militaries. For 1 Brigade Ordnance Group, the result also reinforces the value of sustained investment in training and professional development. It serves as a reminder that Irish soldiers, when placed in the most testing environments, consistently rise to the occasion. Emerging as the #1 ranked team in such a large-scale international exercise is an accomplishment and reinforces that Ireland's Defence Forces are world-class, capable, and ready to meet the most demanding challenges. In an era where the threat of improvised explosive devices remains a persistent challenge for EOD duty teams operating at home and overseas, the ability to train and prepare for tomorrows threat, today, is vital – at all levels of the organisation.

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